Congratulations to Bishop Elect Michael Fitzgerald. Announced in Rome today, 6 AM USA time, the Holy Father appointed Msgr. Michael Fitzgerald to be another of the collectibles in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia hierarchy. Just two weeks ago, Msgr. John McIntyre, Cardinal Rigali's secretary, was appointed an Auxiliary Bishop for Philadelphia. This blogger has worked with both "Elects." Happiness is in the heart. Msgr. Mike has been "Officialis," for a number of years ... caring for the canonical affairs of the Archdiocese, especially the marriage cases. The newly chosen must be the cause for dancing in the heavenly hallways today: my closest priest friend of all days, Msgr. Jim McGrath, formerly "Officialis" in Philadelphia, would often speak of Mike as one destined for the episcopacy without any doubt or hesitation.
Let us pray for both of the newly chosen priests from Philadelphia as they begin a life style that will surely be the greatest challenge of their lives. At the same time, these announcements of "election" are always an opportunity for us to pray for the other priests, the ones who work day after day in parishes, hospitals, schools, retreat houses and the like. There isn't a day, even on a day off, when the burdens of the office weigh heavily upon the good priests who serve the people of God. Don't forget to thank the priests you know in your parish who strive, despite human weaknesses at times, to be the faithful caretakers of their flocks ... you, the faithful people of God.
