Dear Blog Visitors:
I want to congratulate Salvatore Matano upon his appointment as Rochester's 9th bishop. This appointment by Pope Francis became official this morning at a press conference held by the Diocese of Rochester.
It was my great privilege to experience the friendship of Bishop Matthew Clark over the course of many years. Bishop Matano has big shoes to fill. However, I wish him well and I want to welcome him to Rochester.
Bishop Clark made great strides in terms of setting inclusive policies for the Diocese of Rochester, in spite of Vatican restrictions. However, it is very encouraging that our current pontiff has given us hope for a church that embraces diversity, as opposed to the top-down model we are used to seeing.
Salvatore Matano was born in 1946, which means he won't be a long-term bishop of Rochester. (Bishops are required to submit resignation papers to the Vatican at age 75.) However, even as a transitional bishop, he can have an impact on the future of our diocese.
As a married priest, independent of Rome, I continue to hope for the day when women priests and married priests can stand at the altar alongside celibate priests. There is little Bishop Matano can do about that dream, but I hope he will at least follow the example of inclusivity set by his predecessor, Bishop Matthew Clark.
Bishop Clark made great strides in terms of setting inclusive policies for the Diocese of Rochester, in spite of Vatican restrictions. However, it is very encouraging that our current pontiff has given us hope for a church that embraces diversity, as opposed to the top-down model we are used to seeing.
Salvatore Matano was born in 1946, which means he won't be a long-term bishop of Rochester. (Bishops are required to submit resignation papers to the Vatican at age 75.) However, even as a transitional bishop, he can have an impact on the future of our diocese.
As a married priest, independent of Rome, I continue to hope for the day when women priests and married priests can stand at the altar alongside celibate priests. There is little Bishop Matano can do about that dream, but I hope he will at least follow the example of inclusivity set by his predecessor, Bishop Matthew Clark.
It is not my intention to get involved in any of the politics surrounding the appointment of Rochester's new bishop. I simply wish Bishop Matano good luck, and may the Holy Spirit guide him toward a path of humbleness and pastoral leadership in ways that serve the Diocese of Rochester well.
Peace to all,
Ray
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