Providence, R.I., Nov 21, 2011 / 05:00 am
It is a new twist on a venerable tradition, but it received a very favorable review from the first group of U.S. bishops to make an ad limina visit to the Vatican in seven years.
Pope Benedict XVI, instead of meeting individually with visiting bishops, has recently favored meeting with prelates in small groups during their visits, a process he has found to be a more efficient way of learning about how the Church is operating around the world.
“I found the new format, and I think all the bishops found the new format to be very enjoyable and very substantive,” said Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of Providence, R.I., who returned late last week from the Vatican, where he reported on the state of the diocese.
By its name, “ad limina” means “going to the threshold of the apostles.” Every five years or so, bishops from around the world make a pilgrimage to meet with the Pope and other Vatican dicasteries, not just to report on their dioceses, but also to reconnect with the actual roots of their faith as they journey to the tombs of the first apostles.