David′s Ruminations: December 2009

22 December 2009

Overview of the Overviews

I have finished the overviews of the Latin-Rite Provinces in the USA. These overviews were written over the last few days and are looking over the next year or two, roughly through the end of 2011.

Here is a post giving some notes on my thinking on this process.

Here is a quick list of all the overviews:

21 December 2009

Overview: Province of Washington (DC) and the American Virgin Islands

This province is composed of just two jurisdictions. The metropolitan is the Archdiocese of Washington (DC) and the one suffragan is the Diocese of Saint Thomas, American Virgin Islands.

Archbishop Donald William Wuerl (69) is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Washington. His predecessor, Theodore Edgar Cardinal McCarrick, turns 80 in July. If the consistory to create cardinals next year is held after that date, then Archbishop Wuerl will very likely be on the list. However, if it is held before then, it is much less likely.

The archdiocese has three active auxiliary bishop: Bishop Francisco González Valer, S.F. (70); Bishop Martin David Holley, who turns 55 on New Year's Eve; and Bishop Barry Christopher Knestout (47).

The Diocese of Saint Thomas is led by Bishop Herbert Armstrong Bevard (63).

Except for the possibility of adding a red hat, there is not likely to be any changes in the hierarchy of this province in the coming year. Bishop Holley is approaching an age and length of service where he may be considered for other posts.

Overview: Province of Washington (State)

The Province of the state of Washington includes the metropolitan - the Archdiocese of Seattle - and its 2 suffragan Dioceses: Spokane and Yakima.

Archbishop Alexander Joseph Brunett is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Seattle. He turns 76 in January. He is very likely to retire and have his replacement named in the coming year.

The archdiocese also has two active auxiliary bishops: Bishop Eusebio L. Elizondo Almaguer, M.Sp.S. (55) and Bishop Joseph Jude Tyson (52).

The Diocese of Spokane is led by Bishop William Stephen Skylstad (75). He celebrates 50 years as a priest in May. That might be an appropriate time for his retirement to be accepted and his replacement named. Certainly it will be in the next year.

Bishop Carlos Arthur Sevilla, S.J. is the head of the Diocese of Yakima. He reaches the normal retirement age in August. Last January he celebrated 20 years as a bishop. He too is likely to retire and have his replacement named in the next year or two.

This province is the only one that is likely to see all of its ordinaries replaced in the next year or two. The two auxiliaries may be candidates, although their length of service is on the low end of the normal range.

Overview: Province of Arizona and New Mexico

The province is composed of the metropolitan, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with its 4 suffragan dioceses: Gallup, Las Cruces, Phoenix, and Tucson. The first two are in New Mexico, the latter two cover the state of Arizona.

Archbishop Michael Jarboe Sheehan (70) is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. He celebrated 45 years as a priest last summer.

The Diocese of Gallup has Bishop James Sean Wall (45) as its ordinary.

Bishop Ricardo Ramirez, C.S.B. (73) is the first ordinary of the Diocese of Las Cruces. He reaches the normal retirement age in September 2011.

The Diocese of Phoenix is led by Bishop Thomas James Olmsted (62). His age and length of service makes him likely to be considered for other posts.

Bishop Gerald Frederick Kicanas (68) is the head of the Diocese of Tucson. He will celebrate 15 years as a bishop in March.

This province is not likely to see in changes in its hierarchy in the next year. But the year after this will likely see the retirement and replacement of Bishop Ramirez.

Overview: Province of N California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah

This province is composed of the metropolitan, the Archdiocese of San Francisco, California, along with its 9 suffragan dioceses, namely: Honolulu, Hawaii; Las Vegas, Nevada; Oakland; Reno, Nevada; Sacramento; Salt Lake City, Utah; San Jose; Santa Rosa; and Stockton; all in the state of California unless otherwise indicated.

Archbishop George Hugh Niederauer (73) is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, California. He will celebrate 15 years as a bishop in January. He reaches the normal retirement age in June 2011.

The archdiocese also has an active auxiliary bishop: Bishop William Joseph Justice (67).

The Diocese of Honolulu, Hawaii is led by Bishop Clarence Richard Silva (60). He will celebrate 35 years as a priest in May.

Bishop Joseph Anthony Pepe (67) is the head of the Diocese of Las Vegas, Nevada. He celebrates 40 years as a priest in May. He is at an age and length of service that makes him more likely to be considered for other posts.

The Diocese of Oakland, California is headed by Bishop Salvatore Joseph Cordileone (53).

Bishop Randolph Roque Calvo (59) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Reno, Nevada.

The Diocese of Sacramento, California is led by Bishop Jaime Soto who turns 54 on New Year's Eve. He will celebrate 10 years as a bishop in May.

Bishop John Charles Wester (59) is the head of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Diocese of San Jose in California has as its ordinary Bishop Patrick Joseph McGrath (64). He celebrated 20 years as a bishop last January and will celebrate 40 years as a priest next June.

Bishop Daniel Francis Walsh (72) is the leader of the Diocese of Santa Rosa in California.

The Diocese of Stockton, California is led by Bishop Stephen Edward Blaire who turns 68 tomorrow. He will celebrate 20 years as a bishop in May.

After several changes in the last several years, this province is likely to be stable in the short term. In a year and a half, Archbishop Niederauer reaches the normal retirement age. The following year Bishop Walsh does the same.

Overview: Province of NW Texas

The province's metropolitan is the Archdiocese of San Antonio. It has 7 suffragan dioceses: Amarillo, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Laredo,
Lubbock, and San Angelo; all in the state of Texas.

Archbishop José Horacio Gómez is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. He turns 58 later this week. The archdiocese also has an active auxiliary bishop: Bishop Oscar Cantú (43).

