SOURCE: Archdiocese of Miami

This morning, upon the acceptance of Archbishop Favalora’s request to retire, Pope Benedict XVI appointed me as the fourth Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Miami.

Jesus once bid Peter “Duc in altum” (Put out into the deep). Now Peter’s successor has asked me to do the same in entrusting to me this new responsibility. I am being called back to this local Church where I was ordained a priest and where I served as a parish priest and auxiliary bishop. Humbled by the Holy Father’s confidence in me and aware of my own limitations and shortcomings, I once again ask the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, that I may worthily fulfill my new duties as the fourth Archbishop of Miami upon my installation on June 1, 2010.

While I am “coming home to Miami”, I am leaving the Diocese of Orlando where I have served almost seven years. I am deeply grateful to the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Orlando. They welcomed me and always made me feel at home in Central Florida. As I return to South Florida, I know you will welcome me and also make me feel at home again as I reacquaint myself with priests, deacons and faithful of the Archdiocese of Miami.

I am grateful to Archbishop Favalora who shortly after he arrived here to the Archdiocese appointed me as the Archdiocese Director of Catholic Charities. I had big shoes to fill – replacing Msgr. Bryan O. Walsh. And, I have big shoes to fill now. Archbishop, I was privileged to serve as your auxiliary bishop for six years. You were always a good mentor and you taught me not to be anxious for “God will provide”. I hope that I can turn to you to seek your advice and counsel from time to time. Hopefully, retirement will afford you the opportunity to be as occupied as you wish – without being preoccupied.

Those preoccupations fall on my shoulders come June 1st when I will be installed as your new Archbishop. I am told that Miami has its challenges but what else is new? The Lord tells us: “Do not be afraid” (Mt 28: 5). But the fundamental challenge that we face together is: “to show the Church’s capacity to promote and form disciples and missionaries who respond to the calling received and communicate everywhere, in an overflow of gratitude and joy, the gift of encounter with Jesus Christ. We have no other treasure but that. We have no other happiness, no other priority but being instruments of the Spirit of God, in the Church, so that Jesus Christ may be known, followed, loved, adored, and communicated to all, despite difficulties and resistances.” (Documento Conclusivo de Aparecida –V conferencia de CELAM).

When I was in Orlando, I used to tell the priests that I would not ask them to work harder than I did. To the priests of Miami, I say the same. And priests do work hard – and our people do appreciate that; and, they have every right to expect that: not that we burn ourselves out but that we burn ourselves up with love for them and for the Lord.

As I prepare to become your Archbishop, I ask all of you, auxiliary bishops, priests, deacons, religious and members of Christ’s faithful, for your prayers and for your support. I ask the same from the other faith communities of South Florida and I look forward to collaborating with them and with our civic and political leaders to promote the common good and the dignity of the human person made in the “image and likeness of God.”

John Paul II reminded us: we must remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm and look to the future with confidence. And so, with a mixture of gratitude, enthusiasm and confidence, I would like to conclude my statement this morning with these words from Pope Benedict XVI:

“There are times when the burden of need and our own limitations might tempt us to become discouraged. But precisely then we are helped by the knowledge that, in the end, we are only instruments in the Lord’s hands; and this knowledge frees us from the presumption of thinking that we alone are personally responsible for building a better world. In all humility we will do what we can, and in all humility we will entrust the rest to the Lord. It is God who governs the world, not we. We offer him our service only to the extent that we can, and for as long as he grants us the strength. To do all we can with what strength we have, however, is the task which keeps the good servant of Jesus Christ always at work: “The love of Christ urges us on” (2 Cor 5:14). Deus Caritas Est, #31

SOURCE: Archdiocese of Miami

PHOTO: The Florida Catholic

“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.

“Today the Apostolic succession continues with the naming of Bishop Thomas Wenski of the Diocese of Orlando as the Fourth Metropolitan Archbishop of Miami. With resounding joy we welcome Archbishop Wenski back home. This native son of ours served us well in the past as pastor, Director of Haitian ministry, Director of Catholic Charities and Auxiliary Bishop. The Archbishop knows us well and he is no stranger to us.

