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PDF versionScranton's Bishop Martino stepping down
Tenure distinctive for almost non-stop battles
Aug. 28, 2009
Bishop Joseph F. Martino of Scranton, Pa (CNS file photo 2005)
Update from Catholic News Service Aug. 31:
Pope accepts resignation of Scranton bishop for health reasons
By Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop Joseph F. Martino, 63, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Scranton, Pa., for health reasons.
He has appointed Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia to be apostolic administrator for the diocese.
The pope also has accepted the resignation of Scranton Auxiliary Bishop John M. Dougherty, who is 77. Canon law requires that all bishops submit their resignation to the pope when they turn 75.
See an update here: Scranton's Martino resigns, citing insomnia, fatigue
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
NCR News Story posted Aug. 28:
Bishop Joseph F. Martino will resign as head of the Diocese of Scranton, Pa., as early as next week, according to sources within the diocese, it was reported today by several outlets in the Scranton area.
The Towanda Daily Review and TV station WNEP each reported the impending shift and that Cardinal Justin Rigali of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the metropolitan see in Pennsylvania, will oversee the diocese until Martino’s replacement is named.
Attempts to reach a diocesan spokesman this morning were unsuccessful.
The Times Leader newspaper in Scranton reported yesterday that Martino was moving out of the traditional downtown residence for Scranton bishops at the rectory of St. Peter’s Cathedral to a rural retreat center that once served as a diocesan seminary.
The 63-year-old Martino’s six-year-tenure has been distinctive for an almost non-stop round of battles with Catholic academics, Catholic teachers’ union, Catholic politicians and a range of other groups, including his own peers among the Catholic hierarchy.
Martino, highly regarded by the Catholic right for his rigid anti-abortion stance and repeated condemnations of President Obama and other pro-choice politicians, once famously arrived unannounced at a discussion in a parish of a document on political responsibility that had been passed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and declared: “No USCCB document is relevant in this diocese. The USCCB doesn’t speak for me.” He told the assembled crowd that “The only relevant document … is my letter,” referring to a letter on politics he had mandated be read at all masses on a given Sunday. “There is one teacher in this diocese, and these points are not debatable.”
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He has urged priests and Eucharistic ministers to deny communion to politicians whose views on the abortion issue differed from those of the bishop. He placed an official notice in the diocesan newspaper informing Eucharistic ministers that they had a duty to refuse communion to anyone whose “unworthiness” to receive was publicly known. The notice emphasized Catholic politicians.
He threatened to bar U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, a long-time anti-abortion Democrat, from communion for voting to approve former Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as federal Health and Human Services secretary.
He has battled with officials at Misericordia University, a Catholic college in the diocese, for hosting author Keith Boykin, a gay rights advocate, and sought to close down the institution’s program on diversity.
In February, Martino sent a letter to the leaders of three Irish-American organizations threatening to close the cathedral during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations if he groups “honor pro-abortion officials” by inviting them to speak or otherwise be honored during events in which the church might be involved.
Ultimately the mass was held, but not before he again threatened to shut down the mass if members of the local Catholic teachers’ union were invited to march in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Martino has refused to recognize the union.
Some consoling thoughts, from
Some consoling thoughts,
from Karl Adam's Spirit of Catholicism:
"Therefore the men through whom God's revelation is mediated on earth are by the law of their being conditioned by the limitations of their age. And they are conditioned also by the limitations of their individuality. Their particular temperament, mentality, and character are bound to color, and do color, the manner in which they dispense the truth and grace of Christ. And these influences will operate also in their hearers, that is to say in the "learning Church" as well as in the "teaching Church." So it may happen, and it must happen, that pastor and flock, bishop, priest, and layman are not always worthy mediators and recipients of God's grace, and that the infinitely holy is sometimes warped and distorted in passing through them. Wherever you have men, you are bound to have a restricted outlook and narrowness of judgment. For talent is rare, and genius comes only when God calls it. Eminent popes, bishops of great spiritual force, theologians of genius, priests of extraordinary graces and devout layfolk: these must be, not the rule, but the exception. God raises them up only at special times, when He needs them for His Church. We may and should pray for them, but we cannot reckon on their coming. And so as a rule it is the ordinary and average man who bears God's truth and grace through the world. The Church has from God the guarantee that she will not fall into error regarding faith or morals; but she has no guarantee whatever that every act and decision of ecclesiastical authority will be excellent and perfect. Mediocrity and even defects are possible. "The weak and the little hath God chosen that He may confound the strong." It is true that the power of divine truth and grace is manifested all the more gloriously because of this weakness. But reflective Catholics must feel and be pained by the conflict which arises out of the contrast between the sublimity, depth and power of divine revelation and the weakness of the human, too- human factor. The same phenomenon is repeated in the history of the Church throughout the centuries which so tragically moulded the relation of our Lord to His disciples. They were unable in their small mirrors to receive all the rays of light which went forth from His divine Person and to transmute them without loss into living forces."
