The Nuncii

I was chatting to a couple of Irish friends yesterday, both rather spontaneously said in the words of the second, "Charlie Brown: he's doing good!" He meant His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Charles Brown. The first pointed out that he has been getting in touch with ordinary people, going to Croagh Patrick to preach and offer Mass, going to Youth 2000 meetings, appearing parishes, ordaining priests in bishopless dioceses. He's getting to meet ordinary Catholics, rather than just being in touch with the Diplomatic Corps and the Bishops. It is boosting his personal credibility, it also gives ordinary people the opportunity to discuss the future of the Irish clergy. It is good to hear something positive about a bishop coming from Ireland.

Our own Nuncio too seems to be getting about a bit too, this summer he has been to the Faith Conference, Evangelium Conference, he has been a great champion of the Ordinariate and I understand wanted to come to the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy. It seems that the only place he won't go to is the Soho Masses and maybe Ma won't invite him to deliver the Tablet lecture either (have you seen this new disgraceful blog, Fr Xylophone, really! and Mrs Popehater, well!).
One of the things both seem to be interested in, is hearing about potential Bishops who are outside of the normal circle who are committed to Evangelisation, ours even has  his email address is even available.

A good Nuncio can turn a local Church around. it has happened in the States and Australia, I have a good hope it will happen in Ireland and here - let's pray for them both.