Joseph Francis Flannelly

[2] Under Flannelly's guidance, St. Patrick's underwent extensive changes; these changes included the installation of a new altar and a rose window in the west wall of the edifice, major improvements of the organ, and the completion of five sculptured bronze doors facing the Fifth Avenue entrance.

[3] After receiving news of his appointment, Flannelly stated, "I am delighted, of course, that I am going to be a successor of the Apostles, and I am humbly grateful to God.

[5] He received the episcopal ring of Cardinal Patrick Hayes and the pectoral cross of Archbishop John Hughes.

[6] Flannelly selected as his episcopal motto: "Pro Hominibus ad Deum," which, freely translated, means, "Ordained for men in the things that appertain to God" (Hebrews 5:1).

In 1950, Flannelly issued an admonition to be read at each of the seven Sunday masses in St. Patrick's Cathedral: "We note with alarm and regret the growing custom of holding parties in business offices on the days immediately preceding Christmas.

"[4]Flannelly received honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from both Manhattan College and Fordham University, both in the Bronx.