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 ...
That’s really strange! It reminds me of the “container” apartments in Great Britain.
It’s probably one of PhotoShop thingys. Kinda cool.
How you doing?? Feeling better??
Weather here is great!
Doing good enough for a day at work..
How have you been?
Nope. It’s just been one of those kind of days — everything out of kilter. Actually, it’s shaping up to be one of those kind of weeks.
Yep...doing great, now.
We’re supposed to get into the 100’s by the weekend. :o])
Been pretty good thanks TAS. Went to the dentist today, all went well there.
Always trying to keep the sunny side up! ;)
Will pass the hugs along.
Sorry about the gut.
Hot and dry here...The spring rains have given way .
My lawn has gone from verdant to crunchy.
We only have 7% humidity in the winter...It is usually around 70-80% but that’s a river valley for you.
Are there candidates for a new location?
Well, today is Hump Day, so hang in there! Not much of the week left to fight with. But I recall those weeks...
I don’t want a “new location,” yet. I’ll be checking into the housing market this fall, to see what’s available for purchase in my price range. Now THAT is something to look forward to!
The girls are something else.
My neighbor keeps sending me balls..He has been cleaning out his garage and keeps finding solid rubber practice baseballs.
He has sent 5 so far. It’s not like they need more.
They have a whole drawer full of them.
Solly likes to sleep with one in her mouth.
Afternoon, sionnsar.
Hope it gets better than your suspicions.
Optimism must be in your bones.
Doggy Heaven!
Looking to be a home owner...should continue to be a buyers market..
This is news.
Solly is the epitome of happy dog...
Howya, Tas. I’m doing tantrums, too. I’m not sure I have an appropriate t-shirt for the occasion, though.
I’m waiting for a while, then I’ll start looking. A buyer’s market is what I’ve been waiting for. And I figure it’s time I finally learned “Sit. Stay.”
Shoot, that soon? Shows how much attention I was paying!
I can't say that hanging around here in Religion has been a big help to me ... is there something in General/Chat with some nudity that we could try?
I may have just broken my toe.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.