26th Annual Banquet of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization,

  It was the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization's biggest moment when His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan was in attendance for the coalitions 26th annual banquet this past Saturday. Seated on the dais along with Cardinal Dolan were NYHCO President State Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr., New York State Attorney General Eric Schniderman, Comptroller Tom Dinapoli, Congressman Charlie Rangel, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., State Senate co-leader Jeff Klein, State Senator Adriano Espaillat, Assembly members Marcos Crespo, Mark Gjonaj, Jose Rivera, and Luis Sepulveda, New York City Public Advocate Letitia James, City Council members Maria Del Carmen Arroyo, Fernando Cabrera, Vanessa Gibson, and Andy King, as well as Republican candidate for governor Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino.

  It was standing room only with proud clergy members and followers who enjoyed every minute of the luncheon. The six honorees were Rev. Byron Castello, Rev,. Amaurys Mella, Rev. Rosa Cadiz, Rev. Danilo Lachapel, Hna. Carmen V. Sanabria, and Rev. Hector Castillo.    

  Cardinal Dolan thanked the elected officials for their help, but said that munch more help from them is needed. He added that like charter schools the parochial schools also need help like was given to the charter schools. Of the elected officials many tried their hand at opening with a Spanish dialogue. State Comptroller Dinapoli said that he is the one who signs Senator Rev Diaz Sr.'s check, and that Senator Diaz earns every dollar. Since he was in the Bronx Congressman Rangel again let everyone know that he is an alumnus of DeWitt Clinton High School. The best line however had to come from Bronx Borough President  Ruben Diaz Jr. with one of his usual sayings about the Bronx, "This is Gods Country".  

 The honorees are seated at the front table, and the elected officials are seated behind the honorees as the program begins with the pledge.

Left - Cardinal Dolan poses for photo with Bronx Borough President Rubin Diaz Jr. and New York State  Comptroller Tom Dinapoli.

Right - Cardinal Dolan chats with Comptroller Dinapoli. 

 

Cardinal Dolan addresses the huge crowd on hand for the NYHCO luncheon.

Left - State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein speaks of the recently passed state budget, and what it means for the people in the room.

Right - Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda is seated between 13th congressional candidates incumbent Congressman Charles Rangel and challenger State Senator Adriano Espaillat with Public Advocate Letitia James on Senator Espaillat's other side.