Changes to the Diocese Landscape

The landscape of bishops and archbishops in America is changing, and I hope/think it's for the better.

Two recent cases come to mind:

1. Today the Vatican released its appointment of Bishop of Orlando's Thomas Wenski as the Archbishop of Miami. This makes future Archbishop Wenski the most important bishop in Florida. His Eminence Wenski replaces Archbishop John Favalora. Archbishop Favalora has come to media light after a few sexual abuse cases occured in his See, as well as Fr. Alberto Cutie's embarrassment when photographed with his girlfriend on a beach (the woman he eventually left the priesthood and Catholic Church for). Furthermore, Fr. David Dueppen fathered a child with a former stripper and the archdiocese paid $60,000 to keep silent. This can all be read, along with a little more, here.

Bishop Wenski, on the other hand, hasn't had anywhere near as many problems. Not much is actually known about His Eminence Wenski, but there are a few events that show he's going to be a great Archbishop. When some lay Catholics were searching for a place to celebrate the Tridentine Mass, Bishop Wenski granted them their own Latin-Mass parish. Furthermore, at least three other parishes offer the OF with some regularity. Future Archbishop Wenski has been a champion of the unborn and has publicly stated that pro-abortion Catholic politicians should not receive the Eucharist. The most impressive and telling event was when President Obama was honored at Notre Dame University. His Eminence Wenski didn't just decry it, but also publicly offered a Mass of reparation.

2. The second occurs in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Current Archbishop Roger Cardinal Mahony is known as being moderate to liberal theologically and liberal in reference to the liturgy. A perfect example is the cathedral built, which looks disgusting when it comes to the liturgy. There are many other examples, but you can easily read them anywhere (see Google.com). Anyway, Bishop Jose Gomez was Archbishop of San Antonio, and Pope Benedict XVI moved him as coadjutor (basically co-bishop. Not be be confused with an auxiliary bishop, who still serves the archbishop). Bishop Gomez, because of Cardinal Mahony's age (74), will become Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles after Cardinal Mahony turns in his resignation. My guess is that because Pope benedict XVI sent Bishop Gomez as the coadjutor, he'll accept his resignation VERY quickly. One a side note: This is a great moment for the Catholic Church, because His Eminence will be the highest ranking Hispanic prelate, and (if history is proof) Bishop Gomez will soon become a Cardinal (as has the past few Archbishops of Los Angeles). Bishop Gomez is a member of Opus Dei, and is conservative.

Any general comments?