By Laura Legere
The Times-Tribune
February 24, 2010
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/analysis-bishop-elect-bambera-likely-to-begin-tackling-diocese-s-problems-immediately-1.640086
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| Monsignor Joseph Bambera, appointed as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Scranton, speaks to the press in front of the religious icon "Christ the Teacher." Photo by Michael J. Mullen/Staff Photographer |
Catholics looking for signs of Bishop-elect Joseph Bambera's readiness to lead the Diocese of Scranton could see it on the chain he wore drawn across his chest on Tuesday.
It was attached to a pectoral cross - an adornment in the Roman Catholic tradition that can be worn by bishops-elect but is generally worn only by ordained bishops. It was tucked into a pocket above his heart during his first public appearance as the future ordinary.
Observers and colleagues read it as a signal of the Vatican's confidence in the bishop-elect, who is expected to begin tackling the challenges facing the diocese even before his installation two months away.
Rocco Palmo, the blogger behind the online Catholic chronicle "Whispers in the Loggia," pointed out that Monsignor Bambera's appointment marks the first time in nearly 60 years that a priest was elevated to the position of bishop of the Scranton diocese before serving as an auxiliary or bishop elsewhere.
That, combined with Monsignor Bambera's unique knowledge of the diocese as a native and his rare appointment directly from an administrative role, demonstrates he "wasn't just the right man for the job, he's the only man for the job," Mr. Palmo said.
Many people used the word "crisis" on Tuesday when Monsignor Bambera's appointment was announced to describe the state of the diocese he will inherit.
Before the announcement, much of the speculation surrounding who would be picked concerned whether the Vatican would call in an outsider with a depth of administrative experience or a diocesan native who might more easily understand and quickly unify the diocese.
Monsignor Bambera's experience contains a bit of both. His six months as the local delegate to interim leader Cardinal Justin Rigali was "his job interview for the last several months," said Joseph K. Grieboski, a diocesan native who runs a religion and policy nonprofit in Washington, D.C.
He said a diocesan priest, especially Monsignor Bambera, can lead the diocese "through a time of healing" beginning now.
"Were they to bring in an outsider, the learning curve would have been too steep to fulfill the needs of the diocese at this point," he said.
Although Monsignor Bambera will not be able to execute the full power of the office until he is installed on April 26, Mr. Palmo said he has already been given tacit control of the diocese, a fact that only "enhances his mandate," he said.
"He can hit the ground running from today."
Contact the writer: llegere@timesshamrock.com
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