Bishop Adamec of the highly troubled Altoona-Johnestown Diocese retired in January of this year. How was it it was missed? Someone should have been popping the cork of champagne. But like the despot of a distant oriental country flooded with sand and camels tethered in the ruins of better days, his unhappy reign has passed like the report of a swinging rusty sign, deep in the rust belt somewhere between Detroit and Saginaw.
He's been accused justifiably of Simony and of being a protector of predatory homosexuals, while he has been a scourge to priests loyal to Rome. Now he's gone being replaced by Bishop Bartschak. Here's Bishop Bartschak's statement from the Diocesan rag:
I have spent almost twenty years assisting and advising the Most Rev. Donald Trautman, Bishop of Erie. I want to especially acknowledge his trust in me and the care which he has shown me as a father and brother. He has never been at a loss to offer me practical words of advice and encouragement. I am certainly grateful for the insights and encouragement that he has shared since learning of my appointment as Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown.
I am grateful to Bishop Adamec for the warm welcome and solicitude that he has shared with me in so many ways. He has been quite generous in providing me with the kind of help that is needed during the time of transition that continues for the next several weeks.
If he worked for Bishop Trautsperson, he can't be much better and is probably decidedly worse than the outgoing +Adamec. No doubt those trying to hear the Mass of their grandsires will find things difficult. Yet another Old Liberal given a position of trust where he doesn't belong. May God have mercy on the decaying and rusting Altoona-Jonestown Diocese.
Image from Catholic Cartoon blog.
Bishop-elect Bartchak is a highly regarded canon lawyer, considered one of the best in North America, and is known by Cardinal Burke quite well. Cardinal Burke is playing a pivotal role in vetting candidates for bishop in his role at the Congregation for Bishops. If Fr. Bartchak were heterodox, Cardinal Burke would not have approved his elevation to bishop.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, years ago, when pro-abort PA Gov Tom Ridge spoke here in our diocese at a fund raiser for the Foundation for the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, the Diocese of Erie followed up several months later with a decree banning Ridge from speaking on any diocesan properties or events. As judicial vicar for the Diocese of Erie, Fr. Bartchak would have written that decree. That decree is probably the only thing that kept Ridge from being named as a VP running mate for presidential candidates like McCain.
Finally, Fr. Bartchak has excellent pro-life credentials and served as chaplain for Project Rachel in Erie. He is known to be 100% orthodox on moral theology issues.
He has served in spiritual direction for Erie seminarians for quite some time, and the young orthodox candidates in seminary for Erie diocese are very saddened to see him go.
We don't know where he stands on liturgical issues, but from all indications so far he is orthodox and strongly pro-life. There are no indications whatsoever that he is of the mold of Bishop Trautman.
We are very hopeful here in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown about this appointment.
Thanks for that posting and correction.
ReplyDeleteWell, I have to say, It's 2015 almost 2016 and the above blog was "SPOT ON" when written. We should have listened.
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