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Recent Comments

1. It is a moot point whether our beloved Bishop Michael was ever going to be the Bishop of Canberra.
   If our Bishop passes, who is going to be our new Bishop?
   Besides 'terminal' is not until the end. We hope to have many, many glorius days of his leadership.
   Half of the catholic world is praying for a miracle, and as we believe he is needed here on Earth, maybe God will grant one.
   If not so be it, that is God's will.

   Posted By: Carmen Thorman

2. For years I have deplored the way the Holy See delays the appointment of bishops.
   Rome knew the date on which Archbishop Coleridge would be transferred to Brisbane.
   Why was not the name of his successor announced the same day?
   Better, why was not a bishop with the right of succession appointed months before, so that he could gain experience before he took over?
   A number of bishops will offer resignations this year.
   Why are their successors not already appointed?
   Alas, throughout the Church there are hundreds of vacant dioceses while Rome dithers.

   Posted By: FRANK MOBBS GOSFORD NSW

3. I long for the day when the 'People of God' (Vat.11) are asked for our opinion regarding our choices for Parish Priests and Bishops.
   Surely this is not too much to ask.
   It is us the lay people who 'pray, stay and obey'.
   We seem to be an after thought.
   I have never met Bishop Michael Putney but have so often heard of his great leadership and goodness.
   It is sad that Dioceses are left for months and in the case of Wilcania for years without Bishops.
   The Vatican does not know these people personally, they are chosen by the powers that be here and their names and CVs sent on to Rome, seems more like a corporation than the Church founded by Jesus.

   Posted By: Margaret M. Coffey

4. I worked with Bishop Michael while in Townsville Diocese.
   I, like many who live in Canberra, hoped that he would come to us to replace Bishop Mark.
   Sadly it is not to be.
   I totally agree with Frank Mobbs: it is not good for dioceases to be leaderless for so long.
   The Vatican is finding the the pool of 'suitable' candidates dimimishing as vocations dry up and the clergy ages.
   No doubt the appointment of an Archbishop from say India or the Philippines to an Australian diocese along the lines of the current importation of priests, would really set the cat among the pigeons!
   I do hope, for the sake of our people, that the Vatican makes a decision soon. I wonder how they are discerning the desire of the Spirit... seems they are slow to see...

   Posted By: Gavin

5. I do not know why the Vatican should be involved in appointments of Bishops in Australia. In the early church the people voted for their own Bishop.
   Bishop Collins, the previous Bishop of Darwin was voted in to lead that community of God. It worked very well. The present Bishop of Darwin was advised by letter of his appointment.
   I guess this Vatican thing is an attempt to hold on to power.

   Posted By: Chris P

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