The Diocese of Amarillo has Bishop Patrick James Zurek (61) as its ordinary. He will celebrate 35 years as a priest in June.

Bishop Kevin Joseph Farrell (62) is the head of the Diocese of Dallas.

The Diocese of El Paso has as its ordinary Bishop Armando Xavier Ochoa (66). His 40th anniversary of ordination as a priest is in May.

Bishop Kevin William Vann (58) is the leader of the Diocese of Fort Worth. He will celebrate 5 years as a bishop in July.

The Diocese of Laredo is led by Bishop James Anthony Tamayo (60). He is at an age and length of service where he is likely to be considered for other posts.

Bishop Plácido Rodriguez, C.M.F. (69) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Lubbock.

The Diocese of San Angelo is headed by Bishop Michael David Pfeifer, O.M.I. (72). Today is his 45th anniversary of becoming a priest. His 25th anniversary of being consecrated a bishop is in July.

This province is not likely to see any major changes in the next year or two with the possible exception of Bishop Tamayo as noted earlier.

Overview: Province of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota

The province is composed of the metropolitan, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, along with nine suffragan dioceses: Bismarck (North Dakota), Crookston, Duluth, Fargo, New Ulm, Rapid City (South Dakota), Saint Cloud, Sioux Falls (North Dakota), and Winona. All are in Minnesota except where indicated.

Archbishop John Clayton Nienstedt (62) is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. In addition there is an auxiliary bishop, Bishop Lee Anthony Piché (51).

The Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota is led by Bishop Paul Albert Zipfel (74). He celebrated 20 years as a bishop last summer. His retirement and the naming of a replacement is likely in the next year or so.

Bishop Michael Joseph Hoeppner (60) is the head of the Diocese of Crookston, Minnesota. He will celebrate 35 years as a priest in June.

The Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota has Bishop Paul David Sirba (49) as its ordinary. He was consecrated a bishop last week.

Bishop Samuel Joseph Aquila (59) heads the Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota. He is also at the length of experience and age where he might well be considered for other posts. Although he would be the first ordinary from this diocese to move on.

The Diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota is led by Bishop John Marvin LeVoir (63).

Bishop Blase Joseph Cupich (60) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota. He is also at an age and experience that he might well be considered for other posts.

The Diocese of Saint Cloud, Minnesota is led by Bishop John Francis Kinney (72).

Bishop Paul Joseph Swain (66) is the head of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The Diocese of Winona, Minnesota has as its ordinary Bishop John Michael Quinn (64).

Overall this province has seen a good number of changes to its hierarchy in the last two years. The only likely retirement in the coming year or so is Bishop Zipfel. Beyond that, there are bishops (Aquila and Cupich) that might be considered for other posts in the next few years.

Overview: Province of Missouri

This province consists of the metropolitan, the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, along with its suffragans: Jefferson City, Kansas City-Saint Joseph, and Springfield-Cape Girardeau, all in the state of Missouri.

Archbishop Robert James Carlson (65) is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis. He will celebrate 40 years as a priest in May.

The archdiocese also has Bishop Robert Joseph Hermann (75) as an auxiliary bishop. His retirement is likely to be accepted in the next year.

The Diocese of Jefferson City is led by Bishop John Raymond Gaydos (66). If he were to be considered for another post, which would be a first for this diocese, it would likely be in the next year or two.

Bishop Robert William Finn (56) is the head of the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph. He celebrated 5 years as a bishop and 30 as a priest earlier this year.

Bishop James Vann Johnston, Jr. (50) is the head of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.

While none of the ordinaries of this province are likely to change in the next year or two, St. Louis is likely to see the retirement of its auxiliary and the naming of one or more replacements.

Overview: Province of Idaho, Montana, and Oregon

This province is composed of the metropolitan, the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, along with its four suffragans: Baker (in Oregon), Boise City (in Idaho), Great Falls-Billings (Montana) and Helena (Montana).

Archbishop John George Vlazny (72) is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. The archdiocese also has an auxiliary bishop: Bishop Kenneth Donald Steiner (73).

The Diocese of Baker is led by Bishop Robert Francis Vasa (58). His 10th anniversary of consecration as a bishop is in January. He is at an age and experience level that he might be considered for other posts. Curiously, his only predecessor that did that was the first, Bishop O'Reilly, who became the Bishop of Lincoln, Nebraska. That is also where Bishop Vasa served as a priest.

Bishop Michael Patrick Driscoll (70) is the leader of the Diocese of Boise City. He will celebrate 20 years as a bishop in March.

The Diocese of Great Falls-Billings is led by Bishop Michael William Warfel (61). He will celebrate 30 years as a priest in April.

Bishop George Leo Thomas (59) is the head of the Diocese of Helena. He also celebrates his 10th anniversary as a bishop in January.

Overall, it seems likely that this province will be quite stable in terms of its hierarchy for the next year or two. The one possible exception being Bishop Vasa as mentioned before.

Overview: Province of Pennsylvania

This province is composed of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the metropolitan, and 7 suffragan Dioceses: Allentown, Altoona-Johnstown, Erie, Greensburg, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and Scranton; all in the state of Pennsylvania.

Justin Francis Cardinal Rigali (74) is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He will celebrate 25 years as a bishop in September. He reaches the normal retirement age in April, but since he is a cardinal, he may will serve another year or two.

The archdiocese has four active auxiliaries: Bishop Robert Patrick Maginnis (76), Bishop Joseph Patrick McFadden (62), Bishop Timothy Christian Senior (49), and Bishop Daniel Edward Thomas (50). The retirement of Bishop Maginnis could occur at any time, but certainly within the next year.

