First Details of Apostolic Visitation in Ireland

[Yellow_Belle]

Thank God he didn’t say, “Sure and begorrah!” Or, even worse, ‘faith and begorrah’

Many Americans (and Aussies, too) of Irish descent, for a variety of reasons, identify strongly with their (glorified) Irish heritage despite being 4 or more generations removed from “the ould sod.” God knows some of that has to rankle the Irish.Yes, the silly ‘oirishness’ gets very tired after a while. Nonetheless, having a group review what’s taken place and what’s been put in place can’t hurt. I agree, if an informed review is what is intended.

Any hints on what part of Ireland Fr. Zuhlsdorf’s family are from? I have a few places in mind but would attract instant and justifiable banning if I mentioned them here

 

[Gerry_Hunter]

You seem determined to be offended and to put the worst construction on my words, so I see no point in continuing to respond to you. And for the first time in several years here at CAF, and very reluctantly since I like to read everyone’s opinions here, I am activating the IGNORE facility

I’m honoured.

 

[Gerry_Hunter]

I wonder if Collins could become a Cardinal.

That’s a distinct possibility, since the Archbishops of Quebec City, Montreal, and Toronto have almost always received Red Hats. He was installed in Jan. 2007, so it could come soon, if it’s coming, of course.

Blessings,

Gerry

 

[johnnykins]

Nonetheless, having a group review what’s taken place and what’s been put in place can’t hurt. I agree, if an informed review is what is intended.

I certainly hope and believe that’s what’s intended. While I know little about the others (and not wanting to belabor the point) I honestly believe Cardinal O’Malley brings serious and helpful experience.

Unfortunately, this matter in Ireland and elsewhere is not yet behind us in any meaningful way. I honestly think the Pope is trying to help. Why do I think that? Specifically because I think people like Cardinal O’Malley have got him to listen to - in fact speak with - victims. Right after Cardinal Law left Boston I wouldn’t have been so sanguine. But, seeing what cardinal O’Malley and the Pope are doing tells me they are trying - and succeeding to no small extent.

There is a lot of excrement still to clean from the stables, however.

You point out the miserable failures of the American Church. You’re absolutely on target. However, the scandal broke in Boston 8 years ago engulfing Boston and then the rest of the USA. By that time Cardinal O’Malley had already had to clean up the mess in Fall River. Since then the US hierarchy has had to actually deal with all the ramifications of the scandal. The named bishops all appear to be men who have worked to clean things up - and experienced the problems attendant with the scandal.

At least in business I have found experience helps when dealing with problems. Assuming what you say about the demoralized Church in Ireland is true (hell, it was/is true in Boston) I am presuming that is why they all were chosen - they’ve already been on the “front line” so to speak. This is a long term problem needing long term commitments to resolve.

As to all the Irish names, well, I guess (and it’s only a guess) that that was deliberately based on some sort of belief that they would be less offensive - not more so. In any event who would you get? Germans? Austrians? Frenchmen? Italians? Spaniards? South Americans? I’m not sure any of them would sit too well as their own dirty linens are aired. Other Irish bishops? Gee, talk about putting the fox in charge of the hen-house!

What you’re going through is horrific and won’t end soon. Personally with the Boston crisis pretty much in the past, I would counsel - wait and see. Be skeptical but open as actions take place. Maybe the visitation is a waste of time, but maybe not.

Pax te cum.