Committee on Chicano Rights, Inc

FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

National City, CA May 10,1989

The naming of Robert H. Brom as bishop for the San Die Catholic Diocese was labeled by Committee on Chicano Rights (CCR) chairperson Herman Baca as a "Racist decision and an insult to the million parishioners of Mexican ancestry who comprise over 50% of the San Diego Catholic diocese". The decision to name Bishop Blom over Aux. Bishop Gilbert Chavez who has served as the auxilary Bishop for the last 15 years stated Baca "is not only a racist slap in the face to the Spanish speaking community but is also a clear manifisation that racism and colonialism which has historically affl- cted the U.S. Catholic hierarchy is not only alive but continues to flourish". This degrading decision continue Baca is "a clear message to those who struggled in the late 60's and 70's for institutional change and equal representation within the for the Spanish Speaking that conservative elements in the church hierarchy are now attempting to turn the clock back by reviving the pratice of colonialism and racism as official church policy". In concluding, Baca stated that "the conservatives have obviously capturured the ear of the Pope as seen by the effort to canonize

Father Junipero Serra and the Pope turning away from promises • made to Chicano in Rome this year to institute a new deal and major changes for the spanish speaking in the United States".

END

For further information call Herman Baca (619) 474-8195

710 East 3rd Street • National City, CA 92050 • 619-474-8195 THE STAR-NEWS — Thur3U.S, 30, 1974 ChWeZ is second in /Vt' exican-American bishop full of plans to 'rally the people' Rev. Gilbert Chavez is the In his three years at Our Lady of second Mexican-American in the Guadalupe, Bishop Chavez related U.S. to be named a bishop in the directly with the Spanish-speaking Roman Catholic church. community and watched its leaders In April, he was named bishop by emerge. Pope Paul VI. San Ysidro, he stated, does have leadership, though it is not quite "I WAS stunned," admitted the united. Progress comes slowly, 42-year-old San Ysidro priest. When admitted the former chaplain of a he first learned of his promotion as state institution for drug addicts. to the Most Rev. Leo T. Mahler of San Diego, he "couldn't sleep." The significance SAN YSIDRO is young, he of the appointment, said the bishop, continued, and is experiencing is "kind of overwhelming." "pains of growth." External Bishop Chavez said his appoint- divisions among its leaders is ment represents successful efforts "natural," he feels. to bring more Spanish-speaking Bishop Chavez expects to see bishops into the church: The Priest those pains reoccur in other Senate and Sisters Senate, as well as Southern California communities. Chicano movements in San Diego, He accepts pain as part of growing San Bernardino and Riverside up and believes that, "in time, this counties, fought for this appoint- community will be very dynamic." ment. When community leaders By bringing more Mexican- BISHOP GILBERT CHAVEZ emerge and become visible, he said, Americans into the church, said the San Ysidro priest then people can begin to broaden Mild-mannered Chavez, Catholicism Through women's vocational their horizons and clearly see ideals. will become "more relevant" to its training, youth counseling, legal aid, Will the emergence of more Spanish-speaking constituency. An and training for responsible Mexican-Americans mean a rift in estimated 35 to 50 percent of the parenthood, he said, "people can be the Catholic Church? U.S. Catholic population is Mexican- given responsibility to grow and That, replied the bishop, depends American, he said. mature in their capacity as involved on the eyes of the beholder. And in the southland, approxi- persons in their community." "It's symbolic progress," he mately 400,-000 Catholics are Adults and youths should have said. He looks at his appointment as Spanish-speaking. Giving these positive values, believes Bishop an "answer to the prayers" of the people visible Mexican-American Chavez. Parents should impart upon Mexican-American community. For leaders, he hopes, will encourage their children "something more three years, explained, the soft- them to become active in the positive, something more lasting spoken man, people within the church. than daily bread," he said. church have been trying to get more . Parents should also consider Spanish-speaking members into the AS BISHOP; the