The Diocese of Allentown is led by Bishop John Oliver Barres (49). He celebrated 20 years as a priest last September.

Bishop Joseph Victor Adamec (74) is the head of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. He will celebrate 50 years as a priest in July and reaches the normal retirement age the following month. His retirement and the naming a replacement is also likely in the coming year.

The Diocese of Erie is headed by Bishop Donald Walter Trautman (73). He will celebrate 25 years as a bishop in April.

Bishop Lawrence Eugene Brandt (70) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Greensburg. He celebrated 40 years as a priest a few days ago.

The Diocese of Harrisburg is currently vacant. It will likely receive its new bishop in the coming year.

Bishop David Allen Zubik (60) is the head of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. There are currently no active auxiliary bishops - that may well change in the coming year.

The Diocese of Scranton is currently vacant. It will likely receive its new bishop in the coming year.

This province is likely to see quite a number of changes in the coming year - and even more over the next several years. There are already 2 vacancies plus 3 ordinaries will reach the normal retirement age rather soon.

Overview: Provine of Nebraska

This province covers the state of Nebraska and is composed of the metropolitan Archdiocese of Omaha and its suffragan Dioceses of Grand Island and Lincoln.

Archbishop George Joseph Lucas (60) is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Omaha. He celebrated 10 years as a bishop a week ago.

The Diocese of Grand Island is led by Bishop William Joseph Dendinger (70). He celebrated his 5th anniversary of consecration as a bishop last week as well.

Bishop Fabian Wendelin Bruskewitz (74) is the head of the Diocese of Lincoln. He will celebrate 50 years as a priest in July. He will reach the normal retirement age in September. His retirement and the naming of his replacement is likely late next year or early in 2011.

Other than the new ordinary for Lincoln, this province is likely to be stable for several more years.

Overview: Province of Oklahoma and Arkansas

This province is composed of the metropolitan Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and its two suffragan Dioceses: Little Rock, Arkansas and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Archbishop Eusebius Joseph Beltran (75) is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. He will celebrate 50 years as a priest in May. Since he has reached the normal retirement age, it is likely that his retirement and the naming of his replacement will occur in the coming year.

The Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas is led by Bishop Anthony Basil Taylor (55). He will celebrate 30 years as a priest in August.

Bishop Edward James Slattery (69) is the leader of the Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Obviously the big change anticipated in the province in the coming year is the naming of a new ordinary for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. No other change is likely in that time frame.

20 December 2009

Overview: Province of New York

The province has as its metropolitan the Archdiocese of New York. It also has 7 suffragan Dioceses, all in the state of New York, namely: Albany, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Ogdensburg, Rochester, Rockville Centre, and Syracuse.

Archbishop Timothy Michael Dolan (59) serves as the Archbishop of New York. His predecessor, Edward Michael Cardinal Egan, is 77 - meaning he doesn't lose his vote in a conclave until 2012. Which suggests that Archbishop Dolan will not receive a red hat in 2010.

The Archdiocese also has 4 active Auxiliary Bishops: Bishop Josu Iriondo (71), Bishop Dominick John Lagonegro (66), Bishop Dennis Joseph Sullivan (64), and Bishop Gerald Thomas Walsh (67). Of those, Bishop Lagonegro seems the most likely to be considered for another appointment in the next year or two.

The Diocese of Albany is led by Bishop Howard James Hubbard (71). Like all but one of his predecessors, he is likely to remain in that see.

Bishop Nicholas Anthony DiMarzio (65) is the head of the Diocese of Brooklyn. The diocese also has four active auxiliary bishops: Bishop Frank Joseph Caggiano (50), Bishop Ignatius Anthony Catanello (71), Bishop Octavio Cisneros (64), and Bishop Guy A. Sansaricq (75). The retirement of the last bishop on that list is likely in the next year or two.

The Diocese of Buffalo is headed by Bishop Edward Urban Kmiec (73). He is assisted by Auxiliary Bishop Edward Michael Grosz (64) who may be considered a candidate for another post this year. He will also celebrate 20 years as a bishop in February.

The Diocese of Ogdensburg is currently vacant. It is very likely to receive its new bishop in the coming year.

The Diocese of Rochester is led by Bishop Matthew Harvey Clark (72). He celebrated 30 years as a priest last May.

Bishop William Francis Murphy (69) is the head of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Last week he celebrated 45 years as a priest.

The diocese also has three active auxiliary bishops: Bishop John Charles Dunne (72), Bishop Peter Anthony Libasci (58), and Bishop Paul Henry Walsh (72).

The Diocese of Syracuse has as its ordinary Bishop Robert Joseph Cunningham (66). He celebrated 40 years as a priest last May.

Other than filling the vacancy and the retirement of an auxiliary, this province isn't likely to see many changes in the next year or two. However, in the next few years after that 3 ordinaries and 4 more auxiliaries will reach the retirement age.

Overview: Province of Louisiana

This province is composed of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the metropolitan, and its suffragan Dioceses of: Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Houma-Thibodaux, Lafayette, Lake Charles, and Shreveport; all in the state of Louisiana.

Archdiocese of New Orleans is led by Archbishop Gregory Michael Aymond (60). Next May he will celebrate 35 years as a priest.

The archdiocese also has an active auxiliary bishop: Bishop Shelton Joseph Fabre (46).

Bishop Ronald Paul Herzog (67) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Alexandria. His 5th anniversary of consecration as a bishop is in January.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge is headed by Bishop Robert William Muench who turns 67 next week. He is at an age and length of service that makes him more likely to be considered for other appointments.

Bishop Sam Gallip Jacobs (71) is leader of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Last summer he celebrated 20 years as a bishop.

The Diocese of Lafayette is led by Bishop Charles Michael Jarrell (69).

