Letters to Recommend Bishop Appointments

[hwriggles4]

Fellow Catholics:

I know that letters can be sent to the Papal Nuncio of the United States recommending certain priests for the appointment of Bishop. I was wondering if anyone here on CAF has done that in the past.

I would like to send a letter because I heard today on Catholic Connection (Go to the Ave Maria Radio archives for October 6, 2015 for proof) that Bishop Hebda (apostolic administrator for the Archdiocese of Minneapolis-St. Paul) is having meetings in the Archdiocese of Minneapolis-St. Paul to ask fellow Catholics what qualities they would like to see in a new Archbishop. I would like to chime in and write a letter to send in some names and why.

Another reason: I know four good priests in the Diocese of Arlington (Virginia) who would make excellent candidates to become Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, and Bishop Loverde recently turned 75. According to Canon Law, a Bishop will submit his resignation at 75, but the Holy See does not have to accept it - I believe a Cardinal can stay until age 80.

There are four vacant Sees currently in the United States: Superior (Wisconsin), Minneapolis-St. Paul (one Archbishop and one Auxiliary Bishop), Salt Lake City, and Springfield-Cape Giradeau (Missouri). The last one is the most recent. The Bishop of Rockville Center (NY) turned 75 about six months ago. It usually takes 9 months to a year to fill these appointments, because it takes work.

I plan on sending two letters - one for Minneapolis-St. Paul and another for Arlington. I think it’s worth a gamble, even though I don’t know how much consideration a letter from a lay Catholic will receive.

Any thoughts?

 

[InThePew]

When the Apostolic Nuncio is “headhunting” (so to speak) for a new bishop, letters are often sent out to certain selected individuals (clergy and lay) asking their opinion of the proposed candidate. These letters are (supposed to be) in strict confidence. That said, there’s nothing to stop anybody from writing to the apostolic nuncio (or their bishop) recommending a particular priest for higher office - lay people’s opinions are certainly welcome and deserving of careful consideration.

Bishops are required to submit their resignation at age 75 and this is usually accepted without too much delay - although exactly how much depends on a lot of things such as the state of the diocese,the bishop’s health and the availability of any potential successors. This applies regardless of whether the bishop is also a member of the College of Cardinals although they would retain the right to vote in a conclave to elect a new Pope until aged 80.