But the man is educated and well spoken when necessary. Was it not he who delivered that beautiful sermon at Cardinal O'Connor's funeral? I always thought that a part of being called to God's service was the ability to convey the message. While Egan is more gifted at being an administrator, he still has the ability to be the voice of the Church in NYC. And isn't that an integral portion of his role as Archbishop?
O'Connor apparently let the NY archdiocese get deeply in debt; Egan's been closing parishes.
Yes, I have heard about the closing of churches and schools. But was that as much a function of poor management or a changing dynamic within NYC? I don't know if anyone could have forseen the drastic changes within the city during O'Connor's tenure. And I don't think someone who came from O'Connor's military background would have ignored the obvious. Perhaps a situation of too much, too fast without being able to compensate in a timely manner?
I've seen both kinds of bishops. It's often the administrator who has to come in and clean up behind the charismatic exemplar.
Yes, O'Connor is a very hard act to follow. As far as cleaning up . . . I think, in NYC, it's more about keeping up with the changes in your parishes. But Egan, although a talented administrator, is also a gifted speaker.
We are talking about the Archdiocese of NY. The most important Catholic Diocese in the country. Administration is important. But this is the only Archdiocese in the Country that merits such media scrutiny. To continuously avoid the opportunity to speak out on basic issues of faith seems to be such a waste.
We are talking about the Archdiocese of NY. The most important Catholic Diocese in the country. Administration is important. But this is the only Archdiocese in the Country that merits such media scrutiny.
I share your desire to hear more from Egan, even if it is only the expression of solid Catholic thought. In his defense, he did go to Albany a while back to voice his concern about a pending bill that didn't have a conscience clause in it. I don't remember the details, something to do with contraception or abortion. Anyway, I think and hope that once he tends to the administrative details and the financial, vocational, and pastoral affairs have stabilized that he will pursue communication with the community. The Archbishop of NY has a powerful pulpit. Egan is very bright and I'm sure he is aware of this.
I believe it was Cardinal Law of Boston who gave the sermon at O'Connor's funeral.