An unwelcome thought

      I watched the installation Mass of Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap., ninth Archbishop of Philadelphia and thirteenth bishop of the Diocese.  It took place in the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul in Philly.  The ceremony was beautiful and the Church, as always, celebrates well.  In the beginning, the formal letter of appointment of Pope Benedict XVI was read, then the new Archbishop is led by his predecessor to the cathedra - the chair - which is the symbol of his teaching office.  He receives the acclamation of the people, then greets representatives of the diocese before continuing with the Mass.

     During his homily, Archbishop Chaput described his appointment to be like a marriage, with the bishop called to love his church with all his heart, just as Christ loved her and gave his love for her.  He then reminded everyone that this was an "arranged marriage", with the Holy Father as the matchmaker.  He said that when arranged marriages were common there was an expectation that people would get to know each other and then come to love one another.  He said that "good matchmakers were aware of the family history of each of the spouses and their particular needs.  And the really wise matchmakers could make surprisingly good choices."  Getting to know each other is a great adventure.

     The Church in Philadelphia faces great challenges, many resulting from the abuse crisis.  Healing is needed, and love.  Pray for Philadelphia and pray for their new shepherd.

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     The title of this post refers to a meeting I attended late this afternoon with a number of my brother priests and a couple of financial advisers brought in by the diocese to discuss retirement planning.  It was a brief but good meeting, but the thought of giving serious thought to retirement planning, though wise, is nonetheless unwelcome.  It is too hard to believe that "retirement" is not that many years off.

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     Following the meeting seven of us went out to a relaxing dinner.  It was enjoyable, with good food and pleasant company.  We went to a great place in Crabtree, PA called Rizzo's - great Italian cooking and outstanding homemade gelato and owned by a good Catholic family.