5/18/2006

American Idol

What is it about American Idol? I feel like such a slave to pop culture and I'm loathe to admit it but, I love American Idol. I've watched the current season form the beginning. I was a big Paris fan and a big Taylor Hicks fan from the get go. I liked Paris because her speaking voice was small and squeeky, then she would sing in a big Motown type voice and just blow you away. She is one 17 year old who has a big future in the industry. Then Taylor was just like some type of throwback to 60's soul or 30's, 40's, and 50's standards, he even moves like Joe Cocker. I like them because they aren't like the pop cookie cutter stars who all sound the same. Maybe the Spears and Aguilera type stars are going away. My friends all make fun of me for being a fan of the show. Maybe I've been duped by the TV industry. I don't know, but oh well...

5/17/2006

New Archbiship of Washington DC



Pope Benedict XVI has named Pittsburgh Bishop Donald Wuerl as Cardinal McCarrick's replacement. Often, the Pope will allow a Bishop to remain in place well after the mandatory retirement age of 75. This will not be the case with Cardinal McCarrick. There could be several ways of looking at this. One way is that Cardinal McCarrick is wanting to fade away from the public spotlight and relax in retirement. Another way to look at it is that the Pope wants to help alter the course of the American episcopate. Again, the Pope could just be showing that he intends to adhere closely to the rules which are in place as opposed to making exceptions the rule.

Cardinal McCarrick in my memory was unremarkable in his highly visible role as Cardinal Archbishop of Washington D.C. He had many opportunities to staunchly defend life and to stop the scandal of pro-abortion politicians visibly and publicly participating in the Sacramental life of the Church at Mass through the reception of Holy Communion. Bishop Wuerl had much the same stance however, so perhaps there will be no change. Maybe Bishop Wuerl, in his new role, will feel less compelled to adhere to the principle of collegiallity and more compelled to adhere to orthopraxic principles.

One thing for certain though, Bishop Wuerl is an accomplished teacher of the faith.