The inquiry was led by Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta and Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul-Minneapolis.
Both Archbishops were in Memphis for "fact-finding" this past week, speinding three days interviewing an estimated 40 to 50 Clergy as well as a number of lay people.
This Visitation was organized by the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican's diplomatic representative in Washington, and focused on complaints related to Bishop Holley's decision last year to reassign a majority of priests in the Catholic Diocese of Memphis in Tennessee. The new assignments removed priests from communities where they had served, many of them for years, and led to upheaval and complaints.
The inquiry also focused on the Bishop’s decision to assign Reverend Monsignor Clement J. Machado, a Canadian priest, to the high-ranking position of Vicar General of the diocese, the sources said. Local clergy have raised questions about whether Monsignor Machado's incardination, or transfer, followed proper legal procedures.
At first glance, this seems to be a tempest in a teapot so the appointment to assign two Archbishops to investigate is curious indeed. After all, Apostolic Visitations are, or least used to be, very rare since they involve the Holy See supervising and critiquing decisions of Bishops.
Of course, I believe we shall see more of this kind of resistance to difficult decisions Bishops make in the governance of their Dioceses, especially in light of the fact that the Holy See caved into demands made by those in Nigeria against a Bishop they would not accept. Eventually, the Bishop was removed from office on account of the complaints.
This story may prove to be quite interesting in that regard. I shall keep attuned to it for further developments, if any.
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