The future leader of the Catholic Church in the Twin Cities got to the point a few minutes into his homily.
He is not coming to divide the Catholics of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis - his mission is to unify the faithful.
"Much ink has been spilled in the press over speculation about how this new coadjutor will differ from the present archbishop," Coadjutor Archbishop John Nienstedt said during his welcome Mass on Friday at the Cathedral of St. Paul. "But frankly, I believe that speculation is misplaced."
As in many places, there already exists a certain disunity, caused by, to a great extent, those who no longer accept or are ignorant of the Church's teaching while vocally expressing dissident opinions.
After Pope Benedict XVI's apostolic letter appointing Nienstedt as coadjutor archbishop was read, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. One woman hooted, while another jumped up and down until she doubled over from the excitement.
Apparently some were unable to control their excitement!
Some speculated Nienstedt's theologically conservative approach would clash with more progressive views held by Catholics under Flynn's guidance - especially on issues like homosexuality and women in the priesthood.
It takes the secular media to inject politcal terminology into Church related matters and to promote theological impossibilities as issues worthy of discussion.
"Leadership in Christ's church should not be about the differences in personality or administrative styles, but rather about our commitment to the message and mission of the Lord Jesus," Nienstedt said.
The faithful of Minneapolis/St Paul have reasons to be thankful.
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