The Independent News Source
Twitter - Facebook - Email Alerts - RSS
Scranton's Martino resigns, citing insomnia, fatigue
Aug. 31, 2009
Printer-friendly version
Send to friend
PDF versionScranton's Bishop Martino stepping down
A screen capture of the video stream of Bishop Martino at the Aug. 31 media conference where he announced his resignation.
Printer-friendly versionSend to friendPDF versionWASHINGTON
Citing "insomnia and at times a crippling physical fatigue," Bishop Joseph F. Martino, 63, announced Aug. 31 that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted his early retirement as bishop of Scranton, Pa.
The pope named Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia apostolic administrator of the Scranton Diocese until a new bishop is appointed.
The pope also accepted the resignation of Scranton Auxiliary Bishop John M. Dougherty, 77, who reached the normal retirement age for bishops in April 2007.
At a televised press conference that was almost immediately posted as a video stream on the Scranton diocesan Web site, Martino frankly acknowledged that lack of support for changes he initiated in the diocese, including parish and school closings, played a role in his decision to retire.
When he was installed as bishop of Scranton in October 2003, he said, it was apparent to him that “at the very least, something had to be done to halt the rapid financial deterioration of our diocese.”
He inaugurated a “Called to Mission and Holiness” program to revitalize the new evangelization in the diocese and to restructure parishes, schools and the distribution of clergy. The program “unfortunately became identified with parish closings,” he said.
“For some time now there has not been a clear consensus among the clergy and the people of the Diocese of Scranton regarding my pastoral initiatives or my method of governance,” he said.
“This development has caused me great sorrow, resulting in bouts of insomnia and at times a crippling physical fatigue,” he added.
He said the diocese needs to respond to the church’s call “to engage in the new evangelization.”
“To do so, however, the Diocese of Scranton requires a bishop who is at least physically vigorous,” he said. “I am not that bishop.”
Citing the song lyrics, “You have to know when to hold them, know when to fold them,” he said that stress had lowered his immune system. In recent months, he said, he had three bouts of flu -- “something that’s never happened to me before” -- and has been physically weakened by lack of sleep.
While acknowledging the unpopularity of parish and school closings under his leadership, Martino defended his actions as difficult decisions that were needed to restore the diocese to financial health.
Nationally Martino was known for his vigorous opposition to abortion, including threats to withhold Communion from Catholic politicians whose votes did not conform to church teaching on the issue. Last year he told Catholics in the diocese that abortion was the crucial issue that should determine how they voted in November.
Rumors of Martino’s imminent resignation were fueled in the days preceding the announcement when the diocese said Aug. 28 that the bishop was moving from the cathedral rectory in Scranton to a Catholic retreat house in Dalton, about eight miles north of Scranton.
To handle day-to-day affairs of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed, Rigali named Msgr. Joseph Bambera, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Mary of Czestochowa parishes in Archbald, as his delegate with the faculties of a diocesan vicar general.
For more background on this story see:
Diocese of Scranton campaign falls short
[Jerry Filteau is NCR Washington correspondent.]
The Archbishop and I are
The Archbishop and I are often far, far apart in our view of the pastoral roll of a bishop, how Catholic teachings should be promoted, just what evangelization means and what acknowleging the diginity of the individual actually involves. Yet, I see him as a brother on his journey to discover and live the Gospel message. I pray for both his physical and spiritual health.
John David, you are most
John David, you are most pastoral. God bless you for your compassion. As Augustine said, unity in necessary things, freedom in unnecessary things and kindness in all things. God bless you for your compassion.
It is also not widely known
It is also not widely known that Bishop Martino was subject to many death threats from the 'good Catholics' of Scranton. He was no longer able to go out in public without a bodyguard. This has been a very sad time for this diocese.
Martino's resignation points
Martino's resignation points to a deeper systemic problem with the way in which bishops are chosen. We need to find a more inclusive way to draw upon the wisdom of laity and priests in selecting bishops.