priest from Our limiting the size of their family, diocese. Lady of Guadalupe. will visit believes Bishop Chavez, "to act as southland areas "to organize and responsible parents to themselves rally the people who want to work and their community." BISHOP CHAVEZ now believes and support" the church. Programs similar to those that "sometimes Rome does listen. One of his goals as bishop is to offered in the church-funded San Once we have two," he said "be able to get lay people involved" Diego center, he said, should spread "(referring to himself and a in the Catholic church." to other communities. Mexican-American bishop in San , Bishop Chavez would like to see a BISHOP CHAVEZ anticipates Antonio, Texas), "other people in council express laymen's ideas and moving on to San Bernardino and other diocese in other states" will views. "Once we have the people Riverside counties "to promote also be promoted. united," he feels, "we can solicit more programs, discover leadership People in Pew York, New funds for different programs." in different communities and Mexico, Chicago and Florida will With this nucleus of church encourage them to develop and soon begin asking for Spanish- activists, believes Bishop Chavez, grow." speaking church .leaders, he ' the means and ways" of worth- The border is another area predicts. while programs will fall in place. drawing his attention. Bishop- "Some people can look at things Chavez wants to put personnel at the and call it division," , he admitted. AS AN example of what he would border crossing to foster better. "But the emphasis is trying to meet '.like to see in the southland, Bishop relations between immigration the needs of all persons." Cha'vek pointed to the Padre agents and Spanish-speaking people Appointing Mexican-Americans "Illdalago,Center and Guadalupanas passing through the gate. to lead the church is sewing up a sttT' .ofirit;',Zoiegq... These ,' .Presently, the relationship at the division felt by ,Spanish-speaking skiatio* swith which he has been border is "negative" and,. Catholics, hesaid.. yolired,.. work to develop leaders "authoritative," according to the "If you try to see things in a -,ifor the church 1 11 11 1 I .II I 1 • 1 I May 11, 1989 E. Chavez who had been social justice, for social 25152 .5251539951' Chicanos Voice Opinions On serving as Auxiliary Bishop of causes," pointed out Father X. San k:21w and Titular Bishop Bishop's Appointment of 114- armel since April 16, To this reporter it was (Con't from pg 1) 1974, would be appointed as obvious that something was coadjutor and succeed Bishop remiss when it became known Chicanos Not Happy Maher upon his retirement. that Aux. Bishop Gilberto for Hispanic catholics. A few Hispanic Catholic to move Arch Bishop Mahoney, whA Chavez was not present nor months ago he met in Rome against the church and force it To Chicanos, the San Diego has the most say in these invited to the press conference with Aux. Bishop Gilberto to heed his needs in the 60's Diocesis is a logical place to With Choice of matters requesting that a announcing the appointment Chavez, Bishop Joseph and 70's. have a Hispanic Bishop. The Spanish-speaking Bishop be of the Very Reverand Robert H. Madera, Fresno Diocese, Aux, Father X said "This Catholic population in San designated. Brom of Duluth, Minn. to Bishop! Bishop Juan Arzube and appointment does not come Diego is well over 850,000. Of Failing that, to appoint a become of Armando Ochoa, Los Angeles directly from the Pope. He this, 463,000 are registered in Bishop that was familiar with the See of San Diego. Diocese, Aux. Bishop Alfonso relies on the selection by the rolls of the church. Of those the the Hispanic culture, the This was perceived as a by Daniel L. Mulloz Gallegos, Sacramento Diocese Congress of Bishops, in Rome. registered, over 56% are nity. He has denied him the language and the relationships direct insult to Bishop Gilberto and the Vicar for the Spanish In turn, the Congress of Chicanos-Hispanics. The power to carry out the duties between Mexico and the U.S., Chavez and the Hispanic Speaking in Orange County, Bishops is sent nominations by other are so call "social Alcala Park - Stating that "it is and responsibilities of his in particular the border community. A serious blow to Tomas Clavel and once again George Mahoney, Catholics" i.e. they attend not easy to leave the diocese of office. Nor, has he provided regions. Bishop Maher did not the aspirations and hopes of stated his support to Los Angeles diocese, from