He's Back

By Jennifer Haselberger
Canonical Consultation
August 13, 2015

http://canonicalconsultation.com/blog.html

Since his resignation in June of 2015, there has been a great deal of speculation about the whereabouts of Archbishop John Nienstedt. In a July 19, 2015, interview with the StarTribune, Nienstedt said that since his resignation he has been 'spending time with friends and family', while other journalists have tracked his appearance at significant events such as the recent Napa Institute. If recent rumors are true, however, the former Archbishop's whereabouts are really no mystery at all. He lives where he has always lived- in the Residence connected to the Chancery on Summit Avenue in Saint Paul.

While at first glance the idea seems outrageous, once you consider the options it is really not surprising at all. The Apostolic Administrator, Archbishop Hebda, is not often in residence because of his responsibilities out east. Bishop Piche, who resigned along with Archbishop Nienstedt, is said to be living in the territory of the Diocese of Saint Cloud. The Archbishop's apartments on the campus of the University of Saint Thomas are already occupied by an Emeritus Archbishop, and given Nienstedt's frosty relationship with UST I can't see them giving him a home even if the institution had one to provide. Bishop Cozzens, a member of the Companions of Christ, has the obligation of community life and therefore is likely to live at the Companion's home in Saint Paul. There is always the Byrne residence, which has long provided sanctuary to disgraced clergy, but its proximity to the seminary is problematic and besides, most priests would rather celebrate three weddings each Saturday than take up residence at the Catholic Services Appeal-funded home for retired priests (hence the exceedingly high vacancy rates).

So, it is likely that Archbishop Nienstedt will remain in residence in Saint Paul for the foreseeable future, barring the sale of the building or Rome answering my prayers and providing him with a desk job within the Holy City. One would hope that he would be without influence in the daily operation of the Archdiocese, but his proximity again raises questions. I would also imagine that the situation is incredibly uncomfortable for the staff working at 226 Summit.