Friday, April 4, 2008

Everybody loves Raymond


Well, perhaps not everybody - Sheryl Crowe, for example. There is, as far as I am aware, no official 'Archbishop Burke Fan Club' - so it begins here. To be a member, you just have to applaud what the Archbishop is doing in his diocese, there are no membership dues, you can claim membership immediately! Not only has the Archbishop rightly challenged so-called Catholic politicians who openly support abortion - he has been unafraid of bad publicity and done his duty as an Apostle. Now he has opened an Institute for Sacred Music in St. Louis, which is following exactly what Pope Benedict has been asking the Church to do - and, incidentally, what the Second Vatican Council called the Church to do. He is providing the opportunity for parishes, and the musicians of his diocese, to not only learn Gregorian Chant, but to sing the Mass in English. Can it be long before we have 'Cardinal' Burke - or Archbishop Burke of New York? (That will, of course, spoil the chances of the sainted Pastor of Park Avenue, but I am sure he will be gracious.)

7 comments:

Mary said...

Let Raymond continue his good work where he is. The sainted pastor of Park Ave would be sorely missed on 38th St, but I'd be willing to hike up to St. Pat's if the whole of NY could benefit from his talents.

Kimberly said...

Ah, yes, I think I have been an Archbishop Burke fan for a while already. May the Lord continue to give him courage and all other virtue, and may other bishops learn from his example.

Brother Declan said...

Count me in on the Bishop's Fan Club!

Mike said...

I've been a fan of Archbishop Burke since his arrival in St. Louis. He is truly a good and holy man who has had more than his share of challenges (none of his making, by the way).

I have stood by his side on the altar and I can attest to the fact that he is a true descendant of the first Apostles.

I agree that there is a red hat in his future but it will sadden me to see him leave St. Louis.

Deacon Mike Buckley

GOR said...

Yes, here in Wisconsin we were sad to lose Ab. Burke, but LaCrosse's loss was St. Louis' gain.

I think he would be a good replacement for Cdl. Levada at Dottrina when he moves on, inevitably. That would assure the Cardinal's hat and he could later return to head up one of the prime Sees here in the US...

Padre Steve said...

New York could sure use someone like him to shake things up! Also, the need for vocations is so great and I think he might attract more there.

Mike said...

Padre Steve,

Here in St. Louis, they're actually adding on to the seminary!