Easter and Christmas Services, Duluth, where during the past him with staffing to do the job. ask for any opinions from the the Hispanic Catholic six years he had come to know For all intent and purposes, strengthen the Hispanic Bishop Leo T. Maher, and the weddings and funerals. The church in America. His naming Hispanic community. community has been delt. and love the priests and Aux. Bishop Chavez has been a Pro-Nuncio, Pio Lehi who The retirement of Bishop biggest inroads by the people," Bishop Robert H. captive prisoner of Bishop of Bishop Brom along with his sends on the recommenda- Evangelical churches in San cannonization of Father Maher in 1990 presented a Herman Baca, chairman of Brom nevertheless said "I am Maher." The regulation of the tions from these two. It is our Diego, has been with the Juniper Sierra, who is prime opportunity for the the Committee on Chicano happy to accept the appoint- Catholic church say that the understanding that Bishop church to show committment - social Catholics". The Rights (CCR), who in ment by Pope John Paul the Auxiliary Bishop, the Vicar considered the biggest slayer Maher personally went to Mexican American/Hispanic of Indians, demonstrates the to the 20 million Hispanics of cooperation with many Ilnd to be coadjutor of the General is an Episcopal Bishop Rome with substantial has been the most heavily catholic groups and indivi- falsity of his statements," said America... It failed to do so. diocese of San Diego." i.e. has all the powers, rights, amounts of money for the prostlyzed group in the County Baca. The next time there may be an duals in the 60's and 70's With that opening state- facilities, staffing and Congress in order to ease the opening is not until 2013! By and it shows in the growing protested against the racist ment, it became official that financing necessary to service To, Baca and other selection of Bishop Brom," he that time, many in the Hispanic rolls of the Evangelical and discriminatory policies of Bishop Brom would succeed his vicariate. However, the Chicanos, the appointment of said. community may no longer churches. the Catholic Church, calls the Bishop Maher when he resigns Ordinary can and does have Bishop Brom is a clear According to Hispanic care. The Shepard may have selection of Bishop Brom a in July 1990 upon reaching his the authority to deny him his manifestation that racism and Catholics of this Diocese, over lost his flock by then. "Participation of Hispanics racist decision. colonialism as a policy is alive a 100 letters were sent to 75th birthday. This is in rights. As has well been within the diocese is down. "The appointment of Bishop and well in the U.S. Catholic accordance with Vatican documented, the Catholic Part of the reason lies in the Brom points out that racism is church. "The conservative policies which set the Chuch is not a democracy. fact that Aux. Bishop Chavez, alive and flourishing in the American Catholic church is mandatory retirement age of "B ishop Chavez has who is the Vicar for the Spanish Catholic Church. Pope Paul attempting to turn the clock its priests at 75. received little or no considera- speaking in this diocese, has II'nd traveled throughout the back," said Baca. "It took the Pope John Paul II announc- tion from the Ordinary. This or not been allowed to function," Southwest and met with American Catholic Church ed his appointment of Bishop course means that he doesn't stated Father X (name witheld thousands upon thousands of over 500 years to recognize the Robert H. Brom with "right of consider us (the Hispanics) at Priest's request for fear of Mexican American catholiCs. Virgin of Guadalupe." It took succession" to Bishop Leo T. either. Bishop Chavez has retribution). The Ordinary Upon leaving here, he said that them just a little less than that Maher on May 9th, 1989. The been muzzled from the (Bishop Maher) has not a new deal would be in offering appointment was announced beginning. He has been denied to ordain and appoftt provided him with the funds to by the Apostolic Pro-Nuncio, all avenues to fdnction as a Hispanics to the church service the Hispanic commu- (See Chicanos, pg 6) to the United States, Vicar. Perhaps it is because he hiararchy. Now local conser- Archbishop Pio Laghi at 6 a.m. subscribes to the "Theology of vative Bishops are attempting (EDT) in Washington D.C. Liberation," which many of the to eliminate the gains that The appointment was Latino American Priests in the Chicanos and Hispanics have received with reservations by U.S. and Latin America made within the Catholic many in the Hispanic subscribe to. Perhaps he fears church." Baca ended by noting community. It had been him because of his support for that perhaps it was time to expected that Bishop Gilberto the poor, for his struggle for ressurect "Los Catholics por La Raza," which galvenized the : 1'HE *TRIBUNE Saturday, May 20, 1989 A-10 ,

