Philadelphia's New Bishop: Chaput? - The American Bishop Carousel?

Archbishop Charles Chaput - Currently of Denver

If you follow Catholic blogs or the "Bishop News" in this country, you probably know quite well that Cardinal Justin Rigali will be resigning this week in Philadelphia, which Pope Benedict is said to be ready to accept. The appointment of the next Archbishop is the real page turner though.

To find out the latest, we turn to the the usual suspects, Rocco Palmo at Whispers in the Loggia and Thomas Peters over at the American Papist. Both right now are pointing to Denver's: Archbishop Chaput. This has been speculated, but for weeks seemed like more of a "dream" for most folks as opposed to any type of reality. Why? Well let's let Palmo explain in his words:

And if multiple indications from near and far have it right, he [Chaput] stands set to bring the most revolutionary change American Catholicism’s most traditional major outpost has known in at least a century, to begin its rebuilding from the ashes of the darkest in its long, storied history

This is a pretty big statement. Philly has had it's share of problems, we don't have to recount them here, but moving one of the highest profile Bishop's there makes more than one statement. Peters' take is quite similar actually:

We need to keep the appointee –whoever he is– in our prayers. Philadelphia is a very troubled archdiocese these days and whoever is chosen to succeed +Rigali will have his work cut out for him.

Boy is he right, there will be work "cut out for him." So if all these signs point to Chaput, and as the day goes on more and more reports seem to point that way, it looks like tomorrow's announcement is the worst kept secret right now. Palmo seems pleased and says:

Thanks be to God for his goodness to us. Truly, we are blessed beyond words.

So it seems that Philly is all but locked-up as having Chaput be tapped as the next Archbishop. But that leaves a lot to talk about in all honesty as opposed to tying everything together actually...

My take...

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If Chaput leaves Denever, and Cardinal Rigali retires it essentially leaves two holes. An active Cardinal and Denver. Not only that but was Chaput the pick all along or is this a move in the background? Sure we dont want to mix politics and the Church but there is a reality there. 

So will there be a "re-ordering" of  Bishops here in the States? There are obvious "traditions" that are often kept in terms of Bishop cities, who goes where, etc... but all that seems to be changing. What else is changing is also the current Papal Nuncio. Will that have some affect? 

There are only a few dioceses with vacant seats, and nothing too surprising. Over the next year though, some pretty "big" retirements are coming up with moves or new appointments that will need to be made, a total of 11 retirements could occur by the end of 2012, not to mention 8 other bishops already beyond the age of 75. This means that there could be as many as 20 new dioceses with new bishops within the next year, almost 2 per month. These aren't in little out of the way places either: Lincoln, NE; San Francisco, CA; Chicago, IL; Portland, OR; Hartford, CT; etc... so maybe a re-ordering will be in place. 

CLICK TO ENLARGE | Table Source: Canonlaw.info

Let us pray in the least for all these holy men, and let us especially pray for Archbishop Chaput. If he is indeed going to Philly he will need our prayers and we can only hope that his fidelity, courage, and love for the Church will fill the city of Brotherly Love and turn it once again into a beacon of the Faith.

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Breaking: Pope announces plans for Anglicans to convert en masse

Pope announces plans for Anglicans to convert en masse

This seems to be what is coming out of Rome and England. It is late here for me, so I don't know how many specifics I will get in before I must sleep. But this seems to be on track with what most were speculating. It may even be a little more far-reaching and all encompassing, as it seems there may be a full plan as to how to facilitate large numbers of Anglicans to enter communion with the Church and retain their traditions.

More as it develops...
Update: 4:39am EST:
AP Report
Creative Minority Report - Blog



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Waiting: Vatican to hold press conference regarding the Anglican Church

The hermeneutic of continuity: Holy See Briefing on Anglican relations tomorrow

See the above link for the basics. A lot of blogs are weighing in on this. Lots of speculation, but very little to go on.

My theory is a hybrid of a few going around right now. Some say that Anglicans are going to be brought into the Church, either through conversion or acceptance. Some believe it will be a "warming" of relations, similar to what SSPX received but in relation to the Anglican/Catholic relationship.

Some, as does Fr. Finigan, suggest that possibly the queen will be converting. Now while that is a stretch, lets look at some evidence of what theory seems on track:

• "Summorum Pontificum" issued Motu Proprio in 2007
• The Vatican and SSPX have warmed relations, including the removal of excommunication and the promise of "talks" on doctrinal issues.
• The reworking or new translation of the Missal in English is due out in the next year or so, brining it back in line with the latin, older forms of the mass, and non-Roman rites (such as the Orthodox).
• A trend towards traditionalism, universality, and orthodox principles of the faith during the service of Pope Benedict. 
• The appointment of several traditionalist Bishops across the United States in the last year.
• The appointment of various "traditionalist" members within the Vatican, some of American descent.

You take these moves, and other various "happenings" and you add them up. Now, of course the Vatican moves at its own pace. Sometimes it seems that it moves slower than many would wish, simply so that peoples hearts and minds can all be in the right place. Yet, it would be hard to ignore that these talks seemed to "pop" up. Add to this that Tony Blair has converted to Catholicism in the last few years, and England seems prime for a "change." I won't say that I "guarantee" this has to do with the Royal Family, but it wouldn't surprise me. Take stories like this from an Anglican Website which essentially puts their chips on the table for a switch.

Some other blogs that are carrying this news:

AmericanPapist

Fr. Z: WDTPRS

Both AmP and Fr. Z seem to think that Traditional Anglicans will be brought into communion with the Church. I think it might be as much as the entire Church of England. Of course that will then create some type of fissure, but "brick by brick" right?