Richmond Bishop DiLorenzo "Suggests" Retirement for "Motorcycle Priest"
[Thanks to Will Bloomfield for suggesting that I, being a resident of the Diocese of Richmond, blog on this subject. WARNING: this is quite long.]
From The Norfolk Virginian-Pilot:
VIRGINIA BEACH — Gruff, opinionated and iconoclastic doesn’t begin to describe the Rev. Thomas J. Quinlan , the gravel-voiced, chain-smoking priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Virginia Beach. During his 47 years of parish ministry, “TQ” scorned public opinion – and doctrine as well, critics say – in colorfully preaching his interpretation of Vatican II Catholicism.My Comments:
Quinlan advocated vigorous lay involvement in the Mass and ministry, and salted services with attention-grabbing twists, such as a famous Palm Sunday motorcycle ride in the sanctuary of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk.
But his days as a priest in charge of a parish are numbered. After receiving a complaint from a visitor to Holy Family about the priest’s unorthodoxy, Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo wrote to “strongly suggest” that Quinlan retire.
“I had a visit with him and told him I wanted another year and he said, 'No, I’m retiring you,’” Quinlan said last week after talking with the bishop. (emphasis added)
[More]
Finally, after 30 years of all manner of "progressive" lunacy in doctrine and liturgy under the leadership of now-retired Bishop Walter Sullivan, new Richmond Bishop Francis Xavier DiLorenzo is bringing some semblance of orthodoxy to the Diocese of Richmond.
[In fairness to Bishop Sullivan, in addition to his doctrinal and liturgical "liberalism", he was also "liberal" - in the true meaning of the word - in permitting celebration of the Tridentine Rite in the Diocese. He has also been very kind to me on a personal level.]
The positive changes began when Bishop DiLorenzo appointed a Diocesan Theologian and established a Doctrine Commission to act as enforcers of "orthodoxy". In an interview with The Catholic Virginian, the Bishop's new Diocesan Theologian made the following comments about his new Ratzingerian role: "Everyone has a right to the faithful celebration of the liturgies and orthodox teaching."
One important function of the Diocesan Theologian via the Doctrine Commission is that Catholic organizations and parishes in the Diocese must seek approval of the Commission before inviting guest speakers. According to the Diocesan Theologian, for that to happen:
"There must be a submission of their name, topic and curriculum vitae. They also need a letter from their Bishop or Religious Superior with regard to their orthodoxy. In other words, are they non-dissenting. Dissent will not be tolerated in the diocese." (emphasis added)Furthermore:
"Every case will be decided according to the same standard: 'orthodoxy'. Orthodoxy is right teaching. Anything contrary to Catholic teaching will not fly. Don't expect anything about women's ordination in this diocese." (emphasis added)With that standard in place, Bishop DiLorenzo then dismissed a member of the Diocesan Women's Commission who had used her role on the Commission to advocate in favor of ordination of women to the priesthood. When questioned about this dismissal, Bishop DiLorenzo responded as follows: "That woman is perfectly free to her opinion, but she can’t have it both ways. I can’t have her representing me on a diocesan commission when she is not representing the views of the Catholic Church."
Next, Bishop DiLorenzo dismantled one of Bishop Sullivan's pet projects, the "Sexual Minorities Commission", which, when established by Bishop Sullivan in the 1970's, was the first outreach ministry of its kind to homosexual Catholics. In the intervening years, it had become something of an official Diocesan gay rights advocacy arm, so the new Bishop disbanded it: "The commission carried a lot of baggage with it and so I made the decision to not let it continue ... I don’t think two retreats a year constitutes a ministry ... from what I can tell, no one on the commission was engaged in serious dialogue that had theological underpinnings."
And now, the Bishop has "retired" one of the worst "Spirit of Vatican II" offenders in one of the most "progressive" parishes in the Diocese. To get an idea of the mindset at Holy Family (and indeed, much of the Diocese of Richmond), one need only read the following quote from The Catholic Virginian describing a parishioner's confrontation with Bishop DiLorenzo:
Tim McCarthy of Holy Family told the bishop he was saddened to see that he dismantled the Sexual Minorities Commission and chose to take his friend (Judy Johnson) off the Women’s Commission. He told the Bishop, "I want to be in right relationship with you but I would like for you to recognize our truth as we recognize your truth and I would like to be able to enter into a collaborative dialogue, although I fully recognize the important role that you have." (emphasis added)Well, Timmy, I doubt whether the Bishop cares if you're in a "right relationship" with him, so long as you're in a "right relationship" with Jesus Christ. And as for recognizing "your truth" vs. "his truth", again, I think the Bishop is probably more interested in your recognition of The Truth. I also doubt whether Bishop DiLorenzo, given the demands of his "important role", is too interested in entering a "collaborative dialogue" with you or anyone else regarding settled Church teaching on women's ordination and the sinfulness of homosexual acts.
