Still trying to remove that cold that has invaded my chest, I had to forego traveling to Baltimore last evening to use one of the "prized" tickets for the "opening" Liturgy for the USCCB annual meeting. Apparently, according the Whispers in the Loggia, the restored edifice resounded with "ooohs and aaahs" as the episcopal concelebrants --- who were late in arriving from their Inner Harbor hotel --- entered the Basilica.An interesting article in the Washington Post this morning focuses on the "closed door" atmosphere that is the characteristic of this year's meeting. One of our own parishioners, Mr. Russell Shaw, a well-known and respected writer on things Catholic, was interviewed. The writer of the Post article wrote a few poignant sentences that most of us, especially Pastors, find very true.
But the bishops now face a world where their moral authority has been diminished by the clergy sex-abuse scandals, where money for church programs is scarce and where many American Catholics have little understanding of, or regard for, church teaching.
The author, Rachel Zoll, on page 13 of the paper further stated, "They plan to channel resources away from broad social pronouncements and focus more on defining Catholicism for an often-uninvolved flock.
"It's not that the bishops as a national organization will no longer be interested in sociopolitical issues...." parishioner Shaw noted. He noted well, I believe, "But the emphasis is shifting to the life of the church itself and its own internal problems."
As the week goes on, there will be more information available ... whether the doors to the sessions are closed or not. Inevitably some of the episcopal community are more comfortable with the "sunshine" process of democracy that its opposite. I am sure there will be cell phone contact from within the hallowed hall to the outside world. My friend, Whispers, is there. I am sure there will be information streaming through his blog.
Speaking of Bishops, yesterday was our Archbishop's 66th birthday. Happy Birthday, Archbishop Wuerl. Your colleagues surely celebrated your day with much fanfare!
