such sweet sorrow

By Diogenes ( articles ) | May 18, 2006

He calls his weekly letter "Thinking of You" -- probably the most ill-named feature of its kind in ecclesiastical journalism (though Milwaukee's "Herald of Hope" column, in its Weakland years, was a strong contender). Washington's newly-retired Cardinal Theodore McCarrick wants you to know that he feels your pain at his departure:

Even though I know that some of you in your great kindness might have some feelings of sadness about my retirement, I really want to assure you that the coming of Archbishop Donald Wuerl is the best thing that could happen to this beloved Archdiocese of Washington. He is truly a very good man.

If we have your word on the matter, Eminence, that's good enough for me.

One thing for sure you will always know. Wherever I am, I will always be thinking of you with love and tremendous gratitude. Even though possibly one or two of you may miss my regular column, you know that my prayer, my affection and my deepest appreciation for all of you and for your wonderful kindnesses to me will always be uppermost in my heart.

No need to caricature McCarrick. He's a mccarrickature of himself.