“His many pastoral gifts suit him exceptionally well to be our Chief Shepherd. His extensive understanding of and experience with Central and South America and the Caribbean Island nations will enhance the international relationships we already enjoy. His linguistic skills enable him to communicate well with our neighboring nations and Churches.”

SOURCE: Archdiocese of Miami

PHOTO: The Florida Catholic

“Jesus once bid Peter to put out into the deep. Now, Peter’s successor has asked me to do the same, entrusting to me this new responsibility. I am being called back to that local church where I was ordained a priest and where I served as a parish priest and Auxiliary Bishop. Humbled by the Holy Father’s confidence in me and aware of my own limitations shortcomings, I once again ask the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church that I may worthily fulfill my duties as the fourth Archbishop of Miami.”

For the full video, please go to the Diocese of Orlando website.

The official announcement from the Vatican Information Service:

The Holy Father:

Appointed Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, U.S.A., as metropolitan archbishop of Miami (area 12,836, population 4,299,000, Catholics 860,000, priests 397, permanent deacons 119, religious 415), U.S.A. The archbishop-elect was born in West Palm Beach, U.S.A. in 1950, he was ordained a priest in 1976 and consecrated a bishop in 1997. He succeeds Archbishop John C. Favalora, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, in accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.

The official Announcement from the Archdiocese of Miami is yet to come. Stay tuned.

SOURCE: (1) Diocese of Orlando; (2) Vatican Information Service; (3) Archdiocese of Miami [when made available]

In 1976, Wenski was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Miami. He began his priestly ministry working in a Hispanic parish in Miami and was given the opportunity to help start an outreach program for Haitian immigrants to the United States. Since that time, Bishop Wenski has become close to the people of Haiti. In recent weeks, following the devastating earthquakes in that country, Bishop Wenski has grown even closer to the people of Haiti, praying for them, crying with them, mourning with them. With Wenski now at the helm of the Archdiocese, the fraternity between the people of Miami and Haiti will only continue to grow.

As was written last week and as the people of the great Diocese of Orlando can attest to, Bishop Wenski speaks a multitude of languages that make him the perfect choice as new Archbishop of Miami–the Archbishop-designate speaks Creole, Spanish, English and Polish. In fact, as Rocco Palmo wrote yesterday on Whispers in the Loggia, Bishop Wenski is said to “‘speak, think, curse and pray’ in ‘strongly Cuban-accented’ Spanish.”

Bishop Wenski going home to serve the people of Miami is a great loss for Orlando. Bishop Wenski has been a tremendous shepherd for the Diocese of Orlando. However, as I have said before, the gifts that the Lord has given the Archbishop-designate make him the only logical choice in this instance. While he will be missed dearly in the Diocese of Orlando, we know that he will continue to hold us within his heart.

As the day goes on, please continue to pray for Archbishop-designate Wenski, Archbishop Favalora, the people of the Archdiocese of Miami, the people of the Diocese of Orlando, and the soon-to-be-chosen (hopefully) fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Orlando (no name on this one yet–there is a possibility of Orlando being a Vacant See for a few months).

PHOTO: The Florida Catholic

Archbishop William Donald Borders was a good and gentle person whom I got to know very well over Saturday evening dinners following my installation as Archbishop of Baltimore. We would discuss all of the matters that were before us and I would share my viewpoint on activities in the Archdiocese. I was particularly grateful for his insights regarding the priests and people of the Archdiocese. When I told him recently that I had left the Archdiocese after the installation of my successor, he told me that he had done the same thing as a courtesy to me. I recalled that he made a long trip to the Midwest, probably to his relatives in Indiana, at the time that I had become the Archbishop here. These simple gestures indicate the kind of person Archbishop Borders was.

Early this afternoon, Bishop Thomas Wenski, fourth Bishop of Orlando, issued the following message regarding Archbishop Borders and his legacy to the Diocese of Orlando.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Archbishop William D. Borders, first bishop of Orlando and 13th Archbishop of Baltimore, who died this morning (04/19) at 10:03. He was 96 years old. His legacy to the Diocese of Orlando will never be forgotten. As our first leader, charting new territory and responding with courage and vision to God’s call, we are grateful for his many dedicated years of service in the Lord’s name.

