[Siobhan]

His speech is much better than I expected. I was preparing myself for a total disaster, but he has said many valuable things and he has restrained himself from some of his earlier rhetoric. "[The bishops] must give a clear account for the faith that is in them." I heartily agree.

[Siobhan]

Mercifully, that speech was not as bad as it could have been. It had some good points and moments. But his conclusion - lay collaboration -is not the answer. He missed it. He was still banging his "spirit of Vatican II" drum, although a bit muted and at times sotto voce or almost delivered in romanitas.