In conclusion, after such an auspicious start to his leadership of the Diocese of Richmond, we can only hope for more of the same from Bishop DiLorenzo in the future.
UPDATE:
[hat tip: Amy Welborn]
Check out Father "TQ"'s bulletin notes.
This story has also been blogged at A Saintly Salmagundi.
posted by Pro Ecclesia 10:27 AM
26 comments
26 Comments:
Wow. I thought we had some whacked out things going on in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Though, I bet if riding a motorcycle inside a church would promote Marxism or homosexuality, Bishop Gumbleton would be going 'vroom vroom'. ;)
LOL, Rick. If Richmond is any indication, things can only get better, right?
Man...you got that right! Too bad you don't live in the Arlington diocese, huh?
Yeah, Arlington is a great diocese. But Richmond is getting so much better so quickly that I have no doubt it will soon be one of the better dioceses in the country.
Unfortunately, the rising cost of living here is driving my family out. We're likely to move closer your way and settle in the Diocese of Toledo, which has had its problems, but, like Richmond, seems to be on the mend.
Holy Toledo! That's a distant relocation. Do you have family there or are looking to become mayor of Sylvania? I'm not so sure that it would be a vertical career move for you. ;)
I heard this was coming last week from my priest. One of my friends at another parish confirmed and also stated that one of the other retirements was not voluntary. I was getting a bit depressed in that Bp DiLorenzo came in swinging (appointing a diocesan theologian, dismantling useless committees), then appeared to do not much for about a year. Apparently he was assessing the situation and waiting for the appopriate moment to act. I also understand that with about 30+ priests up for re-assignment this summer, that the Tidewater mafia's days are numbered.
Regarding the article, I really resent, as a faithful Catholic, being held hostage to bad priests and illicit masses, with threats of the priest shortage. Richmond has overextended itself. There are numerous parishes that have been established in rural areas over the past 30 years, that didn't need to be established. A parish of 15 families in a rural area does not need to exist with a priest all unto themselves, while a suburban parish with 500 families has only one priest. I'm not afraid of clustering. My faith is important enough to me that I'm willing to drive quite a ways to find a good priest and a licit mass.
Rick,
My wife has family about half-way between Cleveland and Toledo (just south of Sandusky). If we move, it will not be so much because of her family (which will be a plus), but because of more affordable homes and affordable Catholic schools.
Mike,
I just found out tonight that my much-beloved orthodox pastor (currently pastor of St. Joseph's in Columbia and Sts. Peter and Paul at Lake Monticello) is being transferred to Staunton. I have mixed feelings becuase we will miss him, but am happy for him because St. Francis is such a great traditional parish and he will be such a wonderful fit. Plus, I found out that the priest we're getting is highly thought of by a very orthodox friend, so maybe it won't be so bad.
I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Bishop Sullivan that I don't for many of his progressive (or, for that matter ostensibly orthodox) brethren, and for the reasons you stated:
--the permission for the Tridentine Mass; and
--the genuine decency of the man.
I also read he was instrumental in reconciling a schismatic traditionalist group to the Church.
None of that excuses the diocese going to seed, but at least it allows me to view him in a much different light.
I spent about 4 months on business in downtown Richmond about 6 years ago – I used to go to daily Mass at a Catholic church just down the road from the state capitol building (or whatever it was called) - St. Peters' I think. Talk about liberal. I went to Mass at the cathedral a few times and was not at all impressed to see a notice in the bulletin for the “Gay and Lesbian society”. I finally settled on St. Joseph’s for Sunday Mass – the Tridentine rite parish.
Bobo,
I've been to St. Peter's once. I'll never go back again.
Like Mike, I was disappointed when Bp. DiLorenzo seemed to lapse back into a status quo mentality after an initial flurry of promising moves. Hopefully, these latest actions signal the start of a more sustained trend toward improvement, rather that merely "throwing a bone" to orthodox Catholics.
A few ideas I hope he's considering:
- Stop sending our seminarians to St. Mary's in Baltimore. Supposedly it's improved some, but its reputation is still poor (apparently with good reason).
- Institute some changes in direction at the Office of Christian Formation, which focuses on process to the exclusion of substance.
- Restore Catholic identity to the diocesan schools (hopefully the soon-to-be-appointed new Sup't of Schools will see to this).
Mark
Jay,
Sorry to hear your orthodox priest's time is up and he will be re-assigned. I've also heard St. Francis in Stauton is great. I recall that the very devout in C'ville would take a pass on St. Thomas and drive over there. I hope your next pastor is just as good. I was relieved when I did the math and realized my orthodox pastor still has a few years before his second tour of duty at our parish is complete.
Thanks, Mike.
