To the editor:
On Oct. 21, 1944, Pope Pius XII established the Diocese of Steubenville and the first bishop was John King Mussio. The College of Steubenville, now the Franciscan University of Steubenville, was founded in 1946 at the request of the Diocese of Steubenville and Mussio, whose efforts resulted in the founding of the college.
In the July 11 Crisis Magazine, the city of Steubenville has been ranked one of the 10 best cities in America to raise a Catholic family. It states Steubenville's connection to multiple Catholic churches in the area, ties to Franciscan University as well as several theologians who have helped the city remain a Catholic gem in America. The city of Steubenville, Diocese of Steubenville and Franciscan University of Steubenville are integral parts in this recognition.
The current financial condition of the Diocese of Steubenville is unknown even after a financial audit of the diocese commenced in February by Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Bishop Paul Bradley, the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Steubenville, has a proven record of financial transparency when he was the Bishop of Kalamazoo, Mich. I am very confident that Bishop Bradley, unlike former Bishop Jeffrey Monforton, will soon publish a financial statement and condition of the diocese for all the members to see.
In the Sept. 28 edition of The Pillar, Vatican sources said that the plan to merge Steubenville with Columbus is likely to move forward with more consultation of clergy and laity before a formal announcement. It appears from those Vatican sources that the merger may just be a matter of informing the clergy and laity of the reason(s). Declaring bankruptcy may also be an option.
If Steubenville merges with Columbus, there would likely be major changes to the churches in Steubenville, including closures and clergy movement. Any connection Franciscan University of Steubenville has now with the Diocese of Steubenville would be over. The city of Steubenville would lose the diocese's status in Catholic hierarchy, making the city less attractive to Catholics thinking of making Steubenville their home or prospective students attending Franciscan University.
In the Oct 6 edition of the Herald-Star it was reported that Franciscan University of Steubenville officials announced details about the university's new $110 million capital campaign fundraising goal, money that will contribute to chapel renovations, a doctoral program and a possible Washington, D.C., mission. The Rev. Dave Pivonka, TOR, university president, said the school had exceeded its former $85 million goal, set earlier this year, by nearly $15 million, bringing the total of funds raised to $99.8 million.
Franciscan University is in an excellent financial position. The reason it exists today is because of the Diocese of Steubenville. If there is a financial lifesaver needed to help save the diocese from a merger or bankruptcy, I would like to believe that Franciscan would reach out to the diocese and offer its assistance. This would be a win for the Diocese of Steubenville, Franciscan University of Steubenville and the city of Steubenville.
Frank Krajovic
Woodstock, Ga.