This is an interesting appointment. Rocco has mentioned several times that O'Brien was in the running for New York, but that's obviously out the door. And if the trend continues of appointing bishops with seminary/formation experience, I would think that Dolan moves to the fore to replace Egan in the Big Apple.

Maida's successor in Detroit interests me. Roc has frequently talked about Myers of Newark being the potential replacement, but I'd like to see Chaput have the opportunity for a red hat. He's 63 now, so even if he doesn't head to Michigan, he still has time to wait for George or even Rigali.

And of course, my preference for a fellow Kansas boy in Chaput obviously blinds me to other excellent choices that you others might have in mind!

Nevermind my rambling. :)
Nathan | 07.13.07 - 1:00 am | #

Oh, and best wishes to both Archbishop O'Brien and Cardinal Keeler in their new endeavors, as well as to the faithful in Baltimore!
Nathan | 07.13.07 - 1:04 am | #

Nathan,you are rambling. The only good thing about Dolan going to NY would be it would get him out of Milwaukee. The one thing he has done here is given the Weakland people a second lease on life.
Margaret | 07.13.07 - 9:55 am | #

If I remember correctly, Baltimore is the oldest diocese in the US and is therefore given a place of honor.
Dean Steinlage | 07.13.07 - 1:01 pm | #

Margaret, wow. I've read that the love for Dolan is practically universal in Milwaukee (I guess not?). I've also read that he's struggled to counter Weakland's effects because so many priests in the archdiocese were huge Weakland supporters, and now that Dolan has his own forces in place after a few years, he's ready to put his foot down. I'd love to hear more from you and your perspective on your Archbishop. Most commentators that I read, however, say that Dolan is undoubtedly the rising star in the hierarchy.
Nathan | 07.13.07 - 1:44 pm | #

Dean,

That's correct -- Baltimore is the 'Premier See,' making its archbishop something like the Primate of America. He has rank for any sort of ceremonies or processions. So, while other archdioceses may seem to be more important, this appointment makes O'Brien the ranking prelate in America.
Royce | Homepage | 07.13.07 - 2:31 pm | #