Catholic Kermit

Today was announced that Miami Archbishop Favalora is retiring and the new bishop will be Orlando Bishop Thomas Wenski starting on June 1, 2010.  WOW! I’ve been praying for Bishop Wenski for years, with hopes that he would return back to his “home” diocese of Miami.  He was an auxiliary bishop here for years before becoming bishop of Orlando in 2004.  I don’t think they could have found a better candidate.  He has always been a strong advocate for the Haitian community.  He’s fluent in Creole, Spanish, English and (of couse) Polish (my background as well).  He will be welcomed with open arms by everyone, I’m sure!

I suspect we will see some changes with new Miami Archbishop Wenski, but not right away.  From discussion from my fellow seminarian friends from Orlando, I get the impression that Bishop Wenski is a very dynamic bishop that challenges and demands a lot from his priests.  Our diocese has challenges, just as all do, so I hope the transition is well received and fruitful without the need to totally “new wine skins.”

“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.” — Archbishop Designate Thomas Wenski

Thank you Archbishop Favalora for your loving Fatherhood to us all and welcome home Archbishop Wenski!

God bless & stay holy!

Today’s statement from Miami Archbishop John C. Favalora
Today’s statement from new Miami Archbishop Designate Thomas Wenski
Archbishop Designate Thomas Wenski history (Curriculum Vitae)
Coat of arms for Orlando Bishop Wenski

In this season of Confirmations, here is a great homily by Bishop Wenski at a Confirmation Mass.