How many years left to go? (Mahony is going to be in for far too long, he can do a lot more damage in 5 years.)
He’s less that five years, but I agree with you, that is a long time. Too long. Part of the problem is how do you get rid of these guys? There was another post on here a few weeks ago with someone explaining why bad bishops can’t be easily ‘fired’ like a manager in a business, how Americans misunderstand the Vatican is not CEO of a corporation, the importance of bishopric integrity over their jurisdictions, etc.
Well, I don’t buy that completely, having lived under the very oppressive atmosphere of bad bishops in a few states, and seen people leave the church finally in frustration, and others being mistaught. Souls are in jeopardy while these guys reign.
I see Pope Benedict trying to correct the problem pastorally. He went to Brazil, the worst country in Latin America for bishops, for example. Many of his statements and writings reiterate the theme of SPIRITUAL or pastoral leadership, the “sanctifying” aspect, not just the “governing”.
Cardinal Bertone’s speech last week to the Knights contained a few very telling lines about the Holy Father being aware of episcopal problems. He emphasized the importance of the laity. I should try to find the quote for you if you didn’t hear it, it was almost a rallying cry.
I’m hoping the Holy Father will appoint some new, really good, vibrant bishops. The vetting process is part of the problem, but maybe this Pope has been watching these problems develop long enough that he will look more thoroughly for the best people, not just follow the ‘old boy network’ process (Terna, etc) that tends to operate on the Peter Principle.
BTW, WITL has a post today saying the appointment in Birmingham is imminent, which is quite important because that bishop controls EWTN Masses to a certain extent - “ad orientem” Masses are forbidden to be televised under the current bishop.
Oh, AmericanMother, I remember you are in the south, but not sure what diocese, is it Charleston, South Carolina? If so, Rocco Palmo is implying that it would be your Bishop who will go to Birmingham (EWTN diocese), Bishop “Baker” (unless his hints refer to Bishop Vasa of the “Baker” diocese, but I guess we can only take his word as speculation at this point.)