Is that one word? Well, we have reached the end of our posts on the archbishops of Wesminster. I hope you have enjoyed them. Here is our last instalment:
Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, in spite of his crazy accent, was born in Berkshire and educated there, and in Bath. Aged 18, he was enrolled into the English College along with his two brothers, training as a priest for the diocese of Portsmouth.
After serving as parish priest for several years upon his ordination in 1956, he became the bishop’s secretary and director of vocations. As the 1970s got going, he was parachuted again to Rome, this time as rector and named monsignor, presiding over the college during the period of great reform and settlement.
Staying in the Eternal City a further 6 years, he was appointed and consecrated bishop of the south-coast diocese of Arundel and Brighton, where he remained for 23 years.
Nearly a year after the death of Cardinal Hume, he was surprisingly appointed his successor in the early spring of the second millennial year of our salvation, receiving the pallium three months later, and the red hat after less than a year, from the pope whom he welcomed in his previous diocese 20 years before on his historic visit.
Like his predecessor, he quickly became absorbed into the socialites’ lives of Westminster-dwelling folk, becoming the first Cardinal to preach to a sovereign since the seventeenth century, and regularly appeared on television. One piece of news he regularly discussed was the Nolan report on child abuse scandals which he commissioned, and instigated his suggestions along with the other bishops. His name was often mentioned in important circles, and his opinions is respected (if not heeded) in the Catholic and non-Catholic world of London north-of-the-Thames. This has led some to suggest he will be given a title and a seat in the upper house of parliament – completely un-canonical of course – which I must say I heartily disprove of for several reasons.
Upon reaching the age limit, he submitted his resignation, though the Pope ignored it, asking him to remain much longer in order to find a successor. Never before had an archbishop of this diocese retired in office: all had died. When his successor was announced, he became Apostolic Administrator, and spent the remaining time in Archbishop house giving long, protracted goodbyes. Like all good bishops, he is not without his critics, but his pastoral and preaching ability and love for God and His people are admirable.
He now lives in retirement Chiswick, though I doubt this archbishop emeritus will spend much time out of the lime-light.
After serving as parish priest for several years upon his ordination in 1956, he became the bishop’s secretary and director of vocations. As the 1970s got going, he was parachuted again to Rome, this time as rector and named monsignor, presiding over the college during the period of great reform and settlement.
Staying in the Eternal City a further 6 years, he was appointed and consecrated bishop of the south-coast diocese of Arundel and Brighton, where he remained for 23 years.
Nearly a year after the death of Cardinal Hume, he was surprisingly appointed his successor in the early spring of the second millennial year of our salvation, receiving the pallium three months later, and the red hat after less than a year, from the pope whom he welcomed in his previous diocese 20 years before on his historic visit.
Like his predecessor, he quickly became absorbed into the socialites’ lives of Westminster-dwelling folk, becoming the first Cardinal to preach to a sovereign since the seventeenth century, and regularly appeared on television. One piece of news he regularly discussed was the Nolan report on child abuse scandals which he commissioned, and instigated his suggestions along with the other bishops. His name was often mentioned in important circles, and his opinions is respected (if not heeded) in the Catholic and non-Catholic world of London north-of-the-Thames. This has led some to suggest he will be given a title and a seat in the upper house of parliament – completely un-canonical of course – which I must say I heartily disprove of for several reasons.
Upon reaching the age limit, he submitted his resignation, though the Pope ignored it, asking him to remain much longer in order to find a successor. Never before had an archbishop of this diocese retired in office: all had died. When his successor was announced, he became Apostolic Administrator, and spent the remaining time in Archbishop house giving long, protracted goodbyes. Like all good bishops, he is not without his critics, but his pastoral and preaching ability and love for God and His people are admirable.
He now lives in retirement Chiswick, though I doubt this archbishop emeritus will spend much time out of the lime-light.
0 comments:
Post a Comment