New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-03-14
THE APPOINTMENT OF MGR. MDONNELL.
1T CAUSED SURPRISE AMONG ROMAN CATHOLIC
PRIESTs-REASoNs FOR THE SELECTION.

1T CAUSED SURPRISE AMONG ROMAN CATHOLIC
PREsTs-REAsoNs FOR THE SELECTION.
Roman Catholic clerical circles have not been so
surprised by anything recently rs by the appointment
of Monsignor Mcdonnell to the BishOpric OF brooklyn
All reports to the contrary every priest IN the TWO
doceses was taken completely off his feet by the news
from Rome. Brooklyn is large diocese, and Mon
e,rnor Mcdonnell is an extremely young man. More
over IL IS unusual in America even for cleric to step
from the Office OF secretary TO that Of bishop. In
addition BrOoklyn and NewIork have among their
100 priests score Of men far superior to the mon
signor In learning and general ability, with whose WHO
expercncc he is not acquainted. Hence. the surprise,
widespread and deep, at the least expected OF 'he
probable appointments TO Brooklyn.
The appointment OF Catholic bishop, however.
The the appointment OF cabinet minister, is sur
rounded by difficulties which few understand or con
slider IL IS not always the maturest ecclesslastc,
lie most Intellectual. that can be chosen. good
many points had ID be considered before the sue
cessor OF Bishop Loughlin could be named. The do
cese Of Brooklyn is one which has been conducted on
old methods. and is somewhat behind the times IL
needs for bishop a young man skilled in methods
so close is IL to New-York that the currents OF It's
activity must always affect the greater CITY, us
bishop should therefore, be in entire sympathy with
the metropolitan Of NewYork All the ecclesiastical
theorists Of the East reside within radius OF hity
miles of NewYork The bishops of the locality there
prefer safety to brancy, aud who can discourage te
theorists enectuaDy.
The most important consideration OF all Is the
future union of the two cities. New-fork and BROOK
lyn. There is no doubt OF that union taking place
soon. Two bishops could not easily reside In the
sam. see The lesser would have to retire or COM
promise on the basis of becoming coad1utor to the
metropolitan with the right of succeeding hlm' ms
would remove difficulties Monsignor Mcdonnell Is
thirteen wears younger than Archbishop Corr1gan
In the order of nature he will outive the Archbishop
who II he reaches the age of seventy will have lived
10 become ruler OF the ecclesiastical greater New
York Monslcnor Mcdonnell is young, OF progresses
ing appearance entirely In sympathy with ule Arch;
BISHOP well versed in modern methods cautious ana
prudent after sailing through the Mctilynn storm ana
Would be quite ready TO accept the cOadlutOrship III
New-York with the right OF succession: lis hoid ing
of the Office would embarrass the Archoishop ius
lest friend nor be irritating to hlmseH. ,. -
Thus apart from the considerations OF pety ana
culture Monsignor Mcdonnell is n fit man 1or a
peculiar ONCE which was the reason Of his elevation
over the heads Of his elders. The Brooklyn priests
knew very well that in America few bishops preside
over the dioceses in which they live MS priests.
They no more than others expected Brooklyn ruler
hut for all that they not yet over their surprise
al the appointment.