Diocesan Blog Wars in the Diocese of Richmond
Amy Welborn highlights some interesting blogging developments regarding Bishop Francis Xavier DiLorenzo's efforts to restore some semblance of orthodoxy to the Catholic Diocese of Richmond (my former stomping grounds), after 30 years of the very liberal leadership of Bishop Walter Sullivan:
Bishop DiLorenzo is not on the same page as Bishop Sullivan, and is perhaps working out of a different book as well. One of his earliest moves, for example, was to appoint a Diocesan Theologian who would be responsible for, among other things, approving speakers at events in the diocese. Believe me, after 30 years of Bishop Sullivan, the diocesan bureaucracy was fully entrenched and of a single mind. The new bishop had his work cut out for him, and there has been wailing and gnashing of teeth, as well as cautious crowing, some of which is beginning to filter into the blogosphere.My Comments:
And for once, it's coming from both sides - which is a thoroughly good thing. A Voice in the Diocese is the product of Sullivanistas, who waste no time trashing the new bishop in quite specific terms. Richmond Catholic is happy with the new bishop and has no sympathy for A Voice.
I, too, have little sympathy for the "we are Church" types who are weeping and wailing now that they are no longer calling the shots. Perhaps it will do them some good to experience the wilderness that faithful, orthodox Catholics felt for 30 years as older churches had their high altars ripped out and the Blessed Sacrament hidden in broom closets, while new churches were built without kneelers and in the round, resembling barns or launching pads.
Perhaps some cautious crowing on the part of us "old Church" types is in order as Father TQ of motorcycle priest fame gets put out to pasture, while orthodox priests like Father Gerald Przywara, Father John Abe, and Father Alan Lipscomb (among others) finally receive recognition from the Diocese for their outstanding abilities and continue to see their parishes grow and grow and grow.
Hey, hippies, the peace and justice train has been derailed. Make way for the Orthodoxy Express!
Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Strange Happenings in My Former Diocese
Whatever Happened to ... Bishop Walter F. Sullivan?
Retired "Motorcyle Priest" Reprimanded After ''Offensive'' Sermon
Some Old Habits (and Old Priests) Die Hard
Richmond Bishop DiLorenzo "Suggests" Retirement for "Motorcycle Priest" [MUST READ]
Bishop DiLorenzo Enforces Appropriate Liturgical Practice in Richmond Diocese
Letter to the Editor
posted by Pro Ecclesia 11:04 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
On 'A Voice in Richmond's site, there's an anonymous poster blasting 'the heirarchy' and exhorting the crowd to be courageous in their dissent. Wanna show some courage? Post under your own name, hippie!
I just don't understand the power that they're so desperately seeking.
I read your outstanding comments at that blog yesterday. Way to go!
When I was a child we attended St. Mary's church in Blacksburg, VA. THe old church where my parents were married (I saw it once or twice) was sold to another demonination, I believe. The new church was a huge sterile building on a hill, frequently mistaken for a gym or a bowling alley. The Blessed Sacrament was hidden away in a side chapel outside of the main sanctuary -- the confessionals were in that chapel as well. It was a bland ugly space, built under Bishop Sullivan. Here's hoping the new bishop has better aesthetics, at least.
Post a Comment
<< Home