As long as the Cardinal's health holds out for a couple of years, it could be this guy who eventually succeeds him. On the other hand, I'm not much of an expert on Church politics and all. Still, not a bad strategy for B-XVI, to appoint really good and really young Cardinals.
Doc Angelicus | 10.28.06 - 4:12 pm | #

One small correction, Cardinal Maida turned 75 in March of 2005.

As for the previous comment, it is extremely unlikely that Bishop-elect Flores will succeed Cardinal Maida directly. It would more likely be a more experienced bishop, one that has already had his own see for many years.

-David
David Cheney | Homepage | 10.28.06 - 7:43 pm | #

So if our bishop turned 75 in July of 2006 then we can expect a new bishop when? No sooner than next year? Why are they bothering with auxiliary bishops when we need full-fledged bishops? I am asking a serious question although I admit it just sounds like I am grumpy. Does anyone know why the process takes this long? What is the point of a mandatory retirement age?
C.M.W. | 10.29.06 - 4:04 pm | #

You lucked out real well getting him up there, Thom. Several of us down here in Houston were hoping and expecting to be taking his famous course on the Church Fathers over at St. Mary's Seminary. Foiled! Blast the timing of this appointment. He will be a good man to have around Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
Domenic D'Ettore | 10.29.06 - 7:02 pm | #

CMW, I understand that Maida was specifically asked to stay on until the Together in Faith process (the parish reorganization) is complete. I think it's supposed to be complete next year, though I could be wrong. So Maida submitted his letter as required, and was asked to remain. It's not the fault of the process in this particular case; it's a pastoral care issue.
Kasia | Homepage | 10.30.06 - 11:30 am | #

C.M.W - Perhaps the Holy See did not want move an experienced auxiliary bishop to his own See in a vacant diocese, for example, until they have a backup where he is at. Who knows, one of the three current auxiliaries may end up somewhere in a vacant diocese soon.

I have heard from someone else in Texas who says this is one very good priest. I'd like to see him deeply involved at SHMS.
Diane | Homepage | 10.30.06 - 11:43 am | #

C.M.W. - The mandatory retirement age means only that the bishop must submit his resignation upon reach the age of 75. It does not, in any way, obligate the Pope to accept such a resignation in a timely fashion. Appointments and accepting resignations are decisions reserved to the Pope alone.

That being said, when a Bishop turns 75 and does not have a coadjutor, it typically takes about as long as when a diocese becomes vacant (due to death, bishop moved, etc.). That is to say, between 6 and 18 months. Some are faster, some are slower. But the general pattern is 6 to 18 months.
David Cheney | Homepage | 10.30.06 - 2:43 pm | #

Wow, I'm from the Diocese of Corpus Christi and all I can say is that this is bittersweet and exciting all at the same time.

If you study theology, you'll love him, and if you love baseball, even better. (I don't know if he'll convert to the tigers though......)

Good things are meant to be shared. =)

You guys are soooooooo blessed!
christina | Homepage | 10.31.06 - 11:01 pm | #