In a short interview with the Montana Catholic, Monsignor Kevin O’Neill reflects on his time spent serving as Apostolic Administrator to the Diocese of Helena. The Holy Father appointed Monsignor O’Neill to this position on Aug. 1, 2003, a service which came to an end when Bishop George Thomas took canonical possession of the diocese at his installation on June 4.
Q: Juggling
your parish commitments to the Cathedral of St. Helena with your diocesan responsibilities
as Apostolic Administrator has kept you very busy since last Aug. 1. Any plans
for recuperative rest on the horizon?
A: In the fall. While Bishop Thomas reassesses the ongoing needs of the diocesan
administration, he has asked Father John Robertson and me to serve as chancellor
and vicar general pro-tempore. We are both honored to assist him in that way.
Interestingly, when Bishop Thomas announced this, his rationale included an
interest in continuity and stability of governance, which is exactly the rationale
that I believe prompted my appointment as Apostolic Administrator last August.
As I tried to state in my letter to the diocese at that time, I don’t believe
the Holy See made such an appointment due to the diocese being in a state of
crisis or because of any perceived urgency, but for the purposes of stability
and continuity of governance in a diocese that had gone through three bishops
and interregnum administrations during the past 10 years. I believe that during
the coming weeks, as Bishop Thomas fulfills his duties at the national and international
levels, he is seeking – for the good of the diocese – to have that same stability
here in the diocesan pastoral office.
Q: How will you remember your time as Apostolic Administrator? Has it been an enjoyable experience that you will fondly remember? A: Not at first. I started out a bit nervous and insecure. It’s one thing to serve as vicar general, representing the priorities and desires of the bishop; it’s entirely different when there’s no one in that chair.
Fortunately, an administrator is not really expected to do it alone. In addition to the efficacy of prayer and the intercession of Our Lady, there’s an entire diocesan staff that is very competent and eager to serve, assist and teach. So, to begin with, I was a learner.
And then of course, there is the College of Consultors. They were very frank and forthright. At the first meeting they expressed their concerns – perhaps even their disappointment that there wasn’t an election. And yet, even at that very first meeting there was unanimity in our desire to serve – as the College of Consultors – the people of God in the best way possible.
I also have to say that the cathedral staff was a great blessing in all of this. Father Tim Moriarty, in his rookie year, stepped up to the plate and hit a home run. Like Babe Ruth, he pointed to the altar, to the tabernacle, and that’s where he was to be found – in communion with the Lord. That grace shone forth in his ministry. Both sides of Ewing Street were critical in this. I couldn’t have done it without either side. And I will never take for granted the power of prayer. There were so many kind letters saying that people were praying for us and for our new bishop – that the Holy Father would send us a good and just shepherd. As I said on the day of his announcement, if anyone ever doubted that prayers are answered, that doubt should be put to rest now that we have Bishop Thomas.
Q: It seems
that you received support from a number of corners.
A: Oh yes – overwhelming cooperation from the Universal Church and from the
local Church. Bishop Milone of Great Falls – truly a wonderful man – would call
and offer encouragement, and that would give me a sense of solidarity.
People want the Church to be at its best, to shine like the city on the hill. Sometimes we put bushel baskets over our light, but those times are rare. Don’t get me wrong – it wasn’t the Good Ship Lollipop by any means, but it wasn’t the Titanic either – not by a long shot. It’s Christ’s ship. He’s the captain; he’s at the helm.
Q: What were
some of the highlights of your time as administrator?
A: Confirmation and the Rites of Election in particular were wonderful. Across
the diocese, in spite of any differences that may exist in terms of priorities
and perspective, it truly is a Universal Church – one body, one spirit in Christ.
Q: Now that
you’re an experienced administrator of the diocese, do you have any words of
advice for Bishop Thomas?
A: He is so much more experienced in these matters. Think of the years that
he was personal secretary to the bishops of Seattle, chancellor, vicar general,
vicar for clergy, pastor, associate pastor, and of course a bishop for the Archdiocese
of Seattle. The only place that I can be of particular assistance is in welcoming
him home and, with God’s grace, in providing the asked-for continuity and stability
of ministry and service.
Published in The Montana Catholic, Vol. 20, No. 6, June 18, 2004.