Racism involved in selection of 13rom, Chicano group says Lady of Guadalupe parish, which is almost 100 percent cessor. By Robert Di Veroli church hierarchy are now attempting to turn the clock "This man (Brom) knows nothing about Hispanic cul- back by reviving the practice of colonialism and racism Hispanic. Tribune Religion Writer as official church policy," Baca said in a prepared state- A Mexican-American priest who did not wish to be ture, nothing about Latin-America, nothing about the is- A spokesman for a Chicano organization says racism ment. identified questioned the implication that Hispanics will sues that confront the 20 million Latinos in American was involved in the selection of a non-Hispanic as next But the Rev. Ramon Marrufo, associate pastor at Our respond positively only to an Hispanic bishop. society," Munoz said. bishop of the San Diego Catholic Diocese, but two San Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, said race was not a "This is an attempt to throttle Hispanic Catholics, to Diego Mexican-American priests deny the charge. "You don't have to be a Mexican to work With Mexi- factor in the appointment. cans," he said. "You don't have to be Chinese to work maintain the growing Latin-American population on this Herman Baca, spokesman for the Committee on Chica- "I don't think it's a racially inspired decision at all," continent in the position of flock, but never shepherd." no Rights, says the naming of Bishop Robert Brom of with Chinese. I think Brom's going to be a wonderful, said Marrufo, a second-generation Mexican-American. excellent bishop for all Hispanics. I don't know why peo- Brom announced last week he will spend about three Duluth, _Minn., as coadjutor bishop of the San Diego "I don't know Bishop Brom that well. I just know him ple say things like hat." \ Diocese constitutes "an insult" to Hispanic Catholics. months studying Spanish and Hispanic culture before from the retreat he conducted last year for San Diego taking up his duties here, probably in late October. He k Baca called Pope John Paul II's appointment of Brom Baca estimates the number of Catholics of Mexican priests, and I was really impressed with the man in his ancestry in the San Diego Diocese at 500,000, but the San said he was looking into the possibility of studying at a over San Diego Auxiliary Bishop Gilbert E. Chavez "a sensitivity to people, especially in regard to minorities. school in Cuernavaca, Mexico. racist slap in the face to the Spanish-speaking communi- Diego Catholic Diocese lists only 460,000 Catholics for the "I think he greatly expressed that when he stated that Several members of the American hierarchy are ty ...." his first priority in coming to San Diego was not only to entire diocese, which covers San Diego and Imperial Numerous telephone calls to Chavez went unanswered. learn how to speak Spanish, but to understand the culture counties. A diocesan spokesman said he did not know how Hispanics, notably Archbishop Patrick Flores of San An- As coadjutor, Brom has the right to succeed San Diego many were of Mexican ancestry. tonio. Among the other Hispanic are Bishop of the Hispanic person. Rene Gracida of Corpus Christi, Texas; Bishop Joseph v3 Leo T. Maher when Maher, who reaches the man- "I think Mr. Baca's statement comes from another A 1979 study conducted for the diocese indicated that Madera of Fresno, Calif.; Bishop Manuel Moreno of Tuc- . story retirement age of 75 on July 1, leaves office. hidden agenda and certainly does not express the senti- 22 percent of Hispanic Catholics regularly attended Sun- day Mass. son, Ariz.; Bishop Raymundo Pena of El Paso, Texas; rom's appointment is "a clear message to those who ments of most Hispanic priests or people." Bishop of Pueblo, Colo.; Auxiliary Bishop ggled in the late '60s and '70s for institutional change Marrufo said he hasn't heard any clergy or lay com- Dan Munoz, publisher of the Spanish-language weekly, La Prensa, said Hispanics are disappointed that Chavez, Juan Arzube of Los Angeles; and Auxiliary Bishop Al- ' equal representation within the Catholic Church for plaints