The lay faithful need to get
The lay faithful need to get out from in front of the television, study their faith and assist the Bishops in evangelization, as it is their call. I am sure God will raise up a bishop who does have the stamina to lead the faithful to follow the call for a new evangelization. The Holy Spirit is not working to change the structure or hierarchy of the Church, the Holy Spirit is working to inspire the lay faithful to assist the pastors in whatever ecclesial prudence calls for. Lay faithful must look to ecclesial prudence, not to themselves for their role in the Church. Otherwise, it just becomes a subjective experience, without anymore confirmation of the decision than choosing whether to buy the black shoes or the brown shoes, so-to-speak.
Anonymous on Sep. 01,
Anonymous on Sep. 01, 2009.
What makes you think that the laity are sitting in front of the television for hours on end? More of them have backgrounds in the various areas of business, human development, labor relations, and oh, yes, theology than many bishops possess. Americans are among the hardest working people in the world. They are not lazy---many of them work two or three part time jobs to make ends meet. Now, with unemployment so high---many of them are sitting in front of their computers writing out job resumes and sending them out.
Rather, the Bishops should be modeling what a pastoral bishop looks like and acts like---rather than some feudal lord. The bishop is to act as the Good Shepherd, to be a servant leader as Jesus taught at the Last Supper.
You stated that the "The Holy Spirit is not working to change the structure or hierarchy of the Church, the Holy Spirit is working to inspire the lay faithful to assist the pastors in whatever ecclesial prudence calls for." How do you know? Are you the Holy Spirit's counselor? The Holy Spirit is also able to speak in the laity as well---and has not been muted by the laity in the past or now in the present.
You also stated "Lay faithful must look to ecclesial prudence, not to themselves for their role in the Church." Sorry, that is not what is stated in the documents of Vatican II.
In "Lumen Gentium" I would like to quote from the chapter on the Laity, which states:
"Laypeople have a serious obligation to express their opinions and insights about the Church. Their wisdom and knowledge often arise from valuable life experience. Such wisdom is to be prized by church leaders."
The Church needs to get back to its original practice of permitting the clergy and laity to vote for their bishops. If voting for ecclesial leaders was possible back in an age when illiteracy was commonplace. All the more reason, people should be able to vote. The Church is all of the People of God---the hierarchy, the clergy and the laity---no group is greater than the other.
I agree. The way in which
I agree. The way in which bishops are chosen is seriously flawed. As far as Bishop Martino's resignation is concerned, keep tuned.
Some have commented on Senator Ted Kennedy, the "People's Senator," as noted in signs held by some in the crowds as his funeral passed by.
I couldn't help but think that among the present crop of United States bishops there is not a one that has shown in his position the charism, stature, real concern for the disinfrancished, the downtrodden, the least among the Lord's little ones that Ted Kennedy has shown in his over so many years. He certainly was not a one issue zelot or fanatic who dismissed individuals, refusing to dialogue with them because of a position they had taken on a given issue and a number of the more outspoken U.S. bishops have.
Threatening New York legislations to close churches in their districts if they vote for New York's Markey/Duane bill, instructing their priests and deacons to refuse to give Communion to individuals they have decided are unfaithful, threatening excommunication if any withing their diocesan boundaries voted for now President Barack Obama, attempting to silence or threatening to fire faithful church members if they discuss the wrong things, etc., etc., etc., hardly seems worthy of one supposedly a pastoral leader, does it?
And now there is the latest with Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk's order to Sister of Charity Louise Akers to " publicly disassociate herself from the issue of women’s ordination if she wishes to continue making any presentations or teaching for credit in any archdiocesan-related institutions."
Would that there were more like Ted Kennedy among church leadership, admitting their flaws, sins and failures while at the same time having the character and integrity to impel them to stand up and be counted when it really matters and not say, as one bishop recently has, that the majority of bishops really disagreed with the strident minority but didn't want to break ranks by speaking up.
It is hard to believe, given the brave bishops' voices of the past, that so many among the present crop of bishops appear to be completely emasculated.
I watched the video stream of
I watched the video stream of the press conference announcing Martino's retirement.
Between Cardinal Rigali and Bishop Martino, I've never seen so many badly-told lies, and avoided-truths, in my life.
I cannot wait to find out the REAL reasons.
I totally agree with Chris
I totally agree with Chris Grady. This Diocese has suffered because of poor administration right from the archdiocese of Philadelphia down. The limited number of clergy in the ranks has caused men being put into positions that they are truly not qualified to hold. Where are the true shepherds?
