The second important ecclesial news, at least for my region, is the appointment of the Diocese of Savannah's new bishop, Franciscan Father Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv. I want to focus on Father Hartmayer, because Archbishop Chaput will receive plenty of articles of his own.
The Diocese of Savannah appointment is important for me in two ways: 1. The Diocese is located in Georgia, which means it's located in the Ecclesial Province of Atlanta. Furthermore, because it's located in the same state, the Archdiocese and the Diocese can interact in especially powerful ways (GRACE Scholarship, anyone?). 2. My fiancee, and her family, live and work in the Diocese of Savannah. Ecclesial appointments affects them, and thereby affects me.
Father Gregory John Hatmayer is a member of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (OFM Conv.), and is pastor of St. John Vianney in Lithia Springs (Archdiocese of Atlanta... you're welcome, Diocese of Savannah). Father Hatmayer is 59 (a year younger than Bishop Boland, the previous bishop, was when he was appointed Bishop of Savannah), which means he has 16 years before he could retire (which is enough time to inspire, or damage, a generation of Catholic youth). This might be a permanent position for Bishop-elect Hartmayer, as it was for Bishop Boland.
And the news of the new appointment couldn't have come any sooner! Bishop Boland has taken ill lately; everything from tumors to temporary amnesia. The Diocese, which is pretty spread out, needs a younger, energetic bishop.
I always enjoy ecclesial appointments. They are a time to look forward into the future, and at what a diocese is in need of from their bishop. Pray for Bishop-elect Hartmayer and pray for the Diocese of Savannah!
UPDATE: Catholic News Agency has a (very) short article on Bishop-elect Hartmayer.
Hartmayer seems like a stealth appointment, as little is known about him regarding his positions on various church issues. Will he be more generous than Bishop Boland with regard to Summorum Pontificum? With Hartmayer's history of Lifeteen Masses, that's a concern. We know he likes to lead pilgrimages to Italy, which again, does not tell us much of anything. Let us all pray that this is not a status quo appointment.
ReplyDeleteFr. Greg will be great for the Diocese of Atlanta. He was Pastor at our church of St. Philip Benizi for 15 years and did great things for us and will continue to do so. He is great with young people!
ReplyDeleteI meant Savannah not Atlanta
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