I'm very happy for Fr. Jerry, as I know Staunton will be a good fit for him. Also, I'm not too upset because I learned today that the very orthodox pastor of the parish in Lexington will be coming to take his place. Apparently, he's the youngest priest in the Diocese, and as I have been told, quite faithful to orthodoxy.
As for St. Thomas in C'ville, it has its issues. But the Dominican pastor who is there now is doing his best to bring them back into some semblance of orthodoxy. I think very highly of him.
I am happy to see a blog dealing with our diocese and the reforms going on here.
Living in the Roanoke valley I am amazed to see how uniform the liturgical abuses around here really are.
Anyone else notice that nothing relating to the 2002 GIRM or the later "Instruction on the Eucharist" and all those "reprobate" things has appeared there?
Good news that the Liturgical Commission has been recently reactivated. Perhaps something will come of that.
Jay,
Sorry, I wasn't trying to cut on St. Thomas. I was trying to be sarcastic (but there's no special font for that). I was just trying to say that St. Francis SO that good, that it could draw people from St. Thomas. Despite the architecture that made me dizzy, and lack of kneelers, it was the best parish I attended up to that point in the diocese of Richmond (gee, I wonder if it has something to do with the fact that the Dominican priests there were not trained in the diocese?).
Mark,
Actually about half of our seminarians go to TC at Catholic U, but I don't know anything about it's reputation.
Anonymous,
I grew up in Roanoke. Don't even get me started. The scary thing is that it's 100X better than it was circa 1980. I do know that the Bp gave the priests a "priest's handbook" at Octoberfest last October (obviously); but because he didn't specifically stand up and say "you will follow," many priests took it to be a book of suggestions. I think with the re-activation of the Liturgy Committee (under the auspices of Fr. Smith), things will soon change. I was told by a friend that when the Bp arrives he had a stack of a few hundred complaints about liturgy sitting on his desk. He assumed that they were probably minor or petty; but when he sat down and went through them he realized they were significant and wide spread. Thus, I think the reason for the re-activation of the Liturgy committee. I understand that at the Cathedral they are kneeling now, and using metal (as opposed to glass) altar vessels. This has started to spread to other parishes in Richmond itself (where they look at the Cathedral as the model for liturgy). Hopefully the committee can "facilitate" this elsewhere in the diocese (with a club if necessary).
Mike,
I knew you weren't cutting on St. Thomas. But like I said, it DOES have its problems - no kneelers, hideous architecture, and lefty parishioners of the university professorial type being just a few of them. I've been told that religious education also leaves much to be desired.
But as you said, they are well-served by the Dominicans, mostly because the Dominicans come from outside this Diocese.
Good news about the handbook given to priests but I wonder why it is a "secret" (seemingly) from the lay faithful here.
St. Andrews has returned to kneeling but continues to house the tabernacle far down a hallway beyond the "commons" (not the fault of the current pastor). This cannot be in compliance with "Built of Living Stones" or the new GIRM.
My point is the liturgy seems to depend on the inclinations of the priest to a degree that the liturgy is not always "the prayer of the whole Church" thus losubg uts "catholicity" in my opinion.
Interestingly a Benedictine Abbey is being built just outside Roanoke, in Franklin county, that uses the old missal alone. Their church is being built in an old style. I think they are in a less than regular positions in relation to the diocese. My guess is they set up shop without asking Bishop S. if they could locate there.
But again, why the secret about the handbook?
Nothing in the CV.
Nothing on the website.
Signed,
Waiting in Roanoke
Jay
Thanks for the this blog. I've recently moved down to Tidewater from New England and am trying to stay away from "The Electric Church" (everytime you go, you get shocked).
St Matthew's and St. Gregory's in VA Beach seem to be the only reasonable alternatives for this homeschooling family of six.
Waiting in Roanoke,
Regarding the handbook, check out:
http://www.catholicvirginian.org/2004vol79iss25/article2.htm
I agree that there is no reason for St. Andrew's to have banished the Blessed Sacrament to a closet down the hall. I attended mass there on Easter Sunday (couldn't do "Nazarama" at the Rke/Salem Civic Center again) and it is improved with the newest pastor (kneeling, choir in the loft, etc.).
Jerry,
I attend Christ The King in Norfolk, and I agree that St. Matthew and St. Gregory are the best in Va. Beach. I am friends with the DRE at St. Matthew's and he frequently invites me to events at that parish. The past few years they have had excellent parish missions. Two years ago it was put on by the Sisters for Life and dealt with the Culture of Life vs. the Culture of Death. Last year it was done by one of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and was on the Blessed Sacrament, as the parish was celebrating the anniversary of their Perpetual Adoration Chapel.
Mike
I've met John D at St Matt's a couple of times, real solid guy. The latest rumor I've heard is that some folks are trying to organize a Eucharistic Congress at .......REGENT U!