Really, I don't mean to
Really, I don't mean to diminish his illness but fatigue? insomnia? flu? These are symptoms, what are the signs and diagnosis if he is going to publicly use illness as the reason for stepping down. He was out on a brisk walk several days ago, was photographed and appeared to be in good shape physically (see whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com). Must have a really bad HMO doc. I do wish him well and a full recovery with a new outlook on life, Godspeed.
Insomnia and fatigue? Ask
Insomnia and fatigue? Ask any woman about these...and yet we continue with our jobs & raising our families...we don't abdicate our responsibilities...and lack of support? We get that big time from our teenagers...and yet we continue to love and guide them, too.
The question is....did he
The question is....did he jump or was he pushed? Either way it points to some serious problems within the hierarchy. If he jumped he's either a coward (fatigue?)or so pigheaded that wouldn't bend when asked. If he was pushed it signals that Bishops shouldn't be too vocal. I wasn't a big fan of his opinions but I worry that future Bishops, on both sides of the political spectrum, may think twice before taking any strong public stands. I'm not sure that it is healthy for the Bishops of the US to always speak with one voice.
When you are constantly on
When you are constantly on the wrong side of "right"; when you are constantly opposed to dialogue and compromise; when you are constantly screaming at people; when you constantly play god, then maybe you should go quietly into the night - even if you can't sleep. Good ridance you angry, angry man.
Judging from the rapidity of
Judging from the rapidity of the response from Rome, which usually takes FOREVER, especially in the case of a bishop looking to retire 12 years before he's ripe, I suspect the request was, shall we say, pre-approved. I'm not fooled by the parish and school closing lament. Lots of bishops are closing parishes and schools. And Rome doesn't pull the plug on a bishop because he's unpopular. If that were the case, half the bishops in the country would be gone. No, this is a clear case of getting a real loose cannon out of there. Scranton has had a rough go of it over the years. Timlin was no prize, either. And O'Connor before him. OMG! I'm encouraged by the sensibilities of B-16. This guy is looking better all the time.
This has been a tragic week
This has been a tragic week for US Catholicism. First Ted Kennedy, a man who did not hesitate to destroy people (e.g. Robert Bork)for opposing his distortion of human rights to mean that women's rights included a right to kill their unborn children was honored by two cardinals who did not even bother to take the simple step of closing a series of petitions supposedly calling for justice with a prayer for justice for the unborn and who did not choose to see that "I support a conscience clause" in the health care bill implies allowing health care workers to decline to participate in abortions funded with money from taxpayers whose consciences will thereby be violated. Then one of the few bishops with the courage to stand up for the full spectrum of human rights, from conception to natural death, was driven out of office by people angry over parish closings, labor disputes in which the Vatican ratified his position and (let's not kid ourselves) by his pro-life stance and by bishops who either meant or allowed others to believe that the right to life is no more important than the dream of having a black President or the idea, already proven false, that such a President would actually do something others hadn't to make life better for the poor. Now I know how Paul VI must have felt after Humanae Vitae. Of course the same people who honored Kennedy and persecuted Bishop Martino still think Humanae Vitae was mistaken, despite all the evidence (including the "murder of 50,000,000 people" (Martino's words, echoing those of John Paul II in Evangelium Vitae No. 62) to the contrary. I have never felt so ashamed of my Church or so tempted to leave. I won't leave though, and I won't behave with the corruption of those cardinals or with the lack of charity of the people of Scranton and the USCCB. May God have mercy on us all.
1 The tragedy was Kennedy's
1 The tragedy was Kennedy's death - not the well-deserved honors he was given.
2. Bork, for all his intelligence, would have been a doctrinaire disaster on the Supreme court. Kennedy laid it on a little thick, but "destroy"? Bork seems to have landed on his feet as a conservative pundit and right wing poster child.
3..You want us all to believe that the Vatican forced a bishop out because of his pro-life stance? C'mon.....