Bishop Glen John Provost (60) is the head of the Diocese of Lake Charles. He will celebrate 35 years as a priest next June.

The Diocese of Shreveport is led by Bishop Michael Gerard Duca (57).

This province is likely to be quite stable for the next year or so. Only one of the group (Bishop Muench) is at an age and length of service that makes him a likely candidate for other posts.

Overview: Province of New Jersey

This province is composed of the metropolitan, the Archdiocese of Newark, and its suffragan Dioceses of: Camden, Metuchen, Paterson, and Trenton; all in the state of New Jersey.

Archbishop John Joseph Myers (68) is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Newark. The archdiocese also has four active auxiliary bishops: Bishop Manuel Aurelio Cruz (56), Bishop Edgar Moreira da Cunha, S.D.V. (52), Bishop Gaetano Aldo (Thomas) Donato (69), and Bishop John Walter Flesey (67).

The Diocese of Camden is led by Bishop Joseph Anthony Galante (71). He celebrated 45 years as a priest last May.

Bishop Paul Gregory Bootkoski (69) is the head of the Diocese of Metuchen.

The Diocese of Paterson has as its ordinary Bishop Arthur Joseph Serratelli (65).

Bishop John Mortimer Fourette Smith is the leader of the Diocese of Trenton. He will reach the normal retirement age of 75 next June. His retirement and the naming of his replacement will likely occur in the next year or so.

Other than the last bishop mentioned, no other changes seem likely in this province in the next year or so. After that, however, several of the ordinaries and auxiliaries will have reached a length of time in their post when they become more likely to be considered for other appointments.

Overview: Province of Alabama and Mississippi

This province contains the metropolitan Archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama along with the suffragan Dioceses of: Biloxi, Mississippi; Birmingham, Alabama; and Jackson, Mississippi.

The Archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama is led by Archbishop Thomas John Rodi (60).

Bishop Roger Paul Morin (68) is the leader of the Diocese of Biloxi. He has been serving in that role since April of this year.

The Diocese of Birmingham has as its ordinary, Bishop Robert Joseph Baker (65). He celebrated 10 years as a bishop last September.

Bishop Joseph Nunzio Latino (72) has been serving as the Bishop of Jackson since 2003.

The province has seen incredible change in the last 7 years. Every bishop has been appointed in that time frame. That should change for at least a few years, until Bishop Latino reaches the normal retirement age in 2012.

Overview: Province of Wisconsin

The province is composed of the metropolitan, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, along with its suffragan Dioceses: Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, and Superior; all in the state of Wisconsin.

Archbishop Jerome Edward Listecki (60) is the new ordinary of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. His installation will take place in a fortnight.

The archdiocese has two auxiliary bishops: Bishop William Patrick Callahan, O.F.M. Conv. (59) and Bishop Richard John Sklba, who reaches the normal retirement age in September. This very weekend he also celebrated both 50 years as a priest and 30 years as a bishop.

The Diocese of Green Bay is led by Bishop David Laurin Ricken (57). It also has an auxiliary bishop: Bishop Robert Fealey Morneau (71).

The Diocese of La Crosse is currently vacant, its previous leader was the new metropolitan. His replacement in this post is likely to be named this coming year.

The Diocese of Madison is led by Bishop Robert Charles Morlino who will turn 63 on New Years Eve. In September he celebrated his 10th anniversary of being consecrated a bishop.

Bishop Peter Forsyth Christensen (who will turn 57 on Christmas Eve) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Superior.

This province is likely to see only one ordinary change in the coming year - a new leader for La Crosse.

Overview: Province of Florida

This province has as its metropolitan the Archdiocese of Miami along with the suffragan Dioceses of: Orlando, Palm Beach, Pensacola-Tallahassee, Saint Augustine, Saint Petersburg, and Venice, all in the state of Florida.

The Archdiocese of Miami is led by Archbishop John Clement Favalora (74). He will reach the normal retirement age in December 2010. A retirement in 2011 is likely.

The archdiocese also has two active auxiliary bishops: Bishop Felipe de Jesús Estevez (63) and Bishop John Gerard Noonan (58).

Bishop Thomas Gerard Wenski (59) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Orlando. He has held his current post for 5 years.

The Diocese of Palm Beach has as its ordinary Bishop Gerald Michael Barbarito who turned 60 in a fortnight. His age and length at his current post may him a likely candidate for other posts.

Bishop John Huston Ricard, S.S.J. (69) is the head of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. This past July he celebrated 25 years as a bishop. He may be the first ordinary in the Diocese's history to not be appointed to another post.

The Diocese of Saint Augustine is headed by Bishop Victor Benito Galeone who turns 75 next September. He may well retire and have his replacement named in the coming year or the year after.

Bishop Robert Nugent Lynch (68) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.

The Diocese of Venice has been led by Bishop Frank Joseph Dewane (59) for almost three years.

Overall, the province is likely to be very stable in terms of hierarchy for the next year. But then the two retirements become likely, perhaps by this time next year.

Overview: Province of Kentucky and Tennessee

This province is composed of the metropolitan Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky along with the suffragan Dioceses of: Covington, Kentucky; Knoxville, Tennessee; Lexington, Kentucky; Memphis, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee; and Owensboro, Kentucky.

Archbishop Joseph Edward Kurtz (63) is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Louisville. He celebrated 10 years as a bishop earlier this month.

The Diocese of Covington, Kentucky is led by Bishop Roger Joseph Foys (64). He is at an age and length of service that will likely make him a candidate for other posts.

The Diocese of Knoxville has Bishop Richard Frank Stika (52) as its leader. In about a year from now he'll be celebrating 25 years as a priest.

