It is the birthday today of Papa Joseph Ratzinger. May he have many more. I truly mean that. Many more. Many more so that we can know the truth. Many more so that he can find the courage to speak and to reclaim that which was stolen.
When the great announcement came back in 2005, we were gathered at work in the atrium. I work in a Catholic institution and when he came out, I was one of only two of about 50 who punched the fist in the air, "Yes!" Everyone else looked as if they had seen their worst nightmare.
I read much of what he wrote. I respected him and admired the man and his mind. When he became Pope, I slept well at night. He gave me and the Catholic faithful back something that was stolen to us by one of his evil predecessor, Montini and only niggardly restored to us by Wojtyla.
Then, one day, he made it all about him. A selfish, narcissistic decision that has left us unsettled ever since.
Happy Birthday Pope Benedict XVI. May you live many more years in order to testify to the truth of what happened and take back the throne from which you were pushed.
Then, I will say that I am sorry for being angry with you and for not praying enough for you lest you flee from the wolves. The wolves to whom you, in your cowardice, abandoned us.