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| Fr. Eric Sternberg, priest in Solidum at St. Paul’s University Catholic Center in Madison, defends his choice of Italian Mauro Cardinal Piacenza as most “papabile” during the March Madness: Papal Conclave Edition event at St. Maria Goretti Church in Madison on March 2. Other panelists included Fr. Paul Arinze, left, Fr. Z, right, and Msgr Kevin Holmes, not shown. (Contributed photo) |
MADISON — The sudden abdication from the pontificate by Benedict XVI shocked many around the world, but a number of young adults in the Diocese of Madison decided that the papal resignation and coming conclave were the perfect opportunity to plan a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Several diocesan employees began talking one day at the chancery offices: the new Tribunal staff desired to explain the canon law aspects behind the upcoming conclave, and the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis was excited to bring folks together to showcase the beauty and excitement of the Catholic faith. Soon, the creative sparks began to fly and a fantastic evening was in the works.
Because the event would occur in March, there was talk about trying to incorporate the common idea of “March Madness” brackets and good-natured wagering into the event. After discovering the favorable response of many young adults, the “March Madness: Papal Conclave Edition (i.e. Conclave-ology)” event was born.
The event was held on March 2, at St. Maria Goretti Parish on Madison’s west side. The evening began with prayer led by Fr. Chad Droessler, to offer prayers of thanksgiving for our Pope Emeritus and to pray for the upcoming conclave and election of our new pope.
Speakers on conclave
The first speaker of the evening was Fr. Tait Schroeder, who brought down the house with a thorough and informative presentation on the events that would transpire during the conclave and the election of our next Pope. In perfect form as the judicial vicar of the Tribunal, Father Schroeder presented the canon law behind the process with passion, insight, and a laser-like focus on correct spelling.
Next up was Msgr. Kevin Holmes, who gave a reflections on a number of the “papabile” — the cardinals who are seen to be likely candidates for the papacy. Humor and wisdom abounded in the talk, and helped the attendees to get to know the major players in the conclave and understand the strengths each could bring to the petrine ministry.
The highlight of the night was a College Gameday-style debate about the cardinal front-runners by a panel of priests from around the diocese.
The panel was composed of Fr. Paul Arinze, director of vocations; Fr. Eric Sternberg, director of student ministry at St. Paul’s; Msgr. Holmes, rector of the cathedral; and Father Z, the internationally known blogger.
Father Arinze’s pick of the next pope was Argentinean Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio, Father Sternberg made a passionate case for Italian Mauro Cardinal Piacenza, and Monsignor Holmes picked the “Great Asian Hope” Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. While Father Z initially only offered humorous and well-grounded critiques of the choices made by the other panelists, he eventually offered his opinion that Italian Angelo Cardinal Scola and Canadian Marc Cardinal Ouellet were the papabile most likely to be elected.
The panel debate was characterized by much laughter and wisdom, and set the stage for the final event of the evening: the “office pool” style wagering on the candidates.
Sweet sistine fun
After all of the talks, speculation, and opinions on the “best” cardinal, the attendees were given the chance to place a small wager on one of five categories: (1) continent of origin, (2) cardinal elected as pope, (3) age when elected, (4) length of conclave, and (5) the papal name chosen.
Of course, the wagering was mere speculation, but the young adults did so with much humor and light-hearted competition because a portion of the winnings from the wagers would help support variety of diocesan apostolates and activities — such as the Catholic Multicultural Center and Camp Gray.
The night was a huge success, and was attended by almost a dozen priests and over 50 young adults. Surely, this event marking the beginning of the “sede vacante” will go down in the record books as one of the most enjoyable and nerdy ways that Catholics in this diocese prepared for the conclave and the election of the next Holy Father.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped support our diocesan charities!