Bishop Ronald William Gainer (62) is the Bishop of Lexington. His length of service and age also make him a possible candidate for other posts.

The Diocese of Memphis, Tennessee is headed by Bishop James Terry Steib, S.V.D. (69). He celebrated 25 years as a bishop last February.

Bishop David Raymond Choby (62) is serving as Bishop of Nashville.

The Diocese of Owensboro, Kentucky is to led by Bishop William Francis Medley (57). His ordination is scheduled for February.

Overall this province is not likely to see many changes in the coming year. However, there are a couple of bishops that are likely to be candidates for other posts.

Overview: Province of S California

This province is composed of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (the metropolitan) and its five suffragan Dioceses: Fresno, Monterey, Orange, San Bernardino, and San Diego; all in the state of California.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is led by Roger Michael Cardinal Mahony (73). There are currently 6 active auxiliaries for the Archdiocese: Bishop Edward William Clark (63); Bishop Thomas John Curry (66); Bishop Alexander Salazar (60); Bishop Oscar Azarcon Solis (56); Bishop Gerald Eugene Wilkerson (70); and Bishop Gabino Zavala (58). Of those, Bishops Clark, Salazar, and Zavala seem the most likely to be considered for other posts in the next year or two.

Bishop John Thomas Steinbock (72) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Fresno. This year he celebrated 25 years as a bishop.

The Diocese of Monterey in California is headed by Bishop Richard John Garcia (62).

Bishop Tod David Brown (73) is the Bishop of Orange in California. He celebrated his 20 anniversary of being consecrated a bishop last April.

The diocese also has two auxiliary bishops: Bishop Cirilo Flores (61) and Bishop Bishop Dominic Mai Luong who turned 69 today.

The Diocese of San Bernardino has as its ordinary Bishop Gerald Richard Barnes (64). The diocese also has an auxiliary bishop: Bishop Rutilio Del Riego Jáñez (69). He will celebrate 45 years as a priest next year.

Bishop Robert Henry Brom (71) is the leader of the Diocese of San Diego.

Overall, this province is not likely to see any changes to the hierarchy in the coming year or two. But within the next 5 years, you will have the metropolitan and 3 of the 5 suffragan bishops reach the retirement age.

That will be quite a change for a province that has only seen one new ordinary in the last decade.

Overview: Province of Kansas

The province of Kansas is composed of the metropolitan Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and is 3 suffragan Dioceses: Dodge City, Salina, and Wichita.

This is my home province (I live in the Archdiocese) - but I'll try to be impartial :-)

Archbishop Joseph Fred Naumann (60) has been serving as Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas for almost 5 years (anniversary is in January). I would not anticipate any change for the next couple of years.

The Diocese of Dodge City is led by Bishop Ronald Michael Gilmore (67). He celebrated 40 years as a priest last summer.

Bishop Paul Stagg Coakley (54) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Salina. The 5th anniversary of being consecrated a bishop is next week.

The Diocese of Wichita is headed by Bishop Michael Owen Jackels (55). His 5th anniversary of being consecrated a bishop is next April.

This province is not likely to see any changes to its hierarchy in the next year or two.

Overview: Province of Indiana

The province is composed of the metropolitan, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, and 4 suffragan Dioceses, namely: Evansville, Fort Wayne-South Bend, Gary, and Lafayette; all in Indiana.

Archbishop Daniel Mark Buechlein, O.S.B. (71) is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. He celebrated 45 years as a priest this year.

The Diocese of Evansville is led by Bishop Gerald Andrew Gettelfinger who reaches 75 next October. His retirement may come in 2010, or perhaps after he celebrates 50 years as a priest in May 2011.

Bishop Kevin Carl Rhoades (52) is due to be installed as the ordinary of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend in January. He celebrated 5 years as a bishop earlier this month.

The Diocese of Gary is led by Bishop Dale Joseph Melczek (71). He celebrated 45 years as a priest last summer.

Bishop William Leo Higi (76) is the head of the Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana. This past year he celebrated both 50 years as a priest and 25 years as a bishop. He will likely retire and have his replacement named in the coming year.

The province has seen one new face recently arrive and will likely see every other ordinary replaced in the next 5 years as each in turn reaches the retirement age.

Overview: Province of Connecticut and Rhode Island

This province is made up of the metropolitan, the Archdiocese of Hartford, and the suffragan Dioceses of Bridgeport, Norwich, and Providence. Everything is in the state of Connecticut with the exception of Providence which covers the state of Rhode Island.

Archbishop Henry Joseph Mansell (72) is the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut.

The Archdiocese has two active auxiliary bishops: Bishop Christie Albert Macaluso (64) and Bishop Peter Anthony Rosazza, who turns 75 in February.

Bishop Macaluso is at an age and time in post that makes him likely to be considered for other appointments.

The Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut is led by Bishop William Edward Lori (58). Of his 3 predecessors, 2 were named to other posts - a fate which may befall Bishop Lori as well. If so, the next year or two would be a likely time for it to occur.

Bishop Michael Richard Cote (60) is the leader of the Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut. He has been in place for almost 7 years. He may also become a candidate for other dioceses.

The Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island is headed by Bishop Thomas Joseph Tobin (61). He is assisted by an auxiliary bishop: Bishop Robert Charles Evans (62) who was consecrated a bishop last week.

In this province, the only obvious upcoming change is the likely retirement of Bishop Rosazza. But there are several other bishops that are likely candidates for other posts.

Overview: Province of SE Texas

This province, the newest in the USA, has seen a lot in its five years of existence (the anniversary is next week). The metropolitan is the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston with the following suffragans: Austin, Beaumont, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Tyler, and Victoria; all in the state of Texas.

