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 ...
This would be a good place for it. I’m sure Frank and friends can manage a cyber-exorcism of some of the creepier things.
I will invite Fr. Gabriel Amorth to post! He has prayers he has collected over the years for all kinds of occasions, spells and other evil doings. He may even have one for an “undead thread.”
F
Darks has been busy with other endeavors. However, I think he and DC need to come in some weekend and make something in the forges that can clear the way in the lower corridors.
Perhaps then, the doors and walls won’t shift so much.
We can’t allow the distillery, the brew vats, or the wine vats to be compromised. That would be disastrous!
I'm done using Storage B-21. It's above the forge by two levels, so you should be well clear of the Bunnies, zombies, and drunken dwarves. Also pretty close to a central water circulation line as well in case you need supplemental potable water.
I wondered why the cupboard was looking rather bare! Thought maybe Vlad was tippling.
Don't forget that we already hosted one saint and his small retinue.
We've also been in the religion forum twice without being struck by thunderbolts or other Zot phenomena.
And when folks look Heavenward, aren't they looking toward us?
Oh, excellent points!
Heh, heh, heh! It's quite amazing what things I can dredge up from my dark and sordid past.
No titles, please. It's just Bob.
That's 3.8 years.
Thank you for that factoid. There will be great rejoicing on that day. Oh, the anticipation!
And keep in mind that he posted that three days ago, so it’s closer now :-).
Wooo Hoo! :)
We might have to re-consider that "celebrate-everyday" mantra from the left.
Kind of like waiting for Fidel Castro to die ...
Folks, welcome to our May home. We have a special treat, the Pope is here to welcome us!  What's this all about? Zotland the Craven |
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Uh oh... he saw the lower levels of the Castle...
"What do you think, Phil? Are we going to move in with these religious guys for a month?"
"I guess it will have to do, Vince ... but they sure have some loud outfits on!"
"Hey, fellas! I think that white-haired moke's going to issue a Universal Indult, right in front of us!"
LOL!
A good pick.
I was, sorta, hoping we could hijack the high post numbered other thread, “Will FR embrace socialism to make way for Rudy Giuliani as a Republican presidential candidate?” and drive to the end point.
BTTT
Besides, the numbers were way above the point where the Mods had suggested we move on to a new thread. They don't like overlong threads.
"Do we have to go to the Latin Mass, Daddy? I like electric guitars better!"
"Shut up, Anoreth, or I'll make you wear a dress and high heels and a lace veil made from the dining room curtains."
Do you think the Mods will ZOT JimRob's vanity for space reasons? :-).
However, it might get so slow that people will lose interest when their posts don't show up for an hour or more!
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