The following is from Whisper’s in the Loggia concerning the upcoming ad limina visit for the United States bishops:
“Supposed to be held every five years, the last ad limina visit of the Stateside bishops took place from April to December 2004. As the Americans were the last major group to be received for the mandatory Roman “check-up” in the reign of John Paul II, with the nine-month-long Brazilian visit seeing its last group make the pilgrimage earlier this month, the US is now the last major episcopal conference still to receive the “Benedict treatment” — the reigning Pope’s more hands-on style of assiduous reading of the extensive Quinquennials, accordingly pointed questions in his meetings with the individual bishops, and straight-shooting addresses to the respective groups [Boy, could Rochester Catholics use some of that right now].
…
the US ad limina to begin sometime around late 2011 or early 2012… and now, Catholic News Service’s Rome chief John Thavis relays that the former is, indeed, being eyed around the Vatican as the visit’s launch, pointedly adding that the region-by-region series will take place squarely against the backdrop of the 2012 presidential campaign.”
For those unfamiliar with the ad limina visit, it is written in Canon Law that every diocesan shepherd is to present a report in person of his diocese to the Holy Father in Rome every five years (CIC 399-400). Bishop Clark’s last ad limina visit, I believe, was in 2004 during the final months of Pope John Paul II’s pontificate. If indeed the U.S. bishops will be heading to Rome next year, this will be Bishop Clark’s first, and last, ad limina with Pope Benedict. I’m sure it will be a very interesting visit considering the history these two men have had together (i.e Corpus Christi schism, liturgical abuse and dissent complaints, Fr. Charles Curran, and the Holy Father’s criticisms of Clark’s imprimatur for a book that condones masturbation). It’s also possible that Bishop Clark’s upcoming retirement, which he would be required to submit around 6-8 months after this visit, may be a topic of conversation.
Very interesting.
After the visit we’ll probably hear the usual pleasantries such as “we had a nice chat and the Pope was pleased with what we’re doing in Rochester,” but it will be fun to speculate what might have truly been said in private about the state of this diocese.
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If the bishop doesn’t submit his resignation on time, have as many people as possible write to Rome reminding them of the need to see the letter, ASAP!