about Brom's appointment from his own parish, phonse Gallegos of Sacramento. Spanish-speaking that conservative elements in the which is 70 percent Hispanic, or the neighboring Our named an auxiliary in 1974, was not named Maher's suc- Bishop Brom not to be pushed arou By Robert Di Veroli the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), will study Spanish and HisPaiire Tribune Religion Writer 71 IR but if you have a problem with those tore for about three' months before Those who have worked with and you want to do your own thing, assuming his full-time duties: Roman • Catholic Bishop Robert he will not permit it." As coadjutor, -Brom has the right~ Brom or lived in his Diocese of Du- Brom, who was introduced at a , to succeed San Diego Bishop leo T4

luth, Minn., say he , leaves no doubts news conference yesterday at the Maher July 1, 1990, when Maher about who's running things. diocesan offices here, said in: an in- reaches the mandatory,,.,7tirer& How that will play in the San terview later that he rejects the au age of 75 Diego Diocese when Brom assumes , thoritarian label. Maher he Will remain the bishopin4 his new role of coadjutor this Octo- "I prefer 'clear,' instead, clear on •, ;charge, ; but he , will.consult ber *ill be determined in the months the official teachings of the church," Brom on all, major matters:- and years ahead. But today, a picture he said. Although he is months away frail, emerges of a gentle, deeply spiritual, He said he does not hesitate "to assuming his San Diego Diocese du thoughtful bishop, who charitably, call dissent dissent ... I won't waffle ties, Brom already appears to have but firmly knows how to assert his on that. There are some on the other made his presence felt. authority. end who think that's authoritarian, He announced yesterday that he "Bishop Brom is definitely not a but I think it's just simply being will live at St. Francis Seminary guy to push around," said one Duluth clear about what the church teach- rather than the $507,000 house in Diocese priest. "He will not tolerate es." ' Kensington purchased for him by the., that sort of thing, 'period. He just Brom, 50, will be installed as coad- diocese and which Maher said yes- won't.„ ' jutor of the 392,000-member San terday is now for sale. ,r. BISHOP ROBERT BROM "He's a min who'allows you to op- Diego Diocese July 24 at the Imma- Maher said later n interview Knows how to assert authority erate within the broad parameters of " culata Catholic Church. He said he Please see• BROM: B4 ,Col 1 ti B-8 THE %TRIBUNE an Diego, Wednesday, May 10, 1989 UM Metro news BROM: Papal loyalist on church teachings Continued From B-1 general absolution for private indi- see how he does out there." that when he retires in 1990, he will vidual confession. On another issue of wide .concern live at the Nazareth House Retire- Brom said he put an end to both in the American church, Brom said ment Home, operated by the Poor when he took over in Duluth because he believes a bishop has the right to Sisters of Nazareth, on property near they violated Vatican directives and superintend the teaching of faith and Mission Basilica San Diego de Alca- were causing "disharmony" in the morals at a Catholic college or uni- la. diocese. versity. He said the bishop's three-story The Duluth Diocese priest said it He said he does not believe, as Sunset Boulevard residence will be would be "interesting" to see how many Catholic university officials sold. Brom handles the question of priest- have contended, that this would con- 7.Brom is regarded as a papal loyal- ly homosexuality in San Diego, which stitute an unwarranted outside inter- ist on birth control, abortion, women some San Diego priests claim is a ference in the internal affairs of such priests, homosexuality and other serious problem. a university. church teachings and believes in fol- "When he first came here, he told "I think it's at the heart of Catholic lowing church practices or in seeking his priests you've all taken the vow education," he said. to change them through accepted of celibacy, and I expect you to keep procedures. it," he said. "If you have any prob- Brom said he expects his4ork will :One such practice that has sur- lems with that, we'll deal with it one be basically the same in San Diego as faced in many dioceses — the use of way or another. . in Duluth, though on a larger scale. Atar. girls -- was widespread in the "He won't tolerate a priest who's "given the size of the diocese and billuth Diocese before he