Pope Benedict accepts resignation of Milwaukee auxiliary bishop Sklba

Bishop Richard Sklba
(Sam Lucero | The Compass)

MILWAUKEE — Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Richard J. Sklba of Milwaukee, who turned 75 Sept. 11.

The resignation was announced at the Vatican Oct. 18. Under canon law, bishops must submit their resignation at age 75.

Bishop Sklba, who also is vicar general, has been a Milwaukee auxiliary since 1979.

He became one of the youngest bishops in the United States when he was ordained a bishop by now-retired Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland of Milwaukee.

Archbishop Listecki said the bishop will continue to serve the archdiocese through the end of 2010. After that, he plans to help out in parishes on weekends and preside at confirmations in 2011 as he can. Bishop Sklba also is involved in several writing projects.

"These years have not always been easy, but they have inevitably offered many experiences of God's loving mercy, grace and growth," Bishop Sklba said in a statement.

To have lived "in the empowering spirit" of the Second Vatican Council on one hand, he said, and on the other "to have experienced personally the profound sorrows of the church from the effects of the abuse of our children and youth, has been a deep and painful immersion into the Lord's paschal mystery." [Dare I say the two appear to go hand in hand.  How can we expect priests to rightly interpret the council when our own bishops fondly talk of the "empowering" "Spirit of the Council".   Can you image the pope talking about the "empowering spirit of the council" after Vatican I declared Papal Infallibility?  LOL!]

"Through it all we know that our God is always and ever an almighty source of healing and new beginnings," he added.

The whole article at The Compass

Sounds like Milwaukee is in need a few good auxiliaries.  Anybody heard names?  Although I'm sure some of the curia are still Weakland folks, Milwaukee more and more is being cleansed from the era of dismantling the Milwaukee church.

PS> Does His Excellency have an orange handkerchief up his sleeve in that photo?