It’s been quite an experience the past couple of days going to the meetings and meeting up individually with bishops and cardinals during Masses, breakfasts, and lunches. I have been myself, of course, which has provided some of them with comic relief. I have found several kindred spirits in the humor department and that’s been great.
After a couple of days, I feel as if I have known some of these guys for years. It is really strange what common experiences do in terms of bonding total strangers. I feel pretty happy for having this experience as it gives me a unique view into the episcopacy in the United States.
The biggest thing that binds us, of course, is our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. And the best expression of that is daily Mass.
The celebrants yesterday and today have been witty, insightful, and inspiring. Can’t ask for more than that.
Tomorrow morning, our day will begin with Region meetings. I will finally meet the bishops of Indiana face-to-face as well as the bishops of Illinois and Wisconsin. I should have a lot to write about tomorrow night.
Oh, yes. This afternoon, when we broke for lunch, I went up to the Papal Nuncio and introduced myself. I then took out my pocket money and asked him how much it would cost for us to get a bishop assigned. He laughed and said it would take a lot more money than I was holding. Then he asked what diocese I was from. Hmmm. Maybe we’ll get some consideration. 🙂