went there not going to live , according to the pluralism in terms of racial and eth- 411983. Another is the iubstitution of vows he's taken. It'll be interesting to nic groups and so on:" San Diego's next bishop named Brom, 50, appointed coadjutor by pope By Robert Di Veroli Tribune Religion Writer Bishop Robert H. Brom of Duluth, Minn., described as a hands-on, take- charge priest who advocates strict adherence to church teachings, has been appointed coadjutor bishop of the San Diego Roman Catholic Diocese by Pope John Paul II. As coadjutor, Brom, 50, will become bishop of San Diego when the position is vacated by Bishop Leo T. Maher, it was announced today in Washington, D.C., by the pope's ambassador, Archbishop Pio Laghi. Maher, San Diego bishop since 1969, will reach the mandatory retirement age of 75 on July 1, 1990. Brom has been bishop of Duluth, a 22,354-square-mile diocese with 100 parishes, 88,380 Catholics and 110 priests, since March 25, 1983. In San Diego, he will help lead a 9,439-square-mile diocese with 98 parishes, 392,709 Catho- lics and 363 priests. San Diego diocesan sources said Brom already has displayed his independ- ence by announcing that he will not live in the $500,000 Mediterranean- Kensington Park home purchased for him by the diocese at Maher's instiga- Duluth News-Tribune photo tion and will live at St. Francis Seminary in Alcala Park instead. BISHOP ROBERT BROM A San Diego priest said that apparently the house "is just not his style." Hands-on, take-charge priest Please see BISHOP: A-6, CoL 1 BISHOP Continued From Page 1 Pastor recallg Brom's story ... Minnesota sources said that when Brom went to Duluth in 1983, he sold the large bishop's residence there Keillor's 'storm child' tale left impression of bishop's compasLsio,r, and moved into a modest single-fam- There was something about Duluth, Minn., Bishop Rob- ily residence, where he lives alone "He told us of how Garrison goes to this house, and ert H. Brom that stayed with the Rev. Robert Campbell. \ family takes him in and gives him milk and cookies and cooks his own meals. The occasion was the 1988 retreat for priests of the San Brom, a native of Arcadia, Minn., the rest of it, something that made a terrific impr Diego Diocese that Brom conducted at the University of Sion on him. went to Duluth after nine years as a San Diego. that remember the bishop said that ever since he rc professor and rector of Immaculate It was there that Campbell, associate pastor of St. Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, at story, whenever someone comes to his door ask Joseph's Cathedral, said he gained some insight into for help he thinks of that person as his storm chil Minn. Brom, who was introduced today as the successor to He graduated from St. Mary's Col- Campbell said. Bishop Leo T. Maher when Maher retires as head of the The story was "very, very significant" because lege in Winona, studied in Rome at San Diego Diocese next year. the Gregorian University and North showed that Brom not only understood compassion It all began, Campbell said, when Brom told the priests theory, but "in its immediate practical sense," Camph American College and was ordained he was a fan of Garrison Keillor, the humorist who made in Rome on Dec. 18, 1963. said. Minnesota rural life and Lake Wobegon famous. "I found it very helpful to me personally, because sir In Winona, Brom was chairman of "He told us a Garrison Keillor story that was highly the diocesan liturgy commission, the bishop told us that story, I've tried to think of eve. significant," said Campbell, who is a Dominican order one that comes to our doors as a `storm-child,' and we { president of the Priests Senate, voca- priest. a lot of them." tions director, director of continuing It was Keillor's "storm child" story. education of priests and vicar gener- Campbell said the downtown cathedral, because it "He told about how the storms would sometimes get so next door to Catholic Community Services, sees a gre al. bad up there in Minnesota that kids couldn't find their He was rector of the Winona ca- many homeless and other "storm people." way home after school," Campbell said. "As a result, they "It (the Brom story) helps you to see the person in qu thedral from 1979 until his appoint- were assigned a home in the immediate neighborhood a Cifferent aspect," Campbell said. ment as Duluth's bishop. where they could stay," he recalled. Minnesota sources said Brom — Robert Di Ver knows Italian and Latin, but not Spanish. A