by Father Mark Goldasich
Hoo boy. I knew that this day would come but it happened a lot quicker than I anticipated.
In my mind, the archbishop is always supposed to be older than me. That held true for most of my 69 years of life. Archbishop Edward J. Hunkler confirmed me and Archbishop Ignatius J. Strecker ordained me and appointed me as editor of The Leaven. Both were way older. Archbishop James Patrick Keleher and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann succeeded Archbishop Strecker, and the rule held true: They, too, were older than me.
And then, along came Archbishop Shawn McKnight. I was already a teenager when he was born and a priest for 12 years when he was ordained! Can this possibly mean that I’m getting old? I can still take comfort, though, in the fact that the pope is still older than me. OK, only by 68 days but still . . .
Getting older entails another personal challenge: remembering to pray the correct names in the eucharistic prayer. It’s been tough enough to retrain my brain to say “Leo” instead of “Francis” when mentioning the pope. Now, my anxiety ticks up a notch as I have to say “Shawn” instead of “Joseph” as the archbishop!
Seriously, though, it is a pleasure to welcome Archbishop McKnight to the archdiocese. Earlier this month, I celebrated a wedding and discovered that the sister of the bride lived in the Diocese of Jefferson City, Missouri. At the rehearsal dinner, she said with dismay, “You’re taking our bishop!” All I could do was shrug and in my mind repeat the Reese’s slogan: “Sorry, Not sorry!”
This expanded issue of The Leaven introduces our new, enthusiastic and talented archbishop. He was one of the last two appointments made by Pope Francis. He’s a fellow Kansan, born in Wichita, and a former priest of that diocese. In my two brief encounters with him, he’s struck me as friendly and welcoming, certainly two traits we here in the Sunflower State are known for.
In Archbishop McKnight’s early comments and homilies, he’s hit on a theme illustrated well in this little story:
A college professor was approached by a student who said, “Conversational ability is crucial for success in my future profession, yet there are no such courses offered. How can I learn the art of conversation?”
“A good question,” replied the professor, “and if you will just listen, I’ll tell you how.”
There ensued a long and awkward silence. Finally, the student interrupted, saying, “Well, I’m listening.”
The professor smiled and said, “You see, already you are learning.” (Story found in Father Brian Cavanaugh’s “Fresh Packet of Sower’s Seeds: Third Planting.”)
Pope Francis seemed to understand that sometimes the church answers questions that people today aren’t asking. Therefore, he called for a church that was synodal, one that listens first.
In a reflection found on April 23 in the prayer resource Give Us This Day, contributor Darius Villalobos wrote: “If we can be a church that listens and accompanies, we may find that the people are more interested and willing to hear the Good News because we are willing to meet them where they are.”
A synodal church. Our new archbishop prizes this — a church that listens and accompanies. It’s a vision that calls people to work together: clergy and laity, young and old.
To my mind, it was a happy coincidence that the vespers service on the evening before Archbishop McKnight was installed occurred on the feast day of St. Philip Neri. The offertory prayer at Mass that day said: “[W]e ask that by the example of Saint Philip we may always give ourselves cheerfully for the glory of your (God’s) name and the service of our neighbor.” The archbishop, as you’ll see in the photos here, has a warm smile and a good sense of humor. I’m sure he’ll be guided by the example of St. Philip Neri.
I’ve heard Archbishop McKnight mention, understandably, his nervousness at undertaking this appointment and its responsibilities. As an “elder,” I’d say take comfort in what’s expressed some 350-plus times in the Scriptures: “Be not afraid.” We at The Leaven support you and are at your service.
I’ll close with a prayer from St. Emily of Rodat for our new shepherd — and ask the whole archdiocese to join in: “Keep your enthusiasm. Be brave. Put all your trust in God. And always maintain a holy cheerfulness.”
Welcome aboard, Archbishop McKnight!
