Everything's On Ice

Then again, everything's been on ice for quite some time.... Of course, this is in reference to the appointment of bishops.

There is a real "holding pattern" feel to things these days. B16 this morning accepted the anticipated resignation due to age of Bishop Andre Vallee of Hearst, Ontario. No successor was named.

And, well, that's because the critieria for the process is being tweaked -- from the ground up. If a diocese has to wait a few months or longer to get a bishop who fits the expectations and comfort level of this Pope then, the thinking goes, so be it.

The first of November marks the traditional "freeze" of announcements of American appointments in anticipation of the semi-annual plenary of the USCCB in Washington. So if we see anything this month, it most likely won't be until the 22nd -- at the earliest. Then again, that'll be almost five months since the last appointment of any kind in the States, an unparalleled lull in recent history.

And just to remind everyone again that the crucial link will also be coming down in short order with the expected retirement of Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo as the Holy See's nuncio to Washington and the appointment of his successor. Montalvo turned 75 in February, and new Popes since John XXIII have made the installation of their chosen representative in the American capital a prime order of business.

Don't worry, folks. It will get eventful soon. I promise.

And a lot of people won't be happy about it at all.

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