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TUESDAY February 1, 2000 vol. 11, no. 22 SECTION ONESee why so many consider the Daily CATHOLIC as the "USA Today for CATHOLICS!"
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In today's editorial, we have some fun speculating on who will succeed Cardinal John J. O'Connor as the ninth Archbishop of New York and a sure cardinalate appointment. The expected announcement is expected to come soon as well as an anticipated Consistory this Jubilee Year which would be Pope John Paul II's ninth in which he is expected to appoint no less than fifteen new red-hats and no more than twenty. It would seem the Holy Father has a blessed touch wherever he goes for four of the stadiums he has graced in America during his Papal Visits have seen their team go on to win championships in their sport from 1979 through this past year when the Pope blessed the Ram's home in St. Louis. Because of that it was practically a sure bet that the Rams would lock up Super Bowl XXXIV. Another sure bet is that the upcoming appointments for key bishoprics will not go to progressive prelates. For today's editorial Liberal bishops are sinking fast in a sea of conservative sees , click on CATHOLIC PewPOINT
Now that all the speculation on the outcome of the extravanza known as the Super Bowl is over, we can turn to more serious speculation. No, not about presidential candidates, but who will be the next Archbishop of New York. Within weeks, possibly days, the Holy Father will make his decision on the man to replace Cardinal John J. O'Connor as the ninth shepherd of this mighty see, the largest in population - over two and a half million Catholics or 45% of New York City's total population.
Sixteen years ago yesterday Cardinal O'Connor succeeded the holy Cardinal Terence Cooke whose cause for beatification has been introduced in Rome. Since January 31, 1984 Cardinal O'Connor has firmly become the most influential cardinal in America and has had a calming influence on the United States Bishops and a strong voice in the Roman Curia. Having just turned 80, he will step down soon and so we thought it might be fun to speculate on who will take his place. There are several openings coming up which could produce a domino effect across America. It's always interesting to speculate on the various hypotheses that exist around the country in several other dioceses. Arkansas' Andrew McDonald is retiring soon and a Coadjutor Bishop Joseph Galante has already been appointed in Dallas to replace Bishop Charles Grahmann as well as Duluth's Bishop Roger Schwietz, OMI who has been tabbed to eventually replace Archbishop Francis T. Hurley in Anchorage, Alaska.
Many think the front-runner for New York City is Archbishop Rigali, a favorite of the Holy Father who personally placed him in St. Louis and since March 16, 1994 has turned this pivotal midwest see around in replacing Archbishop John May who in 1991 was one of the favorites to be proclaimed cardinal. That honor went instead to Cardinal Roger Mahony and, sadly, Archbishop May died of cancer on March 24, 1994. Archbishop Rigali is widely considered a shoe-in as one of America's next cardinals. It is also widely expected that the Holy Father will conduct another Consistory this year - his eighth - since there will be 18 vacancies to fill by June. Rumors are abounding inside the Vatican that it could be from 15 to 20 who are appointed. Two will definitely be American bishops because, besides a replacement for Cardinal O'Connor, there is a replacement needed later this year for Archbishop James Hickey who will also turn 80 in October 11, 2000. The closest cardinal is Baltimore's Cardinal William H. Keeler who has been the shepherd of that see since 1989. Cardinal Hickey's predecessor was Cardinal William Baum who became Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education on January 15, 1980 and ten years later made Major Penitentiary for the Holy See on April 6, 1990. There has been precedence that the Bishop of Cleveland has been moved to either Baltimore or Washington D.C. in the past, but since Bishop Anthony Pilla, former president of the NCCB is pretty ensconsed in the city by Lake Erie, that is highly doubtful.
It is no secret of the desire by the Pope to appoint conservative prelates in the highest posts. This is evident from his surprise and pleasant appointments of Cardinal Francis George, OMI in Chicago and Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap. in Denver where the latter replaced another Archbishop heading for the Curia and cardinalate - Cardinal James Francis Stafford, currently head of the Pontifical Council for the Laity. We doubt very much the Holy Father would pluck Cardinal George out of the windy city right now but there is speculation he might move Archbishop Chaput. Would he move this very orthodox, intelligent and devout Native American Capuchin out of the Rocky Mountains and to the Big Apple? We suspect, because of his relative youth, that if Archbishop Rigali were appointed in New York, that Archbishop Chaput might be moved to St. Louis first. But you can expect much bigger things from the new leader of the Orthodox right in the Church in America. If that were to happen we predict either Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of the Lincoln, Nebraska Diocese could become the next Archbishop of Denver or Bishop John J. Myers, the shepherd of Peoria. Both are high on the Holy Father's list.
Another who who we believe might be strongly considered for New York is Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick, who was ordained by Cardinal Cooke's predecessor Cardinal Francis Spellman in St. Patrick's Cathedral in 1958 and made an Auxiliary Bishop of New York by Pope Paul VI in 1977. When John Paul II was looking for someone to start up the new Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey in 1981 he tabbed Bishop McCarrick who proved his mettle so much so that the Holy Father made him the fourth Archbishop of the teeming see of Newark, New Jersey in 1986. Newark is the seventh largest see in the United States and Archbishop McCarrick has the credentials both in his roots and his administrative prowess. He has headed up numerous committees for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, been involved internationally and is well equipped multi-culturally to succeed Cardinal O'Connor. He has ordained more priests than any other bishop during his thirteen year tenure as shepherd of the Newark See. He is currently 69 years old and could easily lead the flock of New York City over the next decade.
Then again, there are several current Auxiliary Bishops of New York who might be promoted, but we would think Archbishop McCarrick has the inside pole. Whoever is selected could, as we alluded to earlier, start a domino effect among various sees in the United States. You can bet no progressive bishop will be promoted for the Holy Father's modus operandi has been to appoint conservative bishops. There are numerous other ones on the near horizon and, with each appointment, the modernist agenda becomes weaker and weaker as liberal bishops are sinking fast in a sea of conservative sees.