God bless,
M.Francis
Comforting and wise words
Comforting and wise words indeed. Let us hope and pray for a successor who conveys the same fidelity and orthodoxy with fewer distortions and less combativeness. Peace to Bishop Martino and mercy to his successor.
I hope these words come to mind and remind me of my duty of charity when Bernard Law and Rembert Weakland go to their rewards.
It is a blessing that Bishop
It is a blessing that Bishop Martino is no longer
representing his position of authority!
Thankfully, this reminds us
Thankfully, this reminds us once again that there is a God.
I will respectfuly agree with
I will respectfuly agree with you - As I watched the Funeral Mass and Burial of Senator Kennedy, I was proud to be Catholic and to have our church and the deep faith of the Kennedy famioy portrayed in such a loving yet spiritual manner. Would the newly converted and accepted Randall Terry and Bishop Martino care to chastize the Pope for the Lovely letter he sent to Senator Kennedy???
I was releived that there were no Randall Terry Types marching in front of the church, and Bill Donahue from the Catholic League did not send out his minions to monitor Communion to Catholic Demmocrats. Bill Donahue has not found it in his heart to praise Catholic Figures such as Senator Kennedy, Tim Russert or Eunice Schrive on their exemplary lives, but had a lovely heartfelt eulogy for the politically motivated Gerry Falwell, and has stood had in hand on any stage with any camera with the politically driven h Hagee, Robertson, Perkins, Dobbs and many other politically motivated Evangelicals. They in turn are only too happy to assign the newly converted Terry Randall's, Newt Gingrich's and Laura Ingraham's carry their water every Election cycle.
Senator Kennedy, like Senators Kerry and Casey have been attacked mercilessly because some self-appointed Catholic representatives know ther deep respect for their faith would not allow them to fight back. They would never dare make any political statement regarding the thrice married pro-choice Giuliani. These same politically motivated Catholics chose to close an eye to the actions of Senator Santorum and President Bush when they personally stumped for Choice Specter over Life Toomey in the last Pa. Republican Primary, chose to refuse Communion to the Pre-Gayannounced McGreevey because he was divorced, and uttered not a word regarding the thrice married pro-choice Rudy Guliani.
My prayer is that the church has felt the pressure of the hi-jackings they have endured, and will slow down the use of our chruch for political purposes. It has done as much or more harm to our Church and its stance on life than any other scandal has done in the last 200years.
ted kennedy led an exemplary
ted kennedy led an exemplary life-who are you kidding? when henry did't like the catholic church he created his own-a lot of catholics want their cake and eat it to-you can't have it both ways-start your own religion-ted kennedy exemplary life-what a farce
The Bishop is 63 and
The Bishop is 63 and otherwise in good health. What are the reasons behing his sudden resignation? Might it be his obstinacy and authoritarianism which are a scandal to the Church? Why are diocesan officials silent about this?
Pax. Aristophilos
God is the judge - we
God is the judge - we forgive. Jesus, in John's gospel, "commands" us to "love one another as I have loved you."
Would Jesus love Bishop Martino? Pray for him?
Apparently the Bishop is ill,
Apparently the Bishop is ill, which can happen at his age - especially if one is consumed by anger for one's opponents. We can only pray for his health and marvel at how God can bring good things out of difficulties.
Bishop Martino seems to be a
Bishop Martino seems to be a prime example of power and control running amuck in our Church. Not much pastoral care happening there. Perhaps it's a good thing he is stepping down.
