Cardinal Dolan eager for conclave to start

cna ^ | March 10, 2013 | David Uebbing

[PeevedPatriot]

I understand it has some history, like “George Gordon LORD Byron” and “Alfred LORD Tennyson.”

I used to think it was because 'cardo' in Latin means hinge, therefore the title was a hinge between the Christian name and the surname. But I was wrong. When I researched it I found conflicting reasons for the placement of the title after the Christian name. One often given is that it's supposed to be a sign of humility to be referred to by Christian name before title.

[UB355]

Why is the New York Fire Department known as FDNY.

[Tax-chick]

In my experience, wanting to be addressed by title rather than by name has not been a sign of humility. However, old customs don’t always translate.

I’ve never known a Bishop or Archbishop to object to being called “Father” or “Bishop.” Our retired Bishop, “Bishop Emeritus,” was at my parish recently and was making a fuss over my baby, because she’s the cutest pink thing in the world. “Thank you for your blessing, Bishop!” and he wasn’t looking for more titles.

[PeevedPatriot]

In my experience, wanting to be addressed by title rather than by name has not been a sign of humility

Worked with enough physicians to agree with you on that one ;) To be fair though I worked with some very down-to-earth ones too.

Our retired Bishop, “Bishop Emeritus,”...wasn’t looking for more titles.

First, congrats on your daughter. What a blessing for you both! The joy of motherhood for you and the privilege of being raised in the Church for her! Second, your experience shows that it isn't really titles that we admire, is it? We respect the way folks carry themselves, not how many letters or titles they carry in front of, in the middle of, or after their names.

Again, congrats!

[BillyBoy]

I just can't figure why they use it only for Cardinals. If they're going to use "CARDINAL" in between the first name and last name, at least be consistent and use that structure for all religious titles. I've never heard of a Catholic deacon, priest, monsignor, bishop, archbishop, pope, etc., use his title between his first and last names. I can tell you that if I was Pope, I'd change the form of address and the "Francis Cardinal George" stuff would be the first thing to go, I'd always have it written as "Cardinal Francis George". As it currently stands, now "either version" is correct for addressing a Cardinal.

I suppose Alfred LORD Tennyson would be an good example of it used elsewhere, but it really sounds awkward in most circumstances... imagine Ruth Doctor Westheimer? ;-)

[Tax-chick]

We respect the way folks carry themselves, not how many letters or titles they carry in front of, in the middle of, or after their names.

Excellent point, and thank you!

One advantage of titles is that it frees you from having to remember people's names ;-).

[St_Thomas_Aquinas]

Thank you!

[Tax-chick]

why they use it only for Cardinals

Beats me. I'll ask Paul Father Gary next time I see him. He knows all sorts of surprising trivia, because he reads a lot.