Today we continue with our new series in the search to uncover the wonderful treasures of the Church contained in the great Deposit of Faith, concentrating on the Books of the New Testament with today bringing you the Second Epistle of Saint John the Apostle. For the one-hundredth installment, see APPRECIATING THE PRECIOUS GIFT OF OUR FAITH
installment 100:
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE
The ideas and expressions of the Second Epistle are the same as those of the First; hence its composition must have been prompted by the same or similar occasions. It was probably written towards the end of the first century.
The recipient of the Second Epistle is addressed as "Elect Lady." The meaning of the title is obscure. Many have thought that an individual is meant, one whose name was Kuria or Elect, or simply "an elect lady." Others have seen in the title a mere symbol, either of the universal Church, or of some particular church in Asia Minor.
The Apostle commends the recipients of the letter for their steadfastness in the true Faith, and exhorts them to persevere, lest they lose the reward of their labors. He exhorts them to love one another, but warns them to have no fellowship with heretics, and not even to greet them.
Tomorrow: The Third Epistle of St. John
The direct external evidence that John's Second Epistle as well as the Third Epistle was written by the beloved Apostle is not extensive. Yet sufficient references to both Epistles are found in early patristic literature to prove their authorship and authenticity. Besides, we have a number of indirect testimonies in the citation of passages obviously derived from either the Second or the Third Epistle. Again, the vocabulary throughout is precisely that which is found in the Gospel and in the First Epistle.
On this date 1,228 years ago in 772 Pope Hadrian I was chosen the 95th successor of Peter. During his 23 year papacy he restored the walls of Rome and the ancient aqueducts and was responsible for constructing the golden statue of the tomb of St. Peter and other elaborations at the Vatican. He was a strong opponent of iconoclasm and called the 7th Ecumenical Council at Nicaea for the specific purpose of condeming this heresy. For other time capsule events that happened in Church history on this date, see MILLENNIUM MILESTONES AND MEMORIES
348 A.D.
Death of Saint Severus, Bishop of Ravenna who accompanied the papal legate to the Synod of Sardica in 344 after he had been chosen bishop by the people because of a white dove which kept alighting on his shoulder despite his efforts to shoo it away. The people realized it was truly a sign from the Holy Spirit. He was married before becoming a bishop and therefore allowed to remain wed. His wife and daughter died before him and on this date in 348, after having said Holy Mass retired to their grave and died next to them. He was a weaver by trade and is considered the patron saint of weavers and hatters.
405 A.D.
Death of Saint Paul of Troix, Bishop of Trois-Chateaux. Having been born in Rheims, he was able to escape his barbarian captors and fled to Arles where he became a hermit before being selected bishop.
525 A.D.
Death of Saint Brigid of Kildare, eccentric saint who is said to have "bridged the gap between Christian and pagan cultures." She could be considered the first charismatic saint. There are many legends of her evangelization efforts with the people and her great love of animals, beasts that could have devoured her, but, because of her gentle manner, they were tame in her presence.
656 A.D.
Death of Saint Sigebert, king of Austrasia in eastern France who was christened by Saint Amand at Orleans and tutored by Saint Cunibert. He founded several monasteries , churches and hospitals in the region.
772 A.D.
Election of Pope Hadrian I, 95th successor of Peter whose pontifcate would last 23 years during which he would restore the walls of Rome and the ancient aqueducts as well as build the golden statue at the tomb of St. Peter and the silver pavement in front of the altar of the Confession. He would also convene the landmark Seventh Ecumenical Council at Nicaea which would condemn Iconoclasm.
1645 A.D.
Death of Saint Henry Morse, Jesuit priest who was martyred by hanging at the hands of the English Protestants after celebrating Mass. He, himself a convert, was responsible for the conversions of many both during his life and after his death.
Historical Events in Church Annals for February 1:
251 A.D.
Death of Saint Pionius and his fifteen companions who were burned at the stake during the persecution of Roman emperor Decius after his soldiers discovered Pionius, a priest, celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the companions and praying for the recently martyred Saint Polycarp.
Today an excellent British mystery makes its debut in the video stores - "The Winslow Boy" which is an adaptation by David Mamet of the 1948 film of the same name which still packs an intelligent punch. Also, we take to the skies to bring you a classic in Jimmy Stewart's "Spirit of St. Louis" and the most recent feel-good film - "October Sky". For the reviews of these videos, see VIDEOS & VIRTUES
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but the words of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen have been known to launch a thousand images in one's mind, one of the ways this late luminary did so much to evangelize the faith. Because of the urgency of the times and because few there are today who possess the wisdom, simplicity and insight than the late Archbishop who touched millions, we are bringing you daily gems from his writings. The good bishop makes it so simple that we have dubbed this daily series: "SIMPLY SHEEN".
"The duty of parents to children is to rule while avoiding exasperating severity on the one hand and excessive indulgences on the other. God gives parents a child as so much plastic material that can be molded for good or evil."
NOTE: We respectfully recognize and accept the final authority regarding apparitions, locutions and prophecies presently being reported around the world rests with the Holy See of Rome and the Magisterium of Holy Mother Church to whose judjment we humbly and obediently submit.
"Dear children! I call you, little children, to pray without ceasing. If you pray, you
are closer to God and He will lead you on the way of peace and salvation. That is why I call you today to give
peace to others. Only in God is there true peace. Open your hearts and become those who give a gift of peace
and others will discover peace in you and through you and in this way you will witness God's peace and love
which He gives you. Thank you for having responded to my call."
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