AmericanPapist Comments
Interesting. An Archbishop mentioned his name as D'Arcy's replacement to us...gosh...two years ago? I had wondered if there was anything to that..intriguing to see it finally come to light. That's a long time a brewing.
This selection would certainly make sense, but there's one thing that I have a problem with from this story. I've always thought appointees aren't allowed to discuss that stuff until the Vatican makes the announcement. Am I incorrect on that? Or is Father O'Connell merely discussing the speculation with others and so he's not breaking any rules?
Though I've been known to be critical of CUA admin. from time to time in the combox, it does not surprise me that O'Connell would be considered for such a position. As President of CUA, while the money hasn't poured in by the bushel, he's definitely put the University on good financial ground (predominantly by buying quite a bit of real ground surrounding the current campus), defended the Catholic identity of the institution with regularity (though sometimes through awkward means or at inappropriate times), and shifted the overall educational focus of the university to attract more national attention. The rumor that Fr. O'Connell has been bucking for a miter has existed for quite some time. It is interesting to see that such talk seems more concrete about a specific diocese.
That being said, AmP, the Tower? Are you serious? Really? I am glad that your article reflects the realization that this is a campus paper, but good night Irene!! The Tower? I won't be in the corner holding my breath if none of this is true.
Nathan - O'Connell, for instance, might have been told that he will be leaving CUA and to make provisions. That wouldn't violate any confidentiality.
Teep - I know. I wonder if one can make anything of the president's non-denial?? He seems to normally respond to thinks where he can correct the record, but you have more experience of this than I.
AmP,
My only logical response to your question that could perpetuate my own level of plausible deniability is that, like me, Fr. O'Connell disregards anything printed in the Tower immediately out of hand. Yeah, they're probably on to something, aren't they?
Thanks for the clarification.
As a student at CUA, I know The Tower makes mistakes from time to time, but I've been hearing about this since August and I think they're on to something. I've got a friend who is an editor and the amount of hours they put into the paper border on ridiculous.
I'd imagine it's tough to get hit with comments like that about the paper when they work so hard on it.
Anyways, O'Connell has done a lot of great things here, and I'm sure he'll be successful in the church.
Well as far as the student paper is concerned, it sounds as if their sourcing is on much firmer ground than the recent NYT story about Sen. McCain.
Come to think of it, that probably constitutes "damning with faint praise."
I get the impression alot of the Tower staff enjoy causing exasperation. The newsy in me finds an affinity there, but not much sympathy. :o)
This is very interesting. I am a resident of Fort Wayne -- where can I find out more about Fr. O'Connell? I am especially interested in his liturgical sensibilites.
Is this move a step up/down or sideways.
From what I hear about his liturgical sensibilities, he is somewhat apathetic about the Tridentine mass, but the campus minister has declared that there will be no mass in the EF on campus in the forseeable future and he is know to be good friends with Fr. O'Connell.
CUAstudent,
Thanks for the comment. While appreciation for the EF is of course a good sign on the liturgical front, there are things that are probably more important. Does he celebrate Mass in a manner that inspires holiness? Or does he exhibit a preference for guitars, clapping and drab vestments? I love the old Mass, but there are many holy priests who are friends of the reform of the reform who do not.
Royce,
I can assure you that Fr. O'Connell seems more at home where there is an organ and a choir present. So, to answer your questions, There are no clown masses on CUA's campus, nor are their liturgical dancers. (Ahh the 80s were a wonderful time of bald men in unitards traipsing gleefully up the aisle, weren't they?) I've pasted his bio from the CUA website below. Fairly impressive list.
http://president.cua.edu/bio.cfm
Impressive indeed. Thanks for sharing that!
Seems to make sense, Bishop D'Arcy has to deal with ND constantly around here it seems. So maybe they are looking at someone who understands the Catholic academy. I just hope he is as solid or more so than D'Arcy. Our Bishop now doesnt go around taking everyone down, but is a good man, a good shepherd and has said a lot to oppose some of the stuff at ND that isnt good, but supports what is.
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