Retirement 75 (Unless I like you)
I was wondering why McCarrick's resignation was accepted, but Maida is still at the helm? Wouldn't it have been prudent to use the retirement age of 75 to allow Bernard Law to get out of the limelight? And why is it that, it has been joked about that Cardinal Martini's letter of acceptance of his retirement at 75 was enclosed in the birthday card the pope sent him?
There does not seem to be a defined criteria for the acceptance of a Bishop's retirement at the age of 75 or reasons why it can be deferred. Naturally, it is at the nod of the Holy Father, but shouldn't there be some standards? The whole selection process of Bishops seems to be so political as does the process of retirement and assignment.
Allow me to dream for a minute. Dream that the selection of prelates be more open to dialogue and transparent. Wouldn't it be great if the people of the diocese could elect their Bishop? Of course that has even more trappings for political manuevering, but at least it would be more out in the open. Benedict and his most devout followers argue for going back to early church traditions, whatever happened to that one? Augustine was thrust into the bishop's chair by the people of Hippo. The Pope could then approve this election as he does for the Jesuits and Eastern Churches.
And, wouldn't it be great if at 75 the people and/or priests of the diocese have a vote of confidence for the bishop to continue in or retire from office, having heard the desire of the prelate himself?
Being an avid follower of things of Rome, I just wanted to see if others have noticed the option to renew policy for those who fall in favor?
'You can retire as soon as
'You can retire as soon as we find a suitable replacement.' This should be the gist of the reply every bishop receives when he tenders his resignation. The pope should replace any bishop if there is another bishop or potential bishop who can do a better job in the diocese in question. The system of 'accept or don't accept' a resignation is an embarassment to the church but then so is the system of promotion.
What happens when a new bishop comes to a diocese? He makes wholesale changes in order to have his own stamp on things. This management of the diocese in some areas should be left to professionals not bishops [areas like the marriage tribunal, property management,adoption etc. ]