"perhaps" a good thing that
"perhaps" a good thing that he is stepping? I would say it is a gift from God that he is stepping down!
You people in Scranton don't
You people in Scranton don't appreciate a good shepherd when you see one. Bishop Martino is a Rome-educated Bishop, and, in good conscience, has tried these past six years to lead his flock in the way of the Roman Catholic Church. Catholic clergy CANNOT back down to the evils of politics. Supporting Biden, Casey, Pelosi and the late Kennedy is going against the very teaching of the Catholic Church and Jesus Christ. If you want to support these traitors to the church, then change religions. You are "cafeteria" Catholics.
The teaching of the Church
The teaching of the Church has to do with procuring abortions, not in giving the state the power to investigate and prosecute doctors who offer them - and certainly not in participating in the fraud that one's electoral position on Roe v. Wade has any effect on the availability of abortion, especially when four of the six Catholic justices are not in favor or overturning Roe (three of which were appointed by Repubicans, two by Bush). It is disappointing the the President and the majority of Catholic politicians have not done more to educate the hierarchy on the realities of the American situation and on the dangerous bargain many of the bishops have made with the Republican Party. Thankfully, most Catholic voters have been educated on the reality of the situation, especially among the young.
"Thankfully, most Catholic
"Thankfully, most Catholic voters have been educated on the reality of the situation, especially among the young."
That would be the 69% of the young conceived in the USA since 1973 and survived long enough to be born (i.e., weren't aborted).
To DR: I agree with Michael's
To DR:
I agree with Michael's response to your comment.
May I add this: It is becoming most tedious when the self-proclaimed 'righteous remnant' of the Church persist in casting judgment on their less strident and legalistic brothers and sisters in Christ, ...followed by a swift boot out of the door.
The Church IS the people, even those you disparage with the words "you people". Perhaps you might consider loving them a little more, and having less of a love affair with the letter of the law?
Just a thought.
Pleas, DR, take a deep breath
Pleas, DR, take a deep breath and calm down! You still have plenty of diocesan bishops who sound like you. Don't get all hot and bothered because one of your ilk has stepped down. The rest of us saw Bp. Martino for what he is, a bully. Thank God Rome figured it out and has relieved him and the people of Scranton of a great burden. We need more shepherds and less bullies in the Church.
I am unaware of some special
I am unaware of some special "grace" that floats about in Rome making the education there intrinsically better than anywhere else. The students there are like students everywhere - some smart, some not so smart; some work hard, many more do not work hard at all; some living up to their vocations, others taking advantage of the privilege that their vocation has afforded them. The name calling with which DR closed his response reveals only DR's superficiality and nothing else. Best ignored.
Lets not forget that he has
Lets not forget that he has protected pedophile priests and kept their names from the parishes in which they molested and raped children.
The Bishop is 63 and
The Bishop is 63 and otherwise in good health. What are the reasons behind his sudden resignation? Might it be his obstinacy and authoritarianism which are a scandal to the Church? Why are diocesan officials silent about this? Why are such men appointed bishops?
Pax. Aristophilos
When he became a bishop,
When he became a bishop, someone forgot to tell him that a bishop is supposed to be a leader and a teacher. Instead, he appears to be a bully, a bigot, and a tyrant. If there were a 'bishop school' we might say that he failed "Bishop 101."
I hope that he gets some help at the retreat center. All of that hate is bound to shorten his life, unless he lets it go.
I concur. I am so glad he is
I concur. I am so glad he is stepping down from his position of power in the Church. We DO NOT need this kind of leadership in on our communities. He sounds a distant far cry from the teachings of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Jesus encompassed all! He tried to teach & help all peoples--not excluding anyone.
And in politics, there are more than one major issue. We should not throw out a person for one idea. And often, we can work with politicans to get help with our goals. I am thinking of Obama's speech at Notre Dame when he addressed the abortion issue. Obama said government & Church could work together to help unwed mothers have their babies and find ways to reduce the the number of women who feel the need for abortions.
Hate eats up the soul. The Bishop definitely needs help.
Something is fishy here. To
Something is fishy here. To resign at just 63 means something happened here to make this bishop bolt, and so quickly, too. The man reads like he just wants to fight all the time. Most bishops love the scrum, he obviously did, so why would he want to give up unless there was something fishy going on.
