Yesterday, the mass at Princeton chapel was graced by a visit from a diocesan bishop. After mass, he stood at the front of the church, shaking hands with parishioners as they left. As I approached the bishop, I realized I had no idea how to address him. Can't call him "father"--he's been promoted beyond that title. Is "your excellency" right? What about "your grace"? "Your majesty"?
Unable to choose, I compromised. As I shook the bishop's hand, I gave him a vacant smile and grunted in a pleasant, polite way, the way you might greet a complete stranger at a wedding. The bishop looked a little of puzzled. But he probably gets stuff like that all the time. What can you expect when you wear a hat shaped like a fancy napkin?
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