The diocese had promised that there will be a library in the Visitor Center dedicated to founder Robert H. Schuller and his wife, Arvella, who began their ministry more than 55 years ago atop the roof of a snack shack in the Orange drive-in theater. The diocese has also promised that a chapel on the top floor of the Tower of Hope will remain untouched as an inter-faith place of worship.
Because, after all, that is why the Cathedral's board preferred Chapman University's offer, right? Since that offer included the opportunity for the Schullers to maybe - maybe - buy back the Cathedral and re-establish their kingdom on earth. That seems a bit too optimistic. The congregation said that they would ask God for a miracle and raise the $50 million needed to keep it from a bankruptcy sale, but could not even garner $200,000.
Which is why I found funny and telling this quote from one of Robert's kids, Carol Schuller Milner: "As a family, we just don't give up," she said. "But there's reality too. My parents are 85 years old." Because it's not about the legacy, it's about the money and let's face it, ain't gonna be long before Dad dies and no one will care then. And an extra $1.8 million is a lot of money . . .
So, don't count out the Diocese yet. Tod Brown is determined to have his cathedral, even if it means one less Catholic school in the Diocese of Orange. The confirmation hearing on the sale is scheduled for November 14th, which happens to be the day before Brown's 75th birthday when he must tender his retirement to Rome.
And, I wonder if the folks at St. Callistus know that if this goes through, they get booted in a few years.
And, I wonder if the folks at St. Callistus know that if this goes through, they get booted in a few years.
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