Hot damn!
Hot damn!
63 is much too young to be
63 is much too young to be resigning. Was his resignation requested? It sounds like Martino has burned out or had a nervous breakdown which would not be surprising given his condemmnatory attitude to all, everything and everyone whose views and/or positions differed from his.
Thank God for Bishop Martino.
Thank God for Bishop Martino. His reward will not be on this Earth, but it will be great. The fact that NCR has such spite for Bishop Martino, is almost reason enough to trust his fidelity and leadership.
I must agree. Whatever led to
I must agree. Whatever led to his early resignation, it must be said he upheld the teachings of the Church in season and out. That is beyond question and it is something in short supply among our religious and secular leaders today. He took the right but unpopular stand on the relevant issues. That may make him an object of derision to those who would compromise church teaching in the interests of popularity and good press, but it is the same derision that Christ suffered when He proclaimed the truth, and it's reward will be eternal.
How is denying the
How is denying the unionization of teachers in his diocese not compromising on Church teaching when Caritas in Veritate is plainly supportive of the union movement? Additionally, there is nothing more irrelevant to the protection of the unborn than the opinions of Catholic politicians on Roe v. Wade, since it is not a legislative issue. The Bishop was cooperating in a Republican Party fraud that such opinions matter. The doctrine of the Church relates to the direct procuring of abortions, not the role of the state in banning them and certainly not to the politicizing of a constitutional issue in regard to who has the power to do something about it. Roe v. Wade and the 14th Amendment are rather clear on this question and the pro-life movement is merely spinning its wheels by adopting the opinion of the Federalist Society in its legislative strategy. It is hardly a sin to disagree with a bad strategy.
Why is a willingness to
Why is a willingness to discuss different opinions and allow some criticism always seen a "spite" from The Right?
Why do you read the NCR if it
Why do you read the NCR if it such a scum bag paper? Save your venom for Fox news!
Anyone using and accepting a
Anyone using and accepting a Randall Terry, a man with a troubled angry past and three previous Evangelical Conversions prior to converint to Catholicism, as a representative of my Church disappoints me. Randall Terry, a convert recently accused the Bishop at Notre dame of overstepping his authority by asking catholics not to protest at Notre Dame, and accused him of abandoning babies and Christ.
I am not willing to allow the rash of politically motivated converts like Randall Terry, Newt Gingrich, Laura Ingraham and the like hi-jack my church for their own political gain. Deal Hudson, another converted Evangelical Pastor has worked with Bill Conahue from the Catholic League to have the Church more politically involved. THere is nothing in the background of any of these new heroes that indicates any more than a politically moivated desire to use our church for their political gain.
I don't like it, and apparently those wanting to sag=ve our church fromthese hi-jackers don't either.
Too bad we have so many of
Too bad we have so many of these archconservative bishops. It has become clear that most of the church doesn't listen to the likes of him. Better that
he resign than try to do more damage.
"Power corrupts and absolute
"Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." What a good example of that old saw. Fortunately Bishop Martino is being moved away from a position where he can harm the people of God. It remains to be seen what the final solution will be. One hopes that he will not be given an honorable position in Rome. That would be a slap in the face to the people of the Scranton diocese.
"rigid anti-abortion stance"-
"rigid anti-abortion stance"- What in the world does your reporter mean by that. There is only one "stance" a bishop may take and that is condemnation of abortion as always and in every case immoral. The Church does teach that any Catholic who promotes abortion, (and that includes a pro-choice position) is excommunicated latae sententiae. A bishop has no choice but to condemn the pro-choice movement as well as the homosexual way of life. Please read the Catholic Catechism.
I realize that you, and many
I realize that you, and many others, think of "pro choice" as pro-abortion. I, and many others, disagree. At this point, I am sure that we will never convince each other of the way we see the situation. Yet, I believe that we are both part of the body of Christ. Perhaps there are some Bishops who, like you, believe that a pro-choice person is excommunicated latae sententiae, while others do not. Those who do not, I am quite sure have read the Catholic Catechism.
