In about mid-August I had heard that perhaps Bp. Strickland would be ousted by Rome in the first part of July. “I’ll believe it,” quoth I quietly but pretty much believing, “when I see it.”
We heard about the visitation conducted by Bps. Kicanas and Sullivan of Camden, no doubt two of the very finest bishops available. They were looking into finances, although financially the diocese seemed to be doing well. BTW…how many dioceses have declared bankruptcy? MONETARY, not moral, of course. Tyler doesn’t seem to be one of them.
On 9 September, I had a “bad feeling” HERE. The (American) Prefect of Bishops and the Nuncio to these USA met with Francis.
Bp. Strickland has been outspoken regarding efforts to undermine the Deposit of Faith, for which he has drawn the spittle-fleck ire of the vociferous papalotrous left. We know the cliches about “women scorned”.
The Pillar and LifeSite are indicating that soon Bp. Strickland may be pressured to resign. He should not, I think, resign, and he probably won’t. I suspect that he doesn’t see himself merely as a branch manager of wannabe NGO. After that someone may make him an offer he can’t refuse… which I suspect he will refuse. Bp. Strickland, we have learned not too long ago, spends upward of a hour before the Blessed Sacrament each day. I suspect he is made of sterner stuff as a consequence.
At National Catholic Register we find today something from Ed Pentin:
Exclusive: Archbishop Fernandez Warns Against Bishops Who Think They Can Judge ‘Doctrine of the Holy Father’
Striking down Strickland would be a monumental blunder, in my opinion. Both tactically and strategically counter-productive.
Someone asked in a comment elsewhere, “What can we do for Bp. Strickland?”
Allow me to be completely unoriginal.
- Be sure your own house is in order so that what you do is meritorious: GO TO CONFESSION! THAT’s FIRST! (Yes, we believe in that stuff, and so does Bp. Strickland, which is partly why they want his chitlin’s).
- Got to Church and pray for him, that he be strong and have the courage and the insight in the maze of outcomes, to do the right thing.
- Chose a mortification in reparation for those who are out to get him. And we know who they are and WHY.
- FATHERS! IF you have a slot open, say a Mass for Bp. Strickland.
NB: Scroll down for the Latin and English texts for the Blessing of Beer.
Stop for a moment. Consider what our eternal prospects were before the birth not only of Our Lord, but also before the birth of His Mother, from whom He took our human nature, the Blessed Virgin Mary.
