Well, Birmingham, Alabama, has a new bishop. It has been vacant longer than any diocese in the country. And for good reason. EWTN is a global Catholic communications company. He took great care in thinking of this appointment.
The new bishop is Robert Baker, Bishop of Charleston. And it looks like a great choice. To read all about this important appointment, read Whispers in the Loggia.
Written by Josh Mercer
According to a release: The For Your Marriage Web site includes resources for everyone, including engaged and married couples, and facts about Catholic marriage. The Web site is designed for a wide and varied audience and is part of larger campaign, which includes television public service messages, which can be viewed on the site. In just one month, the site has received nearly 500,000 hits with the average visitor viewing 6-12 pages.
The site offers daily marriage tips that suggest simple ways to cultivate a healthy marriage. A link on the home page also gives couples a tool to find Catholic marriage information locally. A monthly marriage quiz can serve as a conversation starter on sensitive issues.
Information on conflict resolution, communication, and financial concerns is posted throughout the Web site. Topics such as intimacy and parenting also are featured. Visitors also can view stories and advice from married couples.
"The Internet has become a crucial means for evangelizing, especially among younger people," said Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, Chairman of the Bishops' Marriage and Family Life Committee. "We hope youth especially will find inspiration and hope at the stroke of a key."
Written by Josh Mercer
Bishop David Zubik of Green Bay, Wis., has been named the new bishop of Pittsburgh. A former auxiliary bishop of Pittsburgh, Bishop Zubik is excited to be back in his hometown.
"As I stand here today with my heart racing and knees knocking, I am both stunned and excited," said Bishop Zubik.
The Archdiocese of Pittsburgh had been without a bishop since May 2006 when Archbishop Donald Wuerl was promoted to Archdiocese of Washington.
This marks the second major episcopal appointment in the United States this month.
Last Thursday, the Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI had selected Archbishop Edwin O'Brien to head Baltimore, America's first diocese. Archbishop O'Brien was the bishop of the military services and was considered an expert in priestly formation, according to Rocco Palmo.
The U.S. diocese with the longest vacancy remains Birmingham, Alabama, empty since May 2005. Pope Benedict really seems to be taking his time making sure that appointment is perfect. I can't imagine why.
Written by Josh Mercer