Edward Lewis writes:
Edward Lewis writes: "...abortion as always and in every case immoral." Yes, Edward, and while we're at it, I suggest that you do some reading yourself. For there are indeed situations when the Magisterium permits surgical procedures one result of which is the abortion of the embryo or fetus. Having done that you might also consider not being quite so absolute in your opinion on the matter of abortion. Please recall that before the Eighteenth Century, early abortion (abortion before the time of "quickenig") was not considered by the Church to be an act of homicide.
Edward Lewis: "Rigid
Edward Lewis:
"Rigid anti-abortion stance" - I think the reporter's point is fairly obvious. While the Church teaches that abortion is, as you say, "in every case immoral", there are numerous approaches to promoting and implementing that teaching. I'd be greatly suprised if Bishop Martino's "rigid" and highly confrontational approach won any converts to the Church's Pro-Life teaching. The only people he seemed to inspire were conservative sorts, already squarely in the Pro-Life camp. I'd challenge you and other supporters of Martino to find me even one person who adopted a Pro-Life point of view because of the bishop's witness. I for one have met several pro-abortion folks who were only hardened in their positions by his very public and very polemical approach. And that, I suspect, is why Martino is no longer Bishop of Scranton.
The logic of this right-wing
The logic of this right-wing Catholic argument completely illudes me and is quite irrational and un-Catholic. Each person has responsibility for their own actions. If I tell you to go harm someone, you are the one who either does it or doesn't do it. You are the one ethically responsible for your behavior. This is the real Catholic argument. To say those who advocate abortion and those who actually have an abortion are morally equivalent is absurd. Surely right wing Catholics and bishops can do better moral anaylsis than this. They need to go study ethics.
Edward, I pray you find peace
Edward,
I pray you find peace and enlightenment during the time you have left here on earth. I have no idea your age, but I hope you are young enough so you may have many days to assuage the rage that seems to be in your heart. At the same time, may you be old enough so that you will not need to wait beyond the strains of patience for the eternal grace of God.
Remember ... the greatest of these is charity ...
you may want to check with
you may want to check with the Pope on that - He is fully aware of Senator Kennedy and the entire Kennedy Family. I am sure the Conservatives have made him aware daily of that. If the Pope is able to praise Senator Kennedy,recognize human frailty and not have our church politically involved, that's good enough for me.
Sounds like his resignation
Sounds like his resignation should be cause for great rejoicing in the Scranton area.
Typical homophobic! Glad to
Typical homophobic! Glad to see him go. Hope others like soon follow.
Good riddance! Now if we
Good riddance! Now if we could get about 250 more resignations, the renewal of the American Church can begin.
perhaps if all of you who
perhaps if all of you who want an "American Church" will just leave and form it already, the true renewal called for by the Second Vatican Council can finally begin in the Catholic Church both in American and around the world.
I suspect you will be very
I suspect you will be very surprised at what this Pope will do with regard to the formation of national churches and the relation of the entire Church with the East. You should read and meditate on the prophesies of St. Malachy in this regard. Unless you believe in Christ's imminent return, there is no getting around the fact that the Pope we have now will be the last roman pontiff and the one succeeding him will be an anti-pope, who will be rebuked by God through the destruction of Rome (with no popes following).
LOL - and Amen.
LOL - and Amen.
Renewal of the "American"
Renewal of the "American" Church???? Sounds very "Church of England-ish" to me. Isn't that a Protestant sect? How about a restoration of the REAL Roman Catholic Church along Traditional lines?????
When will Rome stop
When will Rome stop embarrassing the American church with such appointments? IF only a few more dozen would resign! I understand at one time the people used to elect their bishops. We certainly could do no worse than Rome has for the past 30 years. Paul VI seemed to have a knack for appointing people who had some sense of spirituality. John Paul and this Pope seem to prefer company men who think alike and are very business like.
It was not the Church that
It was not the Church that made Marino sick, but God being obvious. Let us see if some of the Obama haters in the hierarchy get the message that God is not on the side of the frauds who are trying to make the Church part of the Republican Party.
Bye Bye Martino!
Bye Bye Martino!
I thought the stars were
I thought the stars were shining more brightly and the birds singing more sweetly!
Now I know why.
He will NOT be missed.
