Posted on 04/13/2007 6:54:57 AM PDT by Frank Sheed
Two years into his reign, Pope Benedict XVI is finally poised to make a major mark on American Catholicism with a string of key bishop appointments and important decisions about the future of U.S. seminaries and bishops' involvement in politics.
Benedict's election on April 19, 2005, shook liberals and comforted conservatives who expected a doctrinal hard-liner. So far, they have found an easier hand - and someone who has not made the United States much of a priority.
When Benedict has gained attention, it has mostly been on the world stage, focusing on the re-Christianization of Europe, Islam and mending relations with Orthodox Christians. He also has stressed universal themes of faith and reason.
``The last two years have been much quieter years as far as the papacy is concerned because you have a very different personality'' than John Paul II, said Monsignor Robert Wister, chairman of the church history department at Seton Hall University's School of Theology.
``Many Americans were surprised - some happily, some disappointed - that he did not turn into the pit bull of dogma. He is taking a very pastoral approach, and I think people resonate very positively with that.''
Yet America's turn may be coming. At the top of the list is a looming generational shift among the nation's bishops, whose decisions at the local level greatly affect Catholics in the pews and can carry national weight. For instance, church leaders recently closed parishes in Boston and New York, while the St. Louis archbishop has clashed with a heavily Polish parish over control of its assets.
Key appointments are expected in New York, Baltimore and Detroit, where cardinals have reached retirement age - 75. And retirements or appointments are likely in at least seven other archdioceses...
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
Just make sure you have a handkerchief!
I have a tough time at military funerals. I never wear makeup at them because it will run and smear.
It’s difficult for me to hear Taps at any time.
Sheep always look “rude” to me...;o]
Sheep (and camels, and llamas) do have a snooty expression. This sheep was not extremely big, but big enough to be intimidating to even a bruiser 3-year-old, and it was saying *something* quite loudly. It wasn’t really chasing James ... just curious!
LLamas are wicked spitters.
As are camels, I’m told. I’ve never, personally, had one or the other spit on me.
Looks like the thread's gone to bed for the night, so I will too.
Tomorrow, all!
It’s tomorrow here!
Are you in Redlands?
Amen. I like to hear it, but it always tears at my at the same time.
Yah...I have a yellow ribbon on my door, and will have one there as long as troops are overseas for any reason. So I guess I’ll have it there until the day I die.
Coming from a military background, honoring our military is in my blood. I’m proud of all they do, and it makes me cry because they are so brave. There is nothing I can say or do that will ever thank them enough for their bravery and service.
Busy morning ahead. Not only is it Whitsunday (Pentecost) but we have a baptism, and yours truly is once again the photographer.
Good luck! My husband and some kids went to Mass this morning, and they said there was a baptism then. I’ll be going this evening with Bill and Tom.
I’m playing hooky today.
Me too... ;-)
WOO-HOO!
How’s the packing going?
I’m in Anaheim...It was about a 140 mile round trip for me.
No hookey for me...
Plenty of work to do.
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