Daniel Nicholas Cardinal DiNardo (60), the youngest Cardinal in the USA, serves as the Archbishop of Galveston-Houston. He has been the ordinary since 2006.

The archdiocese also has an Auxiliary Bishop: Bishop José Stephen Vásquez (52). With his age and length of service, he is likely to be considered for other posts.

The Diocese of Austin is now vacant after its former ordinary, Archbishop Gregory Michael Aymond, was named Archbishop of New Orleans last summer. The diocese should receive its new bishop in the coming year. Perhaps this time it will be a priest of the diocese itself.

Bishop Curtis John Guillory, S.V.D. (66) is the leader of the Diocese of Beaumont. His age and time in post also suggests that he might be a candidate for other dioceses.

The Diocese of Brownsville will be installing its new bishop, Bishop Daniel Ernest Flores (48), in February.

Bishop Edmond Carmody is the ordinary of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. He celebrates his 76th birthday in January. He is likely to retire and have a replacement named in the coming year.

The Diocese of Tyler is led by Bishop Alvaro Corrada del Rio, S.J. (67). He will celebrate 25 years as a bishop in August. If he were to be moved to another diocese, it would likely be sooner than later.

Bishop David Eugene Fellhauer (70) is the head of the Diocese of Victoria in Texas. He will be celebrating his 20th anniversary as a bishop in May.

Overall the province has seen an amazing amount of changes in the last decade. Two more dioceses likely to receive new bishops in the coming year, but after that it may become more stable for a while. Although it does have at least two bishops that are likely to be considered for other posts.

Overview: Province of Iowa

This province is composed of the metropolitan Archdiocese of Dubuque and its 3 suffragan Dioceses: Davenport, Des Moines, and Sioux City; all in the state of Iowa.

Archbishop Jerome George Hanus, O.S.B. (69) has been serving as the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Dubuque since 1995. Only one of his predecessors was moved to another diocese (Archbishop Binz in 1961) - and there seems little chance of it happening with Archbishop Hanus.

The Diocese of Davenport is led by Bishop Martin John Amos who turned 68 earlier this month. He has been in his current post a bit over three years.

Bishop Richard Edmund Pates (66) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Des Moines.

Bishop Ralph Walker Nickless (62) has been the ordinary of the Diocese of Sioux City for about 4 years now.

This province is likely to be one of the most stable in the coming years.

Overview: Province of Michigan

This province is composed of the Archdiocese of Detroit (the metropolitan) along with the dioceses of Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, and Saginaw as suffragans, all in the state of Michigan.

Archbishop Allen Henry Vigneron (61) is the ordinary for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Since the former ordinary, Adam Joseph Cardinal Maida, turns 80 in March of the coming year, Archbishop Vigneron is likely to be named a Cardinal if the consistory is held after that date.

The Archdiocese is down to a single active Auxiliary Bishop: Bishop Francis Ronald Reiss (69). It is likely that several more will be added in the coming year or two.

The Diocese of Gaylord is led by Bishop Bernard Anthony Hebda (50). His consecration as bishop was held on the 1st of this month.

Bishop Walter Allison Hurley (72) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. He will celebrate 45 years as a priest next June.

Bishop Paul Joseph Bradley (64) is the leader of the Diocese of Kalamazoo. He is also a recent addition to this province, having previously served as an Auxiliary Bishop in Pittsburgh.

The Diocese of Lansing is led by Bishop Earl Alfred Boyea, Jr. (58). While none of his predecessors were transferred, he might be the first, but probably not in the next several years.

Bishop Alexander King Sample (49) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Marquette. He will celebrate 20 years as a priest next June.

Finally, the Diocese of Saginaw is led by Bishop Joseph Robert Cistone (60). His 35th anniversary of being ordained a priest falls in May. He will likely remain the ordinary here for many years. (Granted I said the same thing about his predecessor who is now the Archbishop of St. Louis, Missoui!)

After all of the changes this province has seen in the last few years, it is likely to be much more stable in the next few. The only changes I expect are a red hat and several new auxiliary bishops for Detroit.

Overview: Province of Colorado and Wyoming

This province consists of the metropolitan Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado along with its suffragans, namely: Cheyenne, Wyoming; Colorado Springs, and Pueblo, Colorado.

Archbishop Charles Joseph Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. (65) has been the ordinary for over 12 years. If there was to be a "surprize" USA cardinal created next year, he would be my first guess.

The Archdiocese also has an auxiliary bishop, Bishop James Douglas Conley (54).

The Diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming is now led by Bishop Paul Dennis Etienne (50). He was consecrated a bishop earlier this month.

Bishop Michael John Sheridan (64) is the head of the Diocese of Colorado Springs. He served as a priest and auxiliary bishop in St. Louis, Missouri before coming here in 2001. He is at an age and length of service where he could easily be considered for other posts.

The Diocese of Pueblo, Colorado now has Bishop Fernando Isern as its ordinary. He was also consecrated a bishop earlier this month.

With the province's two new ordinaries, it could be stable for a while. Although Bishop Sheridan and Archbishop Chaput might go the way of Bishop Ricken and be transferred.

Overview: Province of Ohio

This province consists of the metropolitan Archdiocese of Cincinnati along with its suffragan dioceses, namely: Cleveland, Columbus, Steubenville, Toledo, and Youngstown.

Archbishop Daniel Edward Pilarczyk (75) leads the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Ohio. Today he celebrated 50 years as a priest and 35 years as a bishop. He has had a coadjutor for a bit over a year, Archbishop Dennis Marion Schnurr (61). I would not be surprized if Archbishop Pilarczyk retired before the end of this year, or perhaps early next year.