Seems like such a destructive
Seems like such a destructive person this fellow has been to the church and to fellow human beings, to the society. Is he mentally ill, needs psychological help, should never have had this role to begin with? It is reasonable , necessary for the sake of society and the church to ask.
Some people have troubled personalities or can go terribly wrong, maybe mentally or psychologically or physically if he is ill. Maybe he never really did have the call from God to be a priest or bishop. Maybe ambition and avarice drove him to this position.
Maybe some terrible scandal is going to surface soon and he knows it and he knows he is guilty. Often that is why someone resigns.
So far being Martino being confrontational, despotic and rigid, uncollegial, and inflexible has never bothered him before. How unlike Jesus was this behavior of Martino. Absolute power corrupts absolutely ; the degree of pain and suffering he has inflicted as he has tormented so many for so long, we really need checks and balances on the hierarchy in the church.
Way to go bishop! Finally,
Way to go bishop! Finally, someone with some chutzpah and consistency. He's in good company with John the Baptizer. King Herod wasn't real happy about him either and "honored" him at the king's birthday party by beheading him. World hasn't changed! Why do we think the world's governments really want anything to do with our Lord Jesus Christ? Jesus said the world hated me it will hate you also. In John's gospel, chapter 17, Jesus didn't pray for the world, but for His own. But we still seek the world's accolades. Pity.
RIGHTYOU ARE!! FIGHT THE GOOD
RIGHTYOU ARE!! FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT- CHRIST IS OUR STRENGHT AND CHRIST IS OUR RIGHT. ONE REAL GOOD AMERICAN BISHOP IN THE TRADITION OF THE ENGLISH SPEAKING SAINTS AND MARTYRS.
A pity you are confusing
A pity you are confusing Martino as an apostle of Jesus Christ. He resigned. He's not like John the Baptist for resigning. He's not like Christ for bad mouthing everyone who did not agree with his politics. I hope Martino finds Christ in the retreat center. He needs to retreat. The self-righteous need to retreat from Church politics and find the real Jesus Christ.
So, are you equating Benedict
So, are you equating Benedict XVI with Herod?
I admire the spunk of Bishop
I admire the spunk of Bishop Martino. I wish we had a few more bishops like him in the American hierarchy. Historically, they've been afraid to speak truth to power, especially when it came to the Democratic party. And now they're paying the price for their condescension. The powers-that-be don't listen to them any more. The Catholic bishops sold their soul to the Democratic party a few generations ago, when they were in bed with the Party.
Speak truth to power? Thank
Speak truth to power? Thank God the people in the Scranton diocese had the courage to speak truth to power. Too many of today's clergy are into their own power instead of serving the needs of the people. Don't forget that Jesus also challenged the corrupt power of the religious authorities of his day.
To quote a recent politician:
To quote a recent politician: Just what planet are you living on?
Alex, sometimes I wonder
Alex, sometimes I wonder where you are getting your history with regards to the USCCB and political parties. The bishops have a pretty good record of historically irritating the democrats on some issues, while supporting them on other issues. They were never as pro democratic party as the majority of American lay Catholics. It seems to me you are confusing the two.
The Pope sent a
The Pope sent a congratulatory telegram to Barack Obama both when he was elected and when he was inaugurated.....do you think this jerk is more Catholic than the Pope??????? Bishop Martino does not have "spunk". He has the soul of a despot, bully, racist homophobic pig!!! And I am glad he is gone!!
Alex on Aug. 28, 2009. Wake
Alex on Aug. 28, 2009.
Wake up and get the blinders off of your eyes!
Too many (not all), but too many bishops are not models of servant-leadership--but think of themselves as a caste of lords.
And sadly, a number of the laity---believe that their bishops' method
of leadership should be one of a tyrant---rather than the model that
Jesus had set down for his followers.
I know of some bishops who have the esteem and love of their people---because of the great Christ-like service they render to all the people in their
area. I will not embarass him by calling him by name, but I know of a bishop
who:
1) sold the bishop's mansion and moved into simple quarters in the minor
seminary.
2) this bishop brought his seminarians to a soup kitchen where they waited
on tables, washed dishes and their bishop personally cooked over 1000
meals for the poor. This bishop then pulled out his personal checkbook
and wrote out a check for $3000. for the soup kitchen.
