Dolan gets his Aux., and the O.F.M. Conv.'s get their first Bp.

Update: Look at that happy (arch)bishop with his new bishop(-elect). More from Rocco.

(apologies for the great number of abbrevs.)

Anyway, Tuesday is "new bishop appointment day in the United States" and today we have a first:

[From Today's VIS: Pope Benedict...] Appointed Fr. William Patrick Callahan O.F.M. Conv., spiritual director of the Pontifical North American College in Rome, as auxiliary of the archdiocese of Milwaukee ... U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in Chicago, U.S.A. in 1950 and ordained a priest in 1977.

Rocco:

... a favorite of Archbishop Timothy Dolan has been recalled from Rome to assist the Milwaukee prelate.

Conventual Franciscan Friar Fr William Callahan, 57, [is the new] auxiliary bishop for the Wisconsin flock of 675,000. Known as "Black" Franciscans due to the color of their habit, Callahan is the first Conventual Friar to ever be raised to the episcopacy in the United States.

Another bishop-elect with significant experience in the formation of seminarians, bishop-elect Callahan currently serves as Spiritual Director at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

Fr. Callahan was also responsible for the restoration of the Basilica of St. Josaphat during his tenure there as Rector-Paster. A revealing little story from the Basilica's website:

New light fixtures, replicating the originals, were fabricated by Steve Kaniewski of Milwaukee Brass Lighting Gallery. This would never have happened had it not been for the fact that Fr. William [Callahan] (who had been stationed at the Basilica as a newly ordained priest in 1977), hid one of the original light fixtures from the old Post Office in the Basilica attic for fear it would be thrown away (an action typical of "modernizing"). Fr. William [Callahan] produced the original piece at a planning meeting when new light fixtures were being considered for the Basilica.

It was quite a job. As you can see. As you can see again. Slideshow here.

More on today's appointment at CNA, Associated Press & the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.