Archbishop Dolan on Archbishop Weakland
On June 24, 2002, I arrived in Milwaukee on the day before the public announcement that I had been appointed as tenth archbishop of Milwaukee. I was a nervous wreck. I had a big job ahead of me, in an archdiocese I knew little about, in the midst of a time of national scandal, to follow a very prominent and long-serving Archbishop.
But what made me most apprehensive with the prospect of meeting my predecessor. Archbishop Rembert Weakland had a national, actually international, stature; he had just resigned after acknowledging and apologizing for past sins; and, although I hardly knew him, word on the street was that we came from different “theological backgrounds,” which is a euphemistic way of saying that he was looked upon as a “liberal,” I as a “conservative.”
His gracious hospitality that evening, substantive conversation, candid assessment of the challenges awaiting me, and his assurances of ongoing support, made me feel very welcome, and softened considerably the nervousness I was experiencing. But, what really gave me peace and confidence came early the next morning.
I couldn’t sleep, and I was anticipating controversial questions at the press conference. Plus, I was still unsure about how my predecessor and I would get along. By 4:00 a.m. I gave up on sleep. I got out of bed, showered, dressed, grabbed my breviary, and made my way, at about 4:45 in the morning, to the little chapel downstairs… and there sat Rembert Weakland, with his breviary, before the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. My fears evaporated. Between the two of us was a difference in age of about twenty-five years, in weight of about sixty pounds, a variation of theological outlook probably. But it was suddenly and dramatically evident to me that we were one in our faith, our priestly vocation, our apostolic bond, our prayer, and our trust in Jesus, really and truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
From “Miracles Before the Eucharist,” in Born of the Eucharist: A Spirituality for Priests.
Brett Salkeld is a doctoral student in theology at Regis College in Toronto. He is a father of two (so far) and husband of one.
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This made me tear up and it made me remember that we are all one. Why is it so hard for all of us to actually get – and stay with – just that?
Amen.
This is a bit of a tough call for me, but I have made the editorial decision to not let this turn into a celebration of the sins of those with whom we disagree. Weakland committed very grave offenses of which we are all aware. Dolan was aware of them too, which is part of what makes this vignette so poignant.
Both of them have consecrated hands. God bless them.
Brett,
Thank you for this. It appears this was part of his Archbishop Dolan’s interview with a Milwaukee paper back in 2002 which as you point out was after the uncovering of Archbishop Weakland’s horrific sins. My first reaction in reading this was that this was somehow excusing the retiring Archbishop’s betrayal of the church. But after an adoration hour where I re-read Romans, it is an essay that we really are all the same before our holy God. Whether our aggregious sin is theft or adultery or homosexual acts, we all are reliant on the mercy of God and the sacrifice of Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. I do pray that Archbishop Weakland, before he passes on, does repent publicly in his belief that homosexual acts are not sinful.
Thanks Kimberley for your kind reflection,
“we really are all the same before our holy God.”
Isn’t that true –
I happen to pray that our church leaders find the strenght to state what
an increasing percentage of reasonable adults firmly believe – homosexual acts
conducted in a loving committed relationship are NOT sinful –
but I am aware that this is a difficult position to reach for our church and society.
I happen to see plenty of loving homosexual couples in our parish – with adopted and/or biological children mind you- in my view the witness these wonderful responsible adults give is impressive.
I am proud to live in a society that reached a point in history that allows for these kind of mature groundbreaking relationships.
I am convinced that just as with topics such as slavery particular the catholic church can find ways to let go of ancient prejudices for the betterment of all of gods creations.
“an increasing percentage of reasonable adults…” A great use of verbal manipulation to make it seemas though those that disagree are “unreasonable”. Not only are those that hold the erroneous opinion you laud unreasonable, they are misguided and following false doctrines and not the true teachings of Christ. Yes, we are all sinners before the Triune God, but let’s not try to change the Truth to justify our sinful choices.