The bishop's right hand

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Dec 23, 2004

The chancellor of the Springfield (Illinois) diocese was found badly beaten in a public park on Tuesday night.

The Springfield diocese? Isn't that the one whose former bishop, Daniel Ryan, resigned in 1999 because of health problems that arose soon after he was publicly accused of sexual abuse? Yep; same diocese.

The chancellor's battered body was found in Douglas Park. About which we learn:

Over the years, Douglas Park has developed a reputation as being a meeting spot for gay men. Police in past years have conducted special patrols there in response to complaints of inappropriate sexual behavior.

However, the park also is the site of many high-profile community events, including weekly Springfield Municipal Band concerts in the summer and large family picnics. The park also has a disc golf course that is popular in warmer months.

What do you suppose Msgr. Costa was doing there?

• He wanted to be first in line for tickets to the band concerts.
• He's an avid disc-golf competitor, and was getting in some off-season practice.
• He was scouting out the best areas for a family reunion.
• He suffers from the same "health problems" that afflict Bishop Ryan, and the Springfield diocese isn't out of the woods yet.