Big day today! Not only is it Friday the 13th but it’s also the 140th Anniversary of the 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg. I have always liked studying Fredericksburg because it’s one of the fights where the Irish Brigade distinguished themselves and created the legends that eventually led to the acceptance of irish folks into mainstream American society. For me, that’s pretty important.
In other news the no-good Bishop of Boston finally threw in the towel. I find it unfortunate that he was permitted to quit rather than being removed by the Pope ala MacArthur in Korea (“The son of a bitch isn’t going to be allowed to quit! He’s going to be fired!) but at least he’s gone. What I find funny is the instant commentary from the laypeople of Boston that they “hope to be allowed a say” in the choice of the next Archbishop. Um, sorry to tell you folks but Mother Church ain’t a democracy, it’s sorta kinda a top down organization starting with the big man himself (that’d be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and then to St. Peter and his successors and finally, after trickling through layers of heirarchy coming down to us poor slobs tossing dough into collection baskets. I can be in favor of the people having some say in the dispersement of our donations, hence Parish Councils and advisory boards, etc but I cannot countenance the running of the Church by the laity. That just don’t fly and if anyone thinks it could then they’re essentially dismantling the foundation of the Church. If we accept the boys at the top are closer to God, then we have to allow them the decisions and trust to God that’s he’s getting through. Sometimes I wonder, but one has to hope. Sounds to me like all this exercise of lay power is the beginnings of another schism…American Catholicism anyone? Time to burn some heretics.
In any case, don’t do anything stupid today and best of luck with the bad luck of the 13th day.
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