Wow
I don't know if anyone is still reading these comments but I'd add:
1. The really "interesting" TQ notes are no longer found on the parish web site. I read them when they were still posted.
2. Re. the Handbook - I meant that the content of the handbook re. the liturgy has not, to my knowledge, been made public. Therefore, also to my knowledge, there has been no public explaination of the GIRM or the Instruction on the Eucharist in our diocese.
3. Re. the former ordinary being "liberal" also with those who are traditional.
a. a couple 1962 missal parishes in E. VA does not provide a traditional alternative to traditionalists in the western part of the diocese or in rural areas.
b. it almost seems to cluster tidewater "conservatives" out of the other parishes,
So unless those kind of parishes are made avaliable to all the people of the diocese geographically I see only limited pastoral solicitude when most other parishes go in the opposite extreme.
Signed.
Still waiting in Roanoke
anonymous,
How far away are you from Lexington? I understand that the parish there is very orthodox. I've been told that the priest there is coming to my parish, however, so I don't know how orthodox his replacement will be.
JY,
Thanks for the suggestion. I am familiar with the parish in Lexington but it would not be workable for me and mine.
You bring up a good point, however, the "ecclesiastical culture" here is so (to borrow from C.S. Lewis) "bent" that we depend far more on the inclinations of a pastor than our Catholic ancestors ever had to and far more than any Catholic should. In other words, the basics of the liturgical observance and devotional life of the parish should not depend on who the pastor is to any remarkable degree.
But that is not the case for us yet - perhaps we will one day get back to normal diocesan living.
I noticed that the National Catholic Register ran a series on colleges that have respected the "mandatum". Perhaps a public list can be made of diocesan parishes that form their liturgy according to the Roman Missal and the GIRM? I think this would be a real service for the people.
Signed,
Waiting in Roanoke
James, my orthodox DRE friend reccomends St. Jerome's in Newport News.
I grew up in the diocese of Richmond and left in 1981. For the second time I am in the Arlington diocese and it is the best I've lived in, though it has its issues as well. I've lived in 5 others across the country, and most are quite bad, including Raleigh and Birmingham, although both have new bishops since mine time in each. Hopefully they are changing as I pray Richmond is. Having said these things, there were good parishes and good priests in all places I have lived.
Walter Sullivan was by far the worst bishop I have ever been under. Tom Quinlan (TQ) was famous for his drunkenness and vulgar antics and seemed to have a disdain for the church. I wonder which (what number) Anti-apostle he is. I saw Walter Sullivan ruin that diocese.
Our family migrated to a Benedictine staffed parish in Virginia Beach in the seventies, as the parish of my early years (St. Matthews) went to the dogs. Saint Matthews now has a rather good reputation. Ironically I cannot stand the Benedictine staff church any longer. It has become a communal gathering place and I’ve wonder if the mass I attend there is legitimate at times. Some of the worst masses I have attended, if indeed they were a mass are masses I’ve attended there. Saint John's in Sandbridge is nice, in some ways and there is Saint Benedict's Chapel in Chesapeake, staffed by the Society of Saint Peter. No doubt about Saint Benedicts Chapel, it’s the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter.
In conclusion, Walter Sullivan is a stain on Catholicism and a reprobate. Also, it is good that Father Pitt, my second cousin was retired as well, another reprobate.
I grew up in the diocese of Richmond and left in 1981. For the second time I am in the Arlington diocese and it is the best I've lived in, though it has its issues as well. I've lived in 5 others across the country, and most are quite bad, including Raleigh and Birmingham, although both have new bishops since mine time in each. Hopefully they are changing as I pray Richmond is. Having said these things, there were good parishes and good priests in all places I have lived.
Walter Sullivan was by far the worst bishop I have ever been under. Tom Quinlan (TQ) was famous for his drunkenness and vulgar antics and seemed to have a disdain for the church. I wonder which (what number) Anti-apostle he is. I saw Walter Sullivan ruin that diocese.
Our family migrated to a Benedictine staffed parish in Virginia Beach in the seventies, as the parish of my early years (St. Matthews) went to the dogs. Saint Matthews now has a rather good reputation. Ironically I cannot stand the Benedictine staff church any longer. It has become a communal gathering place and I’ve wonder if the mass I attend there is legitimate at times. Some of the worst masses I have attended, if indeed they were a mass are masses I’ve attended there. Saint John's in Sandbridge is nice, in some ways and there is Saint Benedict's Chapel in Chesapeake, staffed by the Society of Saint Peter. No doubt about Saint Benedicts Chapel, it’s the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter.
In conclusion, Walter Sullivan is a stain on Catholicism and a reprobate. Also, it is good that Msgr. Pitt, a relative was retired as well, another reprobate.
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