There have been a handful of diocesan mergers in Canada, in recent years, though a very quick googling shows that we're talking much larger numbers of Catholics in Canadian dioceses. I wonder what the considerations are from the Vatican's perspective about merging dioceses? I think back to Moses in the OT being encouraged by his father in law to create smaller and smaller sub groups with leaders appointed for each sub group, to make governing easier. I think it's similar with dioceses, and the number of parishes, etc...
First, other than in intention, how is union in persona episcopi canonically different from Medieval/Renaissance pluralism and absenteeism?
Second, reading the phrase "In any case, if the union in persona episcopi is successful" had me expecting the end of the sentence to be "merging might not be necessary." Wouldn't it be a gift if the temporary gift of a good reforming bishop and competent administrator could revitalize a struggling diocese and bring it back to viability?
Without intending any belittlement, I read the Bolletino daily, well before you comment on it.
When Marcus Stock was appointed to administer Middlesbrough I did wonder if a reunion might be looming.
With Hallam added to the mix I could quite see the Diocese of Beverley being reconstituted.
#bringbackBeverly. Then they could start filming on my Yorkshire Diocese.
There have been a handful of diocesan mergers in Canada, in recent years, though a very quick googling shows that we're talking much larger numbers of Catholics in Canadian dioceses. I wonder what the considerations are from the Vatican's perspective about merging dioceses? I think back to Moses in the OT being encouraged by his father in law to create smaller and smaller sub groups with leaders appointed for each sub group, to make governing easier. I think it's similar with dioceses, and the number of parishes, etc...
Two thoughts:
First, other than in intention, how is union in persona episcopi canonically different from Medieval/Renaissance pluralism and absenteeism?
Second, reading the phrase "In any case, if the union in persona episcopi is successful" had me expecting the end of the sentence to be "merging might not be necessary." Wouldn't it be a gift if the temporary gift of a good reforming bishop and competent administrator could revitalize a struggling diocese and bring it back to viability?