The Archbishop of Tuam Michael Neary has tendered his resignation to Pope Francis, having reached the age of 75. On reaching that age, it is mandatory under Canon Law for bishops to offer their resignation to Pope Francis.
https://westernpeople.ie/2021/04/21/archbishop-of-tuam-submits-resignation-to-the-vatican/
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A colleague has pointed out to me on a few occasions –
“Why can’t the Vatican have the new Bishop available on the day of the incumbent’s resignation? It is simple maths/management – they have the 75th birthday of every Bishop on their files!” We have so much to learn from the secular world.
It can take up to a year and sometimes longer for an appointment which meanwhile leaves the Diocese more or less rudderless. This shows that the Vatican doesn’t value Bishops as much as Bishops seem to think the Vatican values them!!
Like the child that said to other children in the playground, “I don’t care” – seems to be the usual response of the Vatican!
And as usual – nothing will change!
Best wishes to Dr Neary, he was a safe pair of hands, saw big changes during his time in Tuam, declining vocations, priests getting older and having to work harder. Tuam has been in the news a lot of late too, he handled it as best he could. I suspect he may be left in situ for quite a while yet while his successor is chosen. Might Fintan Monaghan return to his old ground, probably too soon for Bishop Dempsey? Not an easy job being Bishop now, as well as having to boil own egg on a dark winter’s evening?
Whenever we need a new bishop in Ireland, then the Irish clergy should
select and instal him. This State gained its independence many years ago
from all foreign powers, including the temporal power of the Vatican. The
slave mentality of the Irish clergy towards the Vatican is sickening and
an enormous insult to all those who gave their very lives for the freedom
of this State.
Roy, you brought a smile to my face and brought back many great memories of a wonderful priest, now dead for some time. He was a forward thinker on Church Reform. He would sum up that kind of procrastination, by saying, “We are a “foostering church!!”