Springfield may have to wait for Rozanski’s successor

June 16, 2020 | Chris Maza
Chrism@thereminder.com

Bishop Mitchell Rozanski addresses the media in the Bishop Marshall Center in Springfield.
Reminder Publishing photo by Chris Maza

SPRINGFIELD – It may be a while before the Diocese of Springfield has a new bishop.

Current Bishop Mitchell Rozanski was selected by Pope Francis last week as the 10th Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of St. Louis, MO, replacing retiring Archbishop Robert Carlson. While Rozanski has already been introduced to his new archdiocese on June 10, at a press event at the Bishop Marshall Center the following day he said he would remain Springfield’s administrator until he officially assumes his new role on Aug. 25.

The timeline for identifying the archbishop-elect’s successor is far murkier, however. Diocesan spokesperson Mark Dupont told Reminder Publishing the process of replacing Rozanski could take as long as a year. Dupont explained the already rigorous process would likely be delayed further because the Congregation of Bishops in Rome, which would make a recommendation to Pope Francis, typically observes summer holidays along with the rest of the Vatican, usually returning sometime in August.

“The timing adds a challenge,” Dupont said. “It’s likely a new administrator would be selected for the diocese until our new bishop is installed.”

Rozanski said he learned of the new appointment when he was contacted by the papal nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, two weeks prior to the public announcement from Rome.

Rozanski explained during his press conference that as part of his transition, the papal nuncio requested from him a report on the diocese with his recommendations of its needs. That report, along with input from other bishops, would be used to develop a shortlist of candidates called a terna. The terna would then be delivered to the Congregation of Bishops, which would then present a final recommendation to the pope, who ultimately makes the final decision.

The situation is uncharted territory of sorts for the Diocese of Springfield. Rozanski is the first bishop to leave the diocese for another assignment.

 The 61-year-old Rozanski was installed as Springfield’s ninth bishop on Aug. 12, 2014, replacing Bishop Timothy McDonnell, who led the diocese for 10 years, starting in 2004, until his retirement. McDonnell took over for Bishop Thomas Dupre, who resigned in 2014 after 13 years in the position. Dupre became the first bishop indicted on sexual abuse charges later that year by a Hampden County grand jury. Bishop John Marshall spent just over two years as Springfield’s Bishop before passing away at the age of 66. Bishop Joseph Maguire, Springfield’s fifth bishop, had a more than 14-year tenure from 1977 to 1991 when he retired. Bishop Christopher Weldon preceded Maguire, serving as bishop from 1950 to 1977. Bishops Thomas O’Leary, Thomas Beavan and Patrick Thomas O’Reilly, Springfield’s first bishop, passed away while holding the position in 1949, 1920 and 1892, respectively.

Rozanski said he was “speechless” when he was told about his new appointment and while he looked forward to it, leaving Springfield would be difficult.

“I did feel a rush of emotions, especially one of sorrow in knowing that I would leave Springfield. But six years ago, at the Holy Father’s appointment, I left Baltimore, my hometown, to come here.”

Dupont indicated Rozanski’s new appointment came as a surprise, but added, “I say it’s surprising but it really wasn’t for those who have worked with the bishop these past six years. He has displayed an episcopal style that’s inclusive, pastoral, Gospel-based - certainly one that enriches the people here in Western Massachusetts.”

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno also praised Rozanski in a statement, saying, “Bitter sweet, Springfield and surrounding areas loss and St. Louis’ gain. I’ve had a wonderful spiritual and working relation with Bishop Rozanski. He has always put forth a very carrying, calming and reassuring leadership style. I will miss him and wish him congratulations and continued success in preaching the word of the lord, peace, understanding and harmony.”

During his tenure, Rozanski oversaw the controversial merger of Cathedral High School and Holyoke Catholic High School into Pope Francis Preparatory School, located on the former Cathedral property on Surrey Road in Springfield.

“That was one of the most difficult decisions that I’ve had to make in my life,” he said. “I said after that I pray that I never have to do anything like that again. But I think that what has emerged has shown to be a good direction … I find that that would be one of my legacies.”

The departing bishop also pointed to an increase in Latino deacons and lay involvement in ministry is on the rise.

Rozanski was also tasked with addressing issues related to the Catholic church’s ongoing sexual abuse scandals.

In 2019, Rozanski met with a man who leveled sexual abuse allegations against the late Bishop Weldon to the Diocesan Review Board. He appointed retired Superior Court Judge Peter Velis to investigate the accusation and created a task force to review those findings. The timing of that report’s completion does not change with the shift in diocesan leadership, Rozanski said. He anticipates the task force will receive the report in August and will “act upon it.”

Additionally, in May, Rozanski signed a Memorandum of Understanding with local district attorneys to report any allegations of sexual abuse by clergy to law enforcement agencies.

Financially, Rozanski admitted the diocese was struggling, though the situation is not exclusive to Springfield. The coronavirus pandemic, he explained, had a severe impact on weekly collections, specifically during the period in which Massachusetts churches were unable to perform public masses.

When asked what advice he would give to his predecessor, Rozanski stressed the breadth of knowledge and wisdom that exists among clergy and laypeople in the diocese was an invaluable tool.

“There are priests, deacons, women and men religious and laypeople who are so involved in many aspects of our diocese,” he said. “[My advice would be] to learn from them, to listen to them and that’s the way to form a vision for the future.”

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