4. I've often felt the call to leave as well. You're going to have to search your heart on that one.
You won't leave?? Are you
You won't leave?? Are you sure about that?? Do you really want to be in a church that follows Christ? The one who said to Peter, "You must forgive seventy-times-seven?" The one who gave us the beatitudes and forgave his tormentors? It seems you would be happier in an ultra-conservative evangelical congregation, where there is no need for a thought process. All you would have to do is obey the "magisterium" of said congregation. Give it a try - if you like it, stay. But if in the end, you find something is missing, and you want a heart of flesh, come to Jesus in the Catholic Church. Although it's undergoing a huge upheaval - when the dust settles, Jesus will be there and the Church will be stronger than ever.
This is a response to both
This is a response to both replies to my posting.
I did not say the Vatican forced Martino out, and I don't fault it for letting him go when he asked to. I think he chose to leave under the pressure of complete or near-complete lay and clerical non-support for his principled stance for life, a stance completely in conformity with Church teachings. With regard to his inability or unwillingness to be pastoral, I wonder if Ted Kennedy, had he been a bishop, would have been considered pastoral in his dealings with Judge Bork. And you are right that he did not succeed in destroying the Judge. I pray his persecutors have not succeeded in destroying Martino either, that he also will emerge as a teacher and leader. I also pray for the persecutors, that they will understand what they have done and seek God's mercy. Forgiving them and praying for them and for Ted Kennedy, does not entail a denial of the harm they have done, anymore than forgiving and praying for Martino or this writer or any other of us sinners implies denying the harm we have done. Years ago, when asked to write the intercessions for the funeral of a man of some prominence, my husband, in addition to thanking God for the good he had done, added an intercession asking God's forgiveness for the harm he had done, including harm to some in the congregation. I am not demonizing Kennedy, mind you. He did, in fact, do much good. But he also made it acceptable for Catholic politicians to justify support for legalized abortion, in direct contradiction not only to Church teaching but to human reason; it is unreasonable to postulate that one's personhood depends on location or age. It is also very, very dangerous for the future of human rights. Remember that I did not ask for Kennedy not to be honored, but only for one prayer for the unborn, the most vulnerable among us. To lionize a man as a protector of the most vulnerable among us while ignoring the most vulnerable of all is corruption. I don't fault O'Malley as much as McCarrick, and perhaps McCarrick's age is an excuse. Nevertheless, Kennedy's funeral gave great scandal, especially to those who don't know the Church or understand the nuances of what was said. For example, how many know that, as Time Magazine, not NCR, has helpfully pointed out, the Papal response to Kennedy's letter was pretty pro-forma, the very sort of response any unknown person who write would get. Contrast it with the much warmer letter to Eunice Kennedy shortly before her death.
As for my leaving and going to an evangelical Church, I admitted only to temptation, rejecting any plan to leave. There is no chance of that. First, if I wanted to obey authority mindlessly, I wouldn't be criticizing the bishops, would I? Now for a little Kennedyesque self-aggrandizing: I actually run a food pantry in my parish, volunteer as a literacy tutor, give 20% of my income to charity, and befriend and try to help the most marginalized in my community. I pray and try very hard every day not to ignore the beatitudes. I try to do it in a consistent way, ignoring no human being, from the moment of fertilization to natural death. That means I fight for just health care reform that marginalizes no one. It means I lobby for the Pregnant Women Support Act, a piece of common ground legislation that has been introduced with fanfare and then hypocritically ignored in the last three congresses. It means I fight for a just wage. It also means that I fight against legalized abortion, euthanasia and physician assisted suicide. The bottom line is that, though (in Kennedy's words) I fall short, I at least strive to follow a consistent ethic of life. When I succed, I give the glory to God, not myself. When I fail, I acknowledge that it is through my own fault, and I seek the grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
I assert with even greater conviction than yesterday that neither the Kennedy funeral nor the hounding of Bishop Scranton was in accord with the consistent ethic. And, once more, I ask God's mercy, on us all and especially on me, a sinner.
Artemis, The underlying
Artemis, The underlying message I get from your post(s) is that you are very angry that Ted Kennedy was not publicly castigated and/or punished to your satisfaction. Forgive me if I misjudge, but that's how it comes across. For you own sake, please try to get over Ted Kennedy. The man is dead. He had plenty of time to repent his sins and prepare and we should all be so lucky. As Christians we are called to rejoice at his salvation. Did not the shepherd leave his flock and go after the one who strayed? Yet you prefer to obsess over the details of what you call a "form letter" from the Pope, implying what? that is was bogus? And the Pope liked Eunice better than Teddy? I mean the pettiness of this boggles the mind. If he died in the state of grace, why should he be denied a Mass of Christian Burial? Because the rightwingers at EWTN hated him and resent anyone who didn't hate him? He was a public person and received a public funeral. Nobody was scandalized except those who wanted to be. And the problem with McCarrick presiding at the burial is what? George Weigel hates him? As I said, the pettiness boggles the mind.