A statement from Bishop Francis Malooly, Bishop of Wilmington and former Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore:

“I met Archbishop Borders for the first time in 1974 during his initial days as Archbishop of Baltimore when he dropped by the parish where I was serving as an assistant pastor, just to say ‘hello.’ We have had a strong friendship ever since.

My family always enjoyed his company as well. He has spent the last 15 Christmases with my family and my nieces and nephews always enjoyed his presence at those family gatherings.

I was also blessed to get to know the Archbishop’s family; his brothers, the late Chick and Kenny, and his sister, Janet. They are a typical Midwestern Catholic family – loyal, grateful and dedicated to service.

In 1989 when I began working with him at the Archdiocese, we would meet every morning at 8:15 for coffee and conversation. It was a pleasant ritual that would continue until well after his retirement.

When I think about Archbishop Borders, I always think of a teacher. I think it’s because he spent so many years as a campus minister at Louisiana State University. He is a great listener, as reflected in his motto “I will listen that I may serve.”

No matter what difficulties he would face, he was always happy, upbeat and optimistic. His faith was so strong, nothing would get him down. He was always joyful. My bishop’s motto – ‘Rejoice in the Lord Always’ – is an attempt to imitate him.

Archbishop Borders has left his mark on the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He will be greatly missed. We find our consolation knowing that this wonderful man of God is with Jesus in heaven enjoying the reward of all good and faithful servants.”

SOURCE: (1)Archdiocese of Baltimore; (2) Diocese of Orlando; (3) Archdiocese of Baltimore

PHOTO: Baltimore Sun

]]> http://www.thomaspringle.com/2010/04/passing-of-a-good-and-gentle-person/feed/ 0 http://www.thomaspringle.com/2010/04/interesting-bit-of-news-on-miami/ http://www.thomaspringle.com/2010/04/interesting-bit-of-news-on-miami/#comments Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:49:14 +0000 Tom Pringle http://www.thomaspringle.com/?p=779 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

Friday, April 9, 2010

Thursday after Mass in Leogann where once a parish church stood we traveled across the mountains to Jacmel on Haiti’s Southeast coast. The city is known for its art and was a popular tourist destination for Haitians from Port-au-Prince.

The city’s cathedral was built in the 1840′s and part of the cultural patrimony of the nation did not collapse. However it sustained sufficient damage to render it unusable.

Other parishes in the Jacmel area were completely demolished. At the school run by Christian brothers since the 1880′s makeshift classrooms set up in the school courtyard now serve four different schools through a multiple shift schedule.

Returning to Port-au-Prince late afternoon we visited the grave of Archbishop Miyot which is next door to the provisional seminary erected in tents on land owned by the Haitian Bishops Conference.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Wednesday’s trip to Gressier on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince also included visits to Petit Goave, Grand Goave and Leogann. All towns have lost their parish churches as well as their outlying chapels (which serve the rural areas of the parishes). All but one have also lost rectories with priests now living in pup tents outside the ruins of their parishes. Schools have likewise been affected. Sessions are to resume next week for the first time since the earthquake. Classes will take place under tarps or in other make do structures

Despite the almost total destruction of infrastructure, the work of the Church continues. Priests celebrate Mass in front of the ruins of their parish churches. Dispensaries are operated under trees or from tents.

In the encampments like the one I celebrated Mass in last night people are living in Spartan conditions but still respond enthusiastically in song and prayer. Catholic Relief Services is a supportive presence – providing latrines in some areas and emergency food aid in others.

Today after an early Mass in Leogann to be celebrated on the spot where the church once stood we travel to Jacmel on Haiti’s Southeast coast. The cathedral and several of its parishes were similarly affected by the earthquake.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Tuesday we began with the celebration of Mass with the Missionaries of Charity at their convent. Then we visited the slum area of Site Soley and the works in education and health care of the Daughters of Charity. Later we visited a clinic staffed by doctors from Cuba. Accompanying me are three structural engineers so the rest of the day was occupied looking at damaged church buildings to see what may be reparable and studying what type of new construction is needed to enable the Church to continue to provide pastoral, educational and health services.