The Diocese of Cleveland is currently led by Bishop Richard Gerard Lennon (62). He served as a priest and then Auxiliary Bishop of Boston before becoming the ordinary here in 2006. Bishop Roger William Gries, O.S.B. (72) serves as an Auxiliary Bishop. Neither is likely to be transferred in the coming year or two.

Bishop Frederick Francis Campbell (66) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Columbus. He will celebrate 30 years as a priest in May. He is at an age and length of service will he may will be considered for other posts.

The Diocese of Steubenville is headed by Bishop Robert Daniel Conlon who turned 61 earlier this month. While the diocese has never had an ordinary appointed to another diocese, he could easily be the first, and in the next year or two.

Bishop Leonard Paul Blair (60) leads the Diocese of Toledo. He celebrated 10 years as a bishop this past August. He also could be considered a candidate for other posts.

The Diocese of Youngstown had Bishop George Vance Murry, S.J. as the ordinary. He turns 61 later this month.

This province is very likely to see changes to its hierarchy in the coming year, not only in Cincinnati, but with one or more of the suffragan bishops likely to be considered for other positions.

P.S. The day after the above post was written, Archbishop Pilarczyk retired and Archbishop Schnurr succeeded him.

Overview: Province of Illinois

The province consists of the metropolitan, the Archdiocese of Chicago, and the following suffragan dioceses: Belleville, Joliet in Illinois, Peoria, Rockford, and Springfield in Illinois.

The Archdiocese of Chicago, Illinois is led by Francis Eugene Cardinal George, O.M.I. who turns 73 in mid-January. The archdiocese also has six active Auxiliary Bishops: Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M.Sp.S. (53); Bishop Francis Joseph Kane (67); Bishop John Raymond Manz (64); Bishop Thomas John Joseph Paprocki (57); Bishop Joseph Nathaniel Perry (61); and Bishop George James Rassas (67).

All but the last on that list are at an age and length of service where they would likely be considered for other posts.

Bishop Edward Kenneth Braxton (65) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Belleville. Although the last two ordinaries of this diocese become Archbishops elsewhere, they were younger upon becoming the ordinary here. If the same fate befalls Bishop Braxton, it will likely not be for a couple more years.

The Diocese of Joliet is headed by Bishop James Peter Sartain (57). This diocese has never had an ordinary appointed to another diocese, but Bishop Sartain could well be the first, but it would probably not be for a few more years.

The diocese also recently received an Auxiliary Bishop: Bishop Joseph M. Siegel. His consecration is scheduled for January.

Bishop Daniel Robert Jenky, C.S.C. (62), Bishop of Peoria, celebrated 35 years as a priest earlier this year. He is at an age and time in post where he seems a likely candidate for another appointment in the next year or two.

The Diocese of Rockford is led by Bishop Thomas George Doran (73) who celebrated 15 years as a bishop earlier this year.

The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is currently vacant, having lost Bishop George Joseph Lucas to the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska. This vacancy is likely to be filled early in the coming year.

This province is likely to see one new ordinary in the coming year. It also could easily lose two or three bishops to other posts around the country in the next year or two.

Overview: Province of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont

The metropolitan of this province is the Archdiocese of Boston, Massachusetts with the following 6 suffragan dioceses: Burlington, Vermont; Fall River, Massachusetts; Manchester, New Hampshire; Portland, Maine; Springfield, Massachusetts; and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Sean Patrick Cardinal O'Malley, O.F.M. Cap. (65) is the Archbishop of Boston. The Archdiocese also has 4 active Auxiliary Bishops. Bishop Emilio Simeon Alluè, S.D.B. turns 75 in February and will likely retire in the coming year. The others are Bishop John Anthony Dooher (66), Bishop Walter James Edyvean (71), and Bishop Robert Francis Hennessey (57). None of those are likely to be offered other posts in the next year or two.

Bishop Salvatore Ronald Matano (63) is the ordinary for the Diocese of Burlington, Vermont. While he might be a candidate for another appointment eventually, it is likely a few years away.

The Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts is lead by Bishop George William Coleman (70). He also celebrated an anniversary (his 45rd) of priestly ordination last week. Unlike his two predecessors, he is likely to remain in Fall River.

Bishop John Brendan McCormack, the head of the Diocese of Manchester, New Hampshire, turns 75 this coming August. In February he will also celebrate 50 years as a priest. His retirement and the naming of a replacement are likely to occur in the next year or so.

The diocese also has Bishop Francis Joseph Christian (67) as an Auxiliary Bishop. He would have to be considered a likely candidate for the post of Bishop McCormack.

The Diocese of Portland, Maine is headed by Bishop Richard Joseph Malone (63). He will celebrate his 10th anniversary of being consecrated a bishop in March. Like Bishop Matano, he might eventually be a candidate for another appointment.

Bishop Timothy Anthony McDonnell is the ordinary of the Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts and this coming Wednesday is his 72nd birthday. Like all of his predecessors, he is likely to remain in Springfield.

Finally, the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts is led by Bishop Robert Joseph McManus (58). He seems a likely candidate for another appointment in the next year or two.

This province is likely to see a new ordinary for Manchester and could easily lose one or two of its bishops to other posts in the next year or two.

Overview: Province of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia

The province's metropolitan is Baltimore with suffragans in Arlington, Richmond, Wheeling-Charleston, and Wilmington.

Archbishop Edwin Frederick O'Brien (70) is the head of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Maryland. He is likely to be named a Cardinal eventually, but probably not until after Cardinal Keeler turns 80 in 2011 (thus loses his right to vote if a conclave were needed). Thus if there is a consistory to create cardinals this coming year, his name will likely be missing.

The Archdiocese has two Auxiliary Bishops: Denis James Madden (who turns 70 this coming year) and Mitchell Thomas Rozanski (51). Bishop Rozanski celebrated 25 years as a priest about a month ago. His age and length of service makes him a likely candidate for other posts in the next few years.

