Wow. I didn’t realize we had a new Bishop. What’s the word on Bp. William, redhead? What little I’ve heard has been positive.
Bp. Andrew was a relatively good Bishop. He was not getting out much, though, and given that the future and growth in the Passaic Eparchy is in the southern states, that was something of an issue.
I posted a link above that gives more info on Bishop Skurla above, with his biography. We at St. Nicholas/Bl. Theodore in Alaska are interested because our former pastor, Mitered Archimandrite Wesley Izer, is wearing several hats in the Eparchical offices, and may be in line for a kicking upstairs. It will be interesting to watch.
Bishop Skurla had a very good relationship with Bishop Thomas Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix. Bishop Olmsted concelabrated with Bishop Skurla for the Episcopal Liturgy at St. Stephens Pro-Cathedral several years ago. Bishop Skurla also filled in for Bishop Olmsted at the annual Rosary Sunday last year in Phoenix due to Bishop Olmsted being in Rome at that time. Gave about 5-10 thousand parishioners in the Diocese a look at an Eastern Rite Bishop. Both are excellent and holy bishops of the Catholic Church!
"redhead", regarding Father Wes, he is now pastor at St. Thomas in the Phoenix area (Gilbert - the East side of the Valley). Know him well also, had fish and pieroghi with him last night! As you know he is a Salesian, hence his title of "Mitered Archimandrite", the Eastern equivalent of "Abbot". Because of that, I would guess that he would not be "kicked upstairs" - he is already pretty high up! I simply mean that usually prelates of this Order usually don't become bishops. (Of course, Bishop Skurla is a Franciscan). We know that Van Nuys already has a new Bishop named to replace Bishop Skurla.