On Monday we visited Sacred Heart parish and St Francis de Sales; on Tuesday the Cathedral, St. Therese and St. Louis parishes. Next to St .Therese we visited an encampment of several thousand people where we met with a congressional delegation from the United States

Today we head out to Gressier near the epicenter of earthquake and on return to the capital I will celebrate Mass at Club Petionville, one of largest camps of people left homeless after the earthquake.

Evenings have been taken up with some “formal” dinners with church dignitaries and other officials.

As we have seen over recent days and weeks, the priesthood is taking a beating by the media as a result of the news of the sexual abuse scandals. As you go about your day, please remember those priests who have touched your life. Thank the Lord for their “yes” to serving His people. If you have the chance, thank those priests personally and let them know how much they have touched your life. Because of recent weeks, that thank you could mean something so much more than usual.

Also, please remember to pray for all the bishops of the Catholic Church who have been given the task of shepherding  the Church through these difficult days. In a special way, pray for Pope Benedict who needs more prayers than usual these days.

*****

Yesterday, the priests of the Diocese of Orlando renewed their commitment to the Catholic faithful of Central Florida. Bishop Wenski celebrated the Chrism Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. The Mass was absolutely beautiful!! At the end of Mass, as the priests began processing out of the Basilica Shrine, the people applauded–some 200 priests were in attendance. It was a very moving Mass for all those in attendance, especially the Bishop who was visibly touched by the peoples’ love for their priests.

Here are the remarks Bishop Wenski made to all the priests:

This year’s celebration of the Chrism Mass takes place within the commemoration of the 150 th anniversary of the entry into eternal life of St. John Vianney. The Church has proposed this humble parish priest of 19 th century France as a model for all priests. In designating this anniversary year as a Year for Priests – with its theme “The Fidelity of Christ, the Fidelity of Priests” – the Holy Father expressed his hope that this observance would help “all priests to identify totally with the Crucified and Risen Jesus so that, in imitation of St. John the Baptist, they may be prepared to “shrink” that Christ may grow and that, in following the example of the Curé d’Ars, they feel constantly and profoundly the responsibility of their mission, which is the sign and presence of God’s infinite mercy”.

That some few of our number have betrayed “the responsibility of their mission” is not new – for betrayal is as old as Judas; but it continues to be “news” which unfortunately is often distorted, sensationalized, and misrepresented. As Archbishop Dolan of New York said this past Sunday in commenting on the renewed attention of the secular press on cases of clerical sex abuse that date from three decades ago: “The Church is being singled out for a horror that has cursed every culture, religion, organization, school, agency and family in the world.”

But, in any case, any baptized Catholic’s failure to be responsible, to be accountable for the mission, hurts the Church. This is even more true in the case of the Church’s ordained ministers. As Pope Benedict said himself last year at the opening of the Year for Priests:

“How can we forget, in this regard, that nothing causes more suffering for the Church, the Body of Christ, than the sins of her pastors, especially the sins of those who become “thieves and robbers” of the sheep (cf. Jn 10:1 ff.), lead them astray by their own private teachings, or ensnare them in the toils of sin and death?”

Today, we priests will all renew our commitment to priestly service. To do so is not to deny our own shortcomings, our limitations and our weaknesses as if all depended on our own force and will. But, in doing so, we wish to entrust ourselves once again to the Lord who through the gift of his Spirit who has anointed us as ministers of the Word and stewards of the mysteries of faith.

That commitment, first made on the day of our ordinations, demands that we be men of prayer, mature in our choice of a life for God; it demands that we make use of the means of perseverance, such as the sacrament of confession, devotion to the Blessed Mother, and the mortification of our senses and desires for the sake of our pastoral mission.