The diocese of Arlington, Virginia is lead by Bishop Paul Stephen Loverde (69). He is likely to remain at his current post.

Bishop Francis Xavier DiLorenzo (67) is the ordinary of the Diocese of Richmond, Virginia. He has served in two other dioceses (Scranton and Honolulu) before arriving here. The diocese has not had an ordinary move onto another diocese since then-Bishop (later Cardinal) James Gibbons in 1877. If Bishop DiLorenzo were to break that trend, it would likely be in the next year or two.

Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia is been headed by Bishop Michael Joseph Bransfield (66). He will celebrate his 5th anniversary of being ordained a bishop in February.

Bishop William Francis Malooly, Bishop of Wilmington, Delaware, turns 66 in January. He is likely to remain at his current post.

This province is not likely to see any changes in its hierarchy in the coming year or two, with the possible exceptions of Bishops Rozanski and DiLorenzo.

Overview: Province of Georgia, North Carolina, & South Carolina

The metropolitan is the Archdiocese of Atlanta with Charleston, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Savannah as suffragan dioceses.

Archbishop Wilton Daniel Gregory (62), Archbishop of Atlanta, Georgia, celebrated his 26th anniversary of his consecration as a bishop just a week ago. He has been in his current post for about 5 years. Until the most recent past-Archbishop (John Francis Donoghue), the see had an unfortunate history of ordinaries dying rather young. God willing, that tradition has been broken.

The Archdiocese received an Auxiliary Bishop (Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama Pasqualetto) a few months ago.

This year saw the naming of Bishop Robert Eric Guglielmone to the diocese of Charleston, South Carolina. He turns 64 later this month.

Charlotte, North Carolina is presided over by Bishop Peter Joseph Jugis (52) for a little over 6 years now. He is the 4th ordinary and by far the youngest. His age and length of service suggest he may be considered for other posts in the next year or two. Although having also served as a priest in this diocese makes that a bit less likely.

Bishop Michael Francis Burbidge (52) is serving as Bishop of Raleigh, North Carolina. This past year he celebrated the 25th anniversary of being ordained a priest. He also seems a likely candidate for another appointment, but not for a few more years.

The diocese of Savannah, Georgia is lead by Bishop John Kevin Boland. This year he celebrated 50 years as a priest. He reaches the normal retirement age of 75 next April.

With the substantial reduction in the backlog of vacant sees and bishops past the retirement age, it is entirely possible that Savannah will receive a new bishop in the coming year.

This province, with the exception of Savannah and possibly Charlotte, is likely to see little change in its hierarchy over the next year or two.

Overview: Province of Alaska

The province of Alaska has Anchorage as the metropolitan with Fairbanks and Juneau as Suffragans.

Archbishop Roger Lawrence Schwietz, O.M.I. (69) recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of being named a bishop. It seems likely that he will remain in his current post.

Bishop Donald Joseph Kettler (65) has been serving as Bishop of Fairbanks for over 7 years. He is the diocese's 8th ordinary and none of them were transferred. If Bishop Kettler were to be the first it would likely be in the next year or two. But there is no indication that he'll break the trend.

The diocese of Juneau received Bishop Edward James Burns as its new bishop in early 2009.

With the possible exception of Fairbanks, this province is not likely to see any changes in its hierarchy in the next year or two.

Province Overviews

My last set of province overviews were written in late 2007 through early 2008. If time permits I will be writting a new set in the coming weeks.

I'll point out a post I wrote explaining some of my thinking about the overviews for those that are interested.

I should also note that I still stand by my prediction of a consistory to create cardinals in the coming year.

12 December 2009

Remarkable Consistory of 1583

Four hundred and twenty six years ago, on this very day, the pope held a consistory to create cardinals. It is doubtful that anyone that day could have foreseen the future events that would make it so remarkable.

The Pope was Gregory XIII and it was the twelth year of his reign. He had not held a consistory to create new cardinals in almost five years. He was less than a month from his 82nd birthday.

That day he named 19 new Cardinals. It was a typical collection of Cardinals for that era: many from Italy, but also some from France, Spain, and elsewhere. Many were Archbishops or Bishops. Three were a mere 21 years of age on that day. The oldest was just 9 years younger than the pope himself.

What makes this consistory so remarkable is four of those named cardinals that day: Giovanni Battista Castagna, Niccolò Sfondrati, Giovanni Antonio Facchinetti de Nuce, and Alessandro Ottaviano de' Medici. They are more commonly known as: Popes Urban VII, Gregory XIV, Innocent IX, and Leo XI, respectively.

No other consistory in at least the last 500 years has yielded four future popes.

Pope Gregory XIII died less than a year and a half after this consistory, but his successor was not one of these four. Instead Pope Sixtus V was elected (he was created a cardinal by Pope Pius V, Gregory's predecessor).

He was followed by Pope Urban VII, the first of the four. But he died less than a fortnight after his election.

Another of the four, Pope Gregory XIV was next. His reign lasted almost a year, quite short, but the longest of the four.

Pope Innocent IX was the next to be elected. He too had a short papacy - his death was just two months and a day after his election.

The next pope was not from our remarkable consistory, instead he was created a cardinal by Pope Gregory's immediate successor. Pope Clement VIII reigned for 13 years.

Upon his passing, the last of our four was elected. Pope Leo XI was elected on 1 April 1605 and died on the 27th of the same month.

And that is the remarkable consistory of 1583. Four future popes were created cardinals that day ... but their combined total time in the papacy was a little less than 15 months. Oddly enough, the pope who called the consistory, Pope Gregory XIII, only lived a bit under 16 more months.