There is reported today that Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst, profligate Bishop of Limburg has been suspended and that his duties His "duties will be assumed by a deacon, Wolfgang Rösch, who was scheduled to become the diocese’s chief administrator at the end of the year."
This is big, Deacon's unlike priests are allowed to marry. I do not know Deacon Rosch's marital status but I wonder how much precedent there is for a deacon to assume such a role.
Another question: Can women become deacons? I know in many parishes in the United States nuns and law women are assuming administrative responsibilities. In my own parish we have a male deacon whose wife is principal of the school (which has so far survived.)
But beyond those questions it is obvious that the winds of reform originally unleashed by Vatican II are blowing again and not as a gentle zephyr but as a hurricane. Behold the Holy Spirit.
This is big, Deacon's unlike priests are allowed to marry. I do not know Deacon Rosch's marital status but I wonder how much precedent there is for a deacon to assume such a role.
Another question: Can women become deacons? I know in many parishes in the United States nuns and law women are assuming administrative responsibilities. In my own parish we have a male deacon whose wife is principal of the school (which has so far survived.)
But beyond those questions it is obvious that the winds of reform originally unleashed by Vatican II are blowing again and not as a gentle zephyr but as a hurricane. Behold the Holy Spirit.
