It’s kinda like running for president of the United States… What does it say about someone if they really want to be a bishop?

Today, Bishop Fran Malooly completes his move from the “Premier See” of Baltimore to the “First State” of Delaware, the diocese of Wilmington which cover the whole state and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Bishop Fran always wanted to be a parish priest, a line item which did not consume much time on his resume. (He did, however, serve as director of the Catholic youth ministry retreat house for a few years!)  Yet, he has baptized, reconciled, confirmed, married, and buried so very many.

He’s the sort of guy who returns his own calls, will stop in at your office door to check on you, interrupt a staff meeting to see what everyone is working on. He is a good administrator, but a great pastor.

Wilmington could seem to be a smaller, simpler job, but they are still facing abuse law suits and then there is a local catholic by the name of Joe. The News-Journal reports:

‘I’m anxious to have a chance to speak with him as I would any politician,’ Malooly said at a farewell reception in Parkville, Md., last Sunday. He’ll seek to understand Joe Biden’s point of view, much as he did with Maryland politicians. And Malooly said that he will share the scope of Catholic pro-life teachings with Biden. A sizable number of Catholics hold beliefs that go against church teachings, the bishop noted. “I have to work on everybody, not just Joe Biden,” Malooly said.

Bishop Fran has a full assignment before him, not that he wanted the job anyway.  Fortunately, he has the good will, best wishes, and prayers of ArchBalt with him.  (Father Austin offers his reflections here. Rocco’s take is here.) <<Photo:The News Journal/GINGER WALL>>