Quote of the Day

"What does one say in the face of Pope Francis' call for a humbler church, for bishops who walk with their people, with his urging a poor church for the poor?  [Newark Archbishop John] Myers swims in his endless pool while the city of Newark drowns in poverty. Myers may present an excessive case of the priesthood of unaccountable privilege, but the case is not, though extreme, irrelevant. It is valuable in shedding light on the kind of accepted corruption that has infected the church for decades, manifest in the seemingly endless abuse and financial scandals, and that has drained the church of so much of its moral authority and credibility." -- an editorial in the National Catholic Reporter, condemning the right-wing Bishop of Bling's arrogant greed in constructing a $500,000 addition to his already large home.  This has become a big topic in the important New York City media market, so it should only be a matter of time before the Vatican weighs in.

Lifestyles of the Rich, Catholic Church Edition

When people refer to the "Princes of the Catholic Church," they're referring to the Cardinals and Archbishops that occupy the top echelons.  But when we saw this article on the lavish addition to the home of Newark Archbishop John Myers,  it gives a whole new meaning to "prince."  Note that we said "addition" to the home; the current 4,500 square foot, $800,000 home already boasts five bedrooms, three baths, and a three car garage.  The 3,000 square foot addition will add an indoor pool, three fireplaces and an elevator at a cost of $500,000.

Normally, this would just be another eyebrow-raising example of what Pope Francis is trying to eliminate among his hierarchy.  But the $500,000 addition comes just two years after the archdiocese closed one of its schools for lack of funds.  It's hard to comprehend the cynical greed that motivates those that purportedly represent the teachings of Jesus Christ.  Good luck to the Pope.

UPDATE:  This might explain Archbishop Myers' cynical greed.

(Photo:  The Archbishop's humble abode, Google maps, via NJ.com)