Archbishop-elect Tim Dolan is a happy man because he is a happy Christian disciple and a happy Catholic priest. Among his favorite quotes: "Joy in the infallible sign of God's presence," which he takes from a letter of the French novelist Leon Bloy to philosopher Jacques Maritain. Moreover, his happiness, which is a function of his profound Christian faith, is irresistibly infectious. For the past 35 years (and not just during the current scandal-time), Catholicism in the U.S. has too often been a grouchy, unhappy place. That is about to change, dramatically, in Milwaukee.That the new archbishop will get off more side-splitting one-liners in an afternoon than many prelates do in a decade should not obscure an equally important aspect of his personality, however. Timothy Dolan is a very intelligent, deeply read man, well-versed in contemporary Catholic thought..
All eyes are on Milwaukee, aren't they? As the first new prelate appointed post-Dallas in one of the most liberal sees in the nation, Dolan has hard row to hoe...this will be fascinating to watch. In a good way, we hope!