Today “Il Papa,” Pope Benedict XVI announced (English) the appointment of William P. Callahan, OFM Conv. as auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee (Archdiocesan Release). Fr. Callahan currently serves as a spiritual director at the Pontifical North American College in Rome (where Archbishop Dolan once served as rector); before that he did two tours of duty at St. Josaphat here in town.
Fr. Callahan was, for a time, a member of the Archdiocese’s College of Consultors, which hopefully gave him some good insights on internal administration. He also demonstrated his administrative and fundraising prowess as rector of the Basilica of St. Josaphat during its renovation, a $7.5 million project. While rector of the Basilica, he served as chaplain to the Milwaukee chapter of the Catholic Medical Guild (a good sign). Though himself a Franciscan, Fr. Callahan has degrees from universities run by the Jesuits and the Basilian Fathers (there are several St. Michael’s graduates on MU’s faculty).
Moreover, the word on the Catholic blog street is positive. It sounds like Archbishop Dolan basically got to pick his man (Archbishop Dolan was at the PNAC in January – his time as archbishop overlapped with Callahan’s time at the Basilica for a short while as well):
Though long in coming, the requesting bishops are finding that the wait is worth it — by and large, they’re getting their choices. And in keeping with the trend, a favorite of Archbishop Timothy Dolan has been recalled from Rome to assist the Milwaukee prelate….
Well-loved both by the Milwaukeeans and the Gianicolo crowd — and known to enjoy Dolan’s particular trust and esteem — the appointee is preceded by a sterling reputation; as one of Callahan’s friends once summed up the bishop-elect, “I don’t know anyone who loves being a priest more than Bill.”
There will hopefully be more reporting done in coming days on our community’s new bishop, but we have every reason to expect a good leader.
P.S. I have been meaning to point out as well that the signs from Superior are good. The Catholic Diocese of Superior, which covers much of Northwestern Wisconsin, saw a new bishop seated earlier this fall. The local Catholic Herald reports:
[Bishop Peter F.] Christensen also talked about the proclamation of faith and oath of obedience he had to make before his ordination. Included was a pledge to be faithful in carrying out the ministry that has been entrusted to him and to ensure that the truths and teachings of the church are handed down pure. He added that he delights in these promises.
Part of his mission as a bishop, Christensen said, will be to show particular affection to all priests and deacons, to all men and women religious. “I will likewise take great care to promote spiritual vocations.”
He will also recognize and promote ministries of lay people and especially promote the work of evangelization and will encourage family life. “I will stand with you to build strong families in faith,” he said.
Good signs, and good luck to the new bishop up north.
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Congratulations to a long time, good ole South Chicago Democrat!
Pardon me for pointing this out, but the Green Bay diocese is in need of a Bishop. Pittsburgh just “stole” theirs.
[...] certainly seems to have the right credentials. And it certainly could be Bishop Callahan, who was praised when picked as the auxiliary. Not on Rocco’s list is Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Paprocki of [...]