This afternoon, as I was putting off writing a homily for my Catechism class, I was visiting the Catholic blogs that I read everyday when I came upon this bit of interesting news regarding the next Archbishop of Miami. Thomas Peters, the American Papist, writes on CatholicVote Action the following regarding the next major appointment to come stateside: (emphasis and comments mine)
The chatter is starting to heat up in South Florida that Archbishop John Favalora, due to retire this December, may have a coadjutor appointed to his Archdiocese of Miami before then.
I am even hearing some sources (like our own Josh Mercer) speculate that Miami, as the unofficial “Capital of Latin America” [TRUE] and the seat of the Metropolitan of Florida, may be next in line for a Red Hat. [That means a Cardinal folks!!]
The name I most commonly hear for this episcopal role is Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando. He was ordained as a priest in Miami, is active in immigration issues, and has excellent Spanish-language skills as well.
If this all comes to fruition, it will be sad to see Bishop Wenski leave the Diocese of Orlando. However, because of his ability to speak Spanish and Creole, his role on speaking out for immigration reform, and the close relationship he has with the people of Haiti, our Bishop would be one of the top choices to be appointed to be Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Miami. Please pray for Bishop Wenski over the next few weeks–he will need them more than usual.
I would like to personally thank Bishop Wenski for accepting me as a seminarian for the Diocese of Orlando. I am so grateful for being given the opportunity to take this journey, which has allowed me to grow in love for Christ and His church. More than ever, stay tuned!
SOURCE: CatholicVote Action | Thomas Peters
PHOTO: Getty Images
“It was officially announced today at the Vatican that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted my letter of resignation as Archbishop of Miami. I have been privileged and blessed to serve as Metropolitan Archbishop of Miami for almost sixteen years. There is hardly a more exciting and challenging place than South Florida. As I move into retirement years, I bring with me very fond memories of my ministry with our dedicated priests and deacons, the wonderful religious and seminarians, and the faithful hard-working laity of the Archdiocese.
