The Vatican announced today that acceptance of the resignation of Cincinnati Auxillary Bishop Carl K. Moeddel. The text of the announcement follows:
Il Santo Padre Benedetto XVI ha accettato la rinuncia all’ufficio di
Ausiliare dell’arcidiocesi di Cincinnati (U.S.A.), presentata da S.E. Mons. Carl
K. Moeddel, in conformità ai canoni 411 e 401 § 2 del Codice di Diritto
Canonico.
Canon 411: The prescripts of cann. 401 and 402, sec. 2, on resignation from office apply to a coadjutor and auxiliary bishop.
Canon 401, sec 2: A diocesan bishop who has become less able to fulfull his office because of ill health or some other grave cause is earnestly requested to present his resignation from office.
In my personal dealings with Bishop Moeddel, I have always found him to be very upfront and open about his concerns and thoughts. He was a good father figure to his priests, and I thought he and Archbishop Pilarczyk complimented each other well. His presence at the office has been greatly missed, as he was always very quick with a smile or joke to lighten the mood during tense times.
Please keep him in your prayers that God may ease his sufferings and reward him for his faithful ministry during some very difficult times.
UPDATE:
As I think more about Bishop Moeddel, I also thank him for the gifts that he has given to me. He was the bishop who confirmed me as a Junior in High School, he accepted me into both Minor Orders (I think), and I know that he ordained me to the Diaconate. He was very helpful in my preparations for my first assignment, and during some of the struggles that I had during that assignment. I remember serving for him many times during my time in the seminary, and he was always very gracious. He was always fun to run into in the halls at the seminary where he lived. I will miss him greatly.
(A swing of the thurible to Rich, where I first saw the announcement, although I had heard it was coming earlier.)
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7 comments:
Fr. Kyle, why at Rich's blog did you state "despite his critics" in the com box? What does that mean? Who is critical of Bishop Moedell and what are they critical about?
Bishop Moeddel has been criticized because he was a primary author for the USCCB's Always Our Children, a Pastoral Response to Parents of Homosexual Children.
For what the document is, I think it is well written and pastoral. Some have criticized that it seems to legitimize homosexual relationships (which it does not do).
There is also the general criticism throughout St. Blogosphere that any Bishop short of Bruskewitz (Sp?) does not go far enough.
By no means did I want to say that Rich was critical of Bishop Moeddel, I've heard it from other sources.
I've been praying for him and for his replacement. How long does it usually take for a new bishop to be assigned and will the new bishop be the one to take Archbishop Pilarczyk's place when he retires in a few years?
A blessed day to you, Father...
Barb,
It is hard to answer your question directly. (Rocco has had an extended discussion on matters episcopal at his blog: Whispers in the Loggia)
To most directly answer your question, it depends on if Bishop Moeddel is replaced, and then if he is replaced with a regular auxiliary or if he is replaced by a coadjutor bishop. If it is the latter, then he would have right of succession, if it is the former, no right of succession.
(To clarify, if the situation would have been reversed with the two bishops in Cincinnati, Moeddel would not automatically progress to Archbishop because he was only an auxiliary, not a coadjutor.)
There is speculation as to whether or not Bishop Moeddel will be replaced. I am not sure what the betting line is at now, but I tend to think that Archbishop Pilarczyk is going it alone until he retires, which is purely my speculation. God knows what will happen, but He aint telling the rest of us, at least yet.
Thank you, Father for the explanation. I didn't realize that there was a possibility he wouldn't be replaced.
Hope you have a blessed weekend.
Fr. Kyle ~
I'm not sure how I happened upon your blog, but I have to tell you I've been enjoying it!! :)
I'm wondering if you would have an address where we could send cards to the Bishop? We would like to tell him how special he has been to our family.
Thanks!
Anon,
I am sure you could send them to:
Bishop Carl Moeddel
c/o Priest's Personnel Office
100 E. 8th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
and they will be forwarded out to his residence.
And I am sure that he would greatly appreciate the cards and notes of support.
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