Mortal life is fleeting, N.Y. cardinal preaches

Cardinal Edward Egan, who will retire as head of New York City's Roman Catholic Archdiocese on Wednesday, told worshippers at his last Easter Mass that mortal life is fleeting and "we are here for a moment in eternity."

Egan, who was hospitalized for several days with a stomach ailment and missed Palm Sunday services, appeared robust though at times he leaned heavily on his staff.

A standing-room-only crowd of about 2,700 attended Sunday's Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue.

Afterward, the 77-year-old Egan said he felt fine.