3) when 3 police officers where shot to death and when women were killed
by a crazed killer, this bishop personally went to the homes of each
family and offered them comfort (all families were not Catholic, either)
4) same bishop took over 600 kids to World Youth Day in Australia. Their
plane was delayed for 17 hours in the airport----no trouble----bishop knew
how to creatively and beautifully occupy their time. Young people admire
this bishop
5) this bishop was only one of three who sat all night in Washington DC before
the March for Life and heard confessions.
6) This bishop took his seminarians down to the diocese's partner diocese
in Peru---so that they can see and minister to the very poor in
this diocese---
I've only listed about 6 areas that this bishop has modeled how a servant-
leader leads his people to God. He has done so very much more. He shows his people----just as Jesus did---the face of God, who has pitched his tent among his people.
And the people of the area---Catholic or not---think of him as 'our bishop'.
Bishop Martino---beats people over the head with his beliefs---and calls that 'leadership'! I hope and pray that the people of Scranton get a real servant-leader as a bishop.
LittleBear, He sounds like a
LittleBear, He sounds like a great guy! Can we borrow him for awhile? Our bishop refuses to sell his 1.2 million dollar mansion despite closing churches. Christ had no place to rest his head but our bishop does, and it's a rather nice place indeed!
The Democratic Party came
The Democratic Party came much closer to sharing the message of Jesus for the poor and emarginated than any other political institution throughout our history. The bishops acted accordingly. The memory of Bishop Hoban and his mediation of the coal strike in favor of the oppressed miners in Scranton is still vivid in our memories. It is sad that recent bishops do not follow his example. He stood next to Teddy Roosevelt-a progressive REPUBLICAN- and John Mitchell a labor union activist- and worked to alleviate the sad situation. The people of the "coal region" recognize a good shepherd when they see one and the "hirelings" flee.
Today people are tring to make our hierarchy into chaplains for the GOP! How sad!
Are you writing from an
Are you writing from an alternate universe? Where were you when the USCCB had the platform of the Republican party read at every mass this past November?
Alex writes: "they've been
Alex writes: "they've been afraid to speak truth to power..." Are you kidding? These guys are all about power. Their own power and no one else's. It's what drives them, sustains thems, feeds them. It's like their meth, and they can't get enough. What has galled them is that the people of God have figured this out, and have stopped listening, having better things to do than bow and scrape to some bishop.
When they figure out that their power is not what pleases God, then they will begin to become whole. Not until then.
Bishop Martino is stepping
Bishop Martino is stepping down and the church goes on. God bless the bishops and send a few to New Mexico for fresh air.
Another abusive bishop.
Another abusive bishop.
Should adults endure religious/emotional/intellectual abuse from men like Martino/Rigali/etc. forever?
Or should they exercise the Gift of Fortitude, given by Sancta Spirita at their Confirmation, and say, Enough is enough?
I'm treading the fine line
I'm treading the fine line between remaining a member of the catholic curch and excommunicating myself. Everytime I find myself leaning towards staying in the church, the icy, loveless, unmitigated arrogance of church officials like Marino nudges me back toward leaving. God knows what tomorrow will bring for millions like me. Thanks for nothing, bishop.
Anawim: I'm sick and tired of
Anawim: I'm sick and tired of these veiled threats and blackmail: to leave the Church if you don't get your way. If you want to leave the Church, well, do so. Fish or cut bait. You're not doing the Church a favor by staying in with all your arrogance and bitterness. You don't love Holy MOTHER Church, the Body of Christ. You've got hurts of your own that need healing.
"You've got hurts of your own
"You've got hurts of your own that need healing." Alex isn't that what the church is supposed to be about, healing hurts? It seems to me that Jesus spent a great deal of His time healing hurts, physical, mental, and spiritual.
I don't remember that He spent much time inflicting hurt, unless it was directed at religious leaders who specialized in maintaining their status by hurting their flocks.
Anawim was not threatening or black mailing, just stating a fact. How could one threaten or blackmail a church by leaving, when that church has let millions and millions leave with no apparent concern, and in fact it's Pope has said he wants a leaner church. Perhaps Anawim is only obeying Pope Benedict by leaving, which would show a great deal of love for Holy Mother Church and great obedience to the wishes of Benedict XVI.
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