As Pope John Paul II said: People today look to priests for the “lived word” before they look to him for the “proclaimed” word. The priest must “live by the word.” Today, we recommit ourselves to “live by the word”. And, at the same time, we wish to honor those of our number who have given us examples of priestly service and devotion “living by the word” for 50 years and for 25 years.

Celebrating 50 years of priesthood, we congratulate Monsignor Fabian Gimeno, Father Stephen Krisanda, Father Robert Kurber and Father Joseph Nolan. Celebrating 25 years of priesthood, we congratulate Fathers Ben Berinti, Ramon Bolatete, Frank Buck, Krzysztof Bugno, Pedro Cordeno, Glenn Parker and Richard Trout.

In June, God willing, I will ordain Deacon Bernard Kiritu to the priesthood – a fitting way for us in the Diocese of Orlando to close our observance of the Year for Priest. And, I say to Bernard, and to our seminarians and those who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood you can find in these men worthy mentors, guides and teachers. These men, these priests, in a variety of assignments, either here in this Diocese or elsewhere have “lived by the word” teaching, sanctifying and leading God’s people.

In the name of those people, and as your bishop, I thank you, jubiliarians, for not only the “yes” you gave to the Lord on the day of your ordination but for the “yes” of your witness, your fidelity given daily – in spite of difficulties and disappointments, in spite of trials and hardships- over years of service to God and his people.

With you and with our fellow priests we will renew the promises made on the day of our ordination when the bishop handed us the chalice and paten and said: “Receive the oblation of the holy people to be offered to God. Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate, conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.”

And, knowing that we carry this treasure in earthen vessels, we ask your prayers – deacons and holy people of God – we ask your prayers that we will faithfully carry out the ministry entrusted to us by God for you.

At this Mass, of course, we bless the Holy Oils and consecrate the Sacred Chrism. So today is also a celebration for all God’s people.

The itinerary of our lives as Catholics is marked by various anointings. As we were prepared for baptism, we were anointed with the Oil of Catechumens; then, in Baptism and Confirmation with the Sacred Chrism. Please God, at the end of our lives, we will receive a final anointing – with the Oil of the Sick so that, at that hour, the Spirit will strengthen and console us.

These oils then are closely linked to the Paschal Mystery – for through them the Holy Spirit sanctifies us, through them the Holy Spirit conforms us more perfectly to Christ, so that we might spread the fragrance of his presence throughout the world as we grow in the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me.”

*****

As we have arrived at the Triduum, pray without ceasing for our salvation is at hand. The Lord died upon the cross for the redemption of all of us. Slow things down for the rest of the week and take some time to reflect on the great gift that God the Father has sent us in Jesus Christ. Prayers for an excellent Easter Triduum for all.

Pax.

SOURCE: Diocese of Orlando

PHOTO SOURCE: ABC News

The seminarians from the Diocese of Orlando will be serving at the Chrism Mass on Wednesday, March 31. As usual, the Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. Bishop Wenski has invited all of the faithful from the Diocese of Orlando to attend. It is always a beautiful experience to witness the priests renew their vows and their commitment to serving the people of God.

After the Chrism Mass, we will all be switching gears for the celebration of the Easter Triduum. Over the last several days, I have been reminded of the few remaining days of Lent; and, well, “[our] redemption is at hand.” (Luke 21:28) We only have a few days left to reexamine ourselves to see if we are truly living our lives in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. Thank goodness He is patient.

The seminarians all return to the seminary on April 5th, which leaves a mere four weeks in the academic year. Holy Week is the last occasion we have for a little bit of rest; every chance I get, I will be spending time simply relaxing and focusing on the immensity of the message of Easter.

UPDATE: I thought you all would like this.

I am dreaming tonight of a place I love
Even more than I usually do
And although I know it’s a long road back
I promise you

I’ll be home for Easter
You can count on me
Please have flow’rs and lots of food
And the Easter Bunny

Eastertide will find you
Where the love light gleams
I’ll be home for Easter
If only in my dreams

Eastertide will find me
Where the love light gleams
I’ll be home for Easter
If only in my dreams

If only in my dreams

Pax.

PHOTO SOURCE: Getty Images