Bambera Statement

No mention of the abuse Rigali did nothing about until after a grand jury investigated those abuse claims, Bishop Bambera? Way to dance around the biggest scandal in the American Church in the 21st Century.

Here's the suspended priests and the years of their ordination. If I had the names of the victims, I would have posted those.

Rev. Philip Barr (1948)
Rev. John Bowe (1973)
Rev. George Cadwallader (1992)
Rev. Paul Castellani (1996)
Rev. Michael Chapman (1982)
Msgr. John Close (1969)
Msgr. Francis Feret (1962)
Rev. Mark Fernandes (2004)
Msgr. Michael Flood (1968)
Rev. Mark Gaspar (1998)
Rev. Joseph Glatts (1966)
Rev. Steven Harris (1980)
Rev. Daniel Hoy (1948)
Msgr. Joseph Logrip (1972)
Rev. Andrew McCormick (1982)
Rev. Zachary Navit (1994)
Rev. Leonard Peterson (1967)
Rev. Robert Povish (1990)
Rev. John Reardon (1973)
Rev. Thomas Rooney (1991)
Rev. Peter Talocci (1986)

Almost forgot, here's Bambera's statement:

"As required by Church Law, Cardinal Rigali submitted his resignation upon his 75th birthday in April 2010. Today's acceptance of the Cardinal's resignation by the Pope affords us the opportunity to reflect on the Cardinal's service to the Diocese of Scranton.

"While the time he spent as our Diocesan Administrator was short, it was significant as the Cardinal served us well during a period of profound transition in our Diocesan history. We are grateful for the Cardinal's leadership and his presence during his 16-plus visits to our region over a nine-month period of time in 2009-2010.

"Cardinal Rigali selflessly shared his gifts and talents with us as our Diocese began to navigate through a rather unique and challenging period of transformation and change.

"On a personal note, I am grateful to Cardinal Rigali for the advice, care and example he has provided to me during the past year and half. I wish him good health and happiness as he opens a new chapter in his life and extend a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the gift of his ministry to the Church and his life of service to His people.

"In recognition of the appointment of Archbishop Charles Chaput, I invite you to join me in offering prayers for the faithful of the Philadelphia Archdiocese and their new shepherd."

Would Bambera still be Bishop if Chaput were named administrator? What do you think?

10 AM Announcement

UPDATE: Watch LIVE here.

In one hour there will be a press conference in Philadelphia to announce our new Archbishop.

I have been told our new man has been in Philadelphia since Saturday.

There will be a Mass at the Basilica at 12 noon with our new Archbishop who is scheduled to be installed September 8.

I wonder if Monsignor Bambera celebrated a Mass after he was named Scranton's next Bishop?

All in all this is very good news for us in the Diocese of Scranton.

Who To Replace Rigali?

Despite several fingers and toes being crossed in the Bishop's residence, I can say with some certainty that our Bishop Bambera is not on the short list to replace Cardinal Rigali.

In fact it won't be an Italian.

Sorry, Father Sica. I know how important that is to you and your cronies who fought for Bambera.

The Holy Father, not too happy with the Bishops in this country, has been on a roll replacing scandal ridden or dead wood Bishops with men of virtue and holiness.

Watch tomorrow for His Holiness to name Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput to head the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Scranton lost with the recent feel good appointment of Bambera, but now Philadelphia wins with the appointment of a conservative who publicly defends the faith.

More to come.....