Duluth Diocese priest who did been described as "blatant" by some "The people who work with him not wish to be identified by name priests. tive interest in his priests' work. will have no doubt eventually about "The Irish priests here are described Brom as papal loyalist, "a "I'd say he absolutely would not n, man of fidelity, hard work and who's in charge," one of the laymen happy about it, because apparent tolerate active homosexuals in the said. in his diocese he doesn't let ti strength" who does not shrink from priesthood," said a Minnesota Catho- the proper use of episcopal authority. Liturgically, Brom is regarded as priests get away with much," he sai lic layman who knows Brom. avant-garde. He is said to be cool "He keeps close tabs on them, or "Brom is very loyal to the Holy The Duluth Diocese priest said Father," he said. "He would always toward the Tridentine Latin Mass, they don't like it. They're not used Brom also would be unlikely to ap- for instance. This may be of concern something like that here." seek to carry out the wishes of the prove lectures by dissenting theolo- Holy Father." to the 300 to 400 Catholics who attend The Duluth Diocese priest said Sa gians on a Catholic college campus. a Sunday Latin Mass at the Holy Diego clergymen will find Bror He has also been described as a "Bishop Brom is definitely not a man of courage and one able "to Cross Cemetery Chapel. Another easy to work with unless they cannc stand on his own" against criticism accept authority. when he believes he is in the right. San Diego diocesan sources said Brom already has Said the priest: "He's a bishop wh. Brom is seen as a doctrinally or- displayed his independence by announcing that he says, 'These are my guidelines, an thodox bishop and admirer of the will not live in the $500,000 Mediterranean-style as long as you operate within m pope who supports traditional church guidelines, you're OK. If you don' teachings against contraception, Kensington Park home purchased for him by the you're in trouble.'" abortion, female priests and homo- diocese at Maher's instigation and will live at St. A longtime Minnesota priest sai sexuality. It is said he does not, how- Francis Seminary in Alcala Park instead that, "by and large, I think peopl ever, go out of his way to speak out have liked him in Duluth." In partic ular he praised Brom for his "sour on those issues or to seek confronta- guy to push around," he said. "He tion over them. such Mass is sponsored by the Latin age" in helping find places in othe will not tolerate that sort of thing, Liturgy Association monthly at dif- seminaries for several seminarian One of his first moves in Duluth period. He just won't." ferent locations. who felt unwelcome at the libera was to prohibit excessive use of gen- However, a lay source said Brom Brom met many San Diego clergy- diocesan seminary in St. Paul, Minn. eral, or mass, absolution as a substi- would probably do "nothing" about men when he conducted their annual In the process, Brom antagonizes tute for individual private confession such appearances. retreat last year at the University of St. Paul Archbishop John R. Roach and absolution for sins. He is also He said Brom is more likely to San Diego. the priest said. known to be against the use of altar identify with the conservative wing "His orthodoxy came through very "I think what he did took courage,' girls. than with the liberal wing of the strongly, so much so that some of the he said. "Of all the bishops in Minne The Vatican does not permit altar American hierarchy, though he has younger liberal priests criticized sota, he probably is the most ortho- girls and allows general absolution kept a low profile as a member of him," one San Diego priest said. dox. only when insufficient priests are the National Conference of Catholic "That's a good sign right there. available to hear confessions. "When you're a bishop, you have tc Bishops. "I had a chance to talk to him and get along with other bishops. On the Friends and critics agreed that Brom is widely viewed as a man of was very impressed. He's very per- other hand, I think this man has Brom will not tolerate homosexually great personal charm and appeal, sonable, easy to talk to." enough courage that he can stand or: active priests in a diocese where but a also as a bishop who does not The priest said Brom is known as a his own without picking a fight with homosexuality among the clergy has hesitate to assert his authority. "hands-on" bishop who takes an ac- somebody."