And now we arrive at memories of what may well have been the most significant of my Memories of Bishops - The Szoka Era.
Edmund C. Szoka came to the Archdiocese of Detroit following the retirement of John Dearden. His origins were Pure Michigan and his episcopal roots were as the first bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord.
When John Dearden came to us from Pittsburgh, he bore the reputation of being "Iron John," steel cold and inflexible. Edmund Szoka came with no such designation. He really did not need a nickname. His actions spoke loudly enough. I suspect that there are some who would even suggest that Iron would be too flexible and pliable a material for describing Edmund Szoka!
His voice -- his very presence -- one glance from him -- any of these could make even those very strong tremble in their boots.
I think that may have been why the Szoka Era played such a significant part in my life.
And having set out that descriptive, now let me back up a bit and capture a prelude to our very first encounter.
I was back from my studies at the University of Notre Dame and I was newly positioned as pastor of St. Clement of Rome in Romeo, Michigan and still very early in this process, with that new degree safely in hand and no office job to accompany it, I was asked to join the faculty of SS Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan.
They needed someone to handle this newly emerging "science" of liturgy and all of the emerging documents and at that time in our history, such qualified persons were few and far between. However, I was a newly appointed pastor who had just spurned a bureaucratic full time position.
It was agreed that I would serve as adjunct faculty, maintaining my parish life while setting aside time weekly each semester to provide needed courses in liturgical theology.
I would have the best of both worlds (so to speak) or just maybe the worst!
But honestly, teaching was exhilarating and I especially enjoyed interacting with the students, often learning from the examples being set by lay students, newly being admitted to theological studies and exhibiting deep appreciation to what, far too often, seminary students were then taking for granted.
And the Dean of Studies, my immediate supervisor, was also a joy with whom to work. He was then becoming a well known theologian, Anthony Kosnik. He even had a book about to be released. It would prove to be, for back then in the 1970's, a very radical work on human sexuality.
And that is where my first real up close and personal encounter with Edmund Szoka would take place.
I had been serving on the adjunct faculty of the seminary for a number of years when "It" happened. Matter of fact, I had also been in parish as pastor for even a slightly longer period of time.
During this span of time there were numerous occasions when I would have the occasion to meet with and have discussions with Tony Kosnik. Mostly we spoke of educational approaches and techniques on the graduate study level. I do believe that we both felt strongly about how subject matter should be handled when dealing with those who had arrived at this particular level of learning.
But then one fine day I received a phone call.
And do not try and even pretend that, at least back in those days, even Archdiocesan Offices did not have news leaks!
This caller, aware that I was working, even if part time, in the seminary and also with Tony Kosnik, just wanted me to be informed.
Anthony Kosnik was being removed from his position!
He was not going willingly. He was being ordered out.
And guess, just guess who might be giving the order!
Watch for more in the weeks to come.
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