New prelate urges more discussion, less dissent

Posted: 8/20/09

It's a new year at Saint Louis University, and along with changes occurring on campus, there has also been a change in the St. Louis Archdiocese. On June 10, after serving four years as bishop of the Diocese of Saginaw, Mich., Archbishop Robert J. Carlson was installed as the head of the St. Louis Catholic Church. As archbishop, Carlson will be responsible for over 550,000 Catholics and he will have a unique chance to interact with one of the nation's oldest and largest Jesuit institutions, SLU.

Carlson has a message for SLU students: It's time to build bridges. Carlson also said that the University should be a stimulating environment, and that students shouldn't cut each other down over differences.

"Ask the questions and extend the bridge," Carlson said. "The young people who go to SLU are blessed with people who can extend those bridges. That's why I think the university setting can be so stimulating."

Although Carlson is a relatively new face in the St. Louis Catholic community, he has already established SLU connections.

"I've already met President Biondi, and I think that I should and will partake in some of the activities that the University offers and be supportive of the presence of a significant university in the Archdiocese," Carlson said.

Carlson plans to preside over the Mass of the Holy Spirit, Thursday, Aug. 27, at St. Francis-Xavier College Church.

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