Ted Kennedy should have been publicly pro-life. Instead he chose to align with the pro-choice elements of his party. That was wrong, very wrong. At the same time we have Bishops in the American Catholic Church who are pro-fetal-life but align themselves with the selfish (sometimes deadly) elements of the other party in matters of war and social justice. They and Ted Kennedy are mirror images. Who will be held to the higher standard?
I hope you can find some peace.
You seem to have forgotten
You seem to have forgotten that the Borks are members of PNAC, a very far right weing group that supports war and death for the New American Century(PNAC). EXACTLY how is that Pro-life????? And lets not forget that thew pope, no matter how tangentially, is aligned with these people, who are at the very center of the Repub party, the party of death under the guise of corporate/oil profits!!!!! The GOP is made up of the Cons, Neocons and Theocons. ALL of whom will and do kill( abortion clinics, and their people, Eastern Rite Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, women, etc) if you don't agree with them.
These alignments are so blatant, they are staring us all in the face. Just look at all of the prominent Catholics who are involved with PNAC and other right wing groups. These people are Timothy McVeigh, cafeteria, moral relativist Catholics. These people include the likes of O'Reilly, Hannity, Noonan, Ingraham, Malkin, Buchanan, Scalia, Thomas, Roberts, Alito, Santorum, Vitter, Jeb Bush, Newt Gingrich, Catholics. Remember him(McVeigh) and them. These Catholics are the kind of Catholics who scream Pro-life and Family Values while at the very same time they are killing anyone who opposes them or their Republican religio-political-economic thinking, including Trickle Down economics and everybody is going to get rich gospel and theology of prosperity). They serve the god of money, political power, the corporatocracy and death for profits, NOT God, the real GOD, but George W. Bush who claimed to be Jesus Christ on four occasions..
Where do they want to take America? Scalia, in a private speech he gave in May of 2000 told a few people. He called for the end of the Rule of Law in America. He also called for the end of democracy in America. Be afraid, be very afraid of these people and their ambitions. Hitler promised the same things, and we all know exactly how that turned out, 60 million dead including 6 million Jews. Could it be that God created diversity(other religions, homosexuals) in this world for a reason, His reasons. Could those diversities be to give us a chance to do "the right thing", as Jesus taught(peace, love, tolerance and "Do unto others...). Aren't we all children of God, the Triune God.
These people, Repubs, use religion as a political weapon to enhance the Repub party and it's St. Reagen economic tenets(Cons) and war philosophies(Neocons).
That old saw applies; "if you dance with the devil he'll own your soul". There must be a special place in hell for those religious leaders who lead others astray of Jesus message of love, peace, tolerance and "Do unto others...
God is NOT the problem. Religion is the problem. Theo-politice IS the problem. Did you forget Jesus very clear warned to NOT merge church and state: "Render therefore unto Caesar.. Could it be that Jesus knew exactly what He was talking about.
The Commandment says: Thou shalt not kill. IT does not say it's okay to kill as long as the killing is done for Catholic theology. It does not say it is okay to kill if it is done to promote the economic hypotheses of Reagen and his friends Pope John Paul and Jerry Falwell. It does not say it is okay to kill to protect the fetus.
Methinks, If you dance with the devil for ANY reason he'll own your soul.
Finally, my tax dollars were used to promote this Iraq ear, PNACs desired Pearl Harbor event that the likes of Frank Gaffney, George Weigel, Jeb Bush and dozens of other Catholics have spoken out in support of including the Borks. Lest we forget,
the Church's other clearly evil events of death, such as the Crusades, the various Inquisitions, The Reichskonkordat of 1933, etc..
Don't even begin to tell me about the fetus. That entire issue is nothing other than Repub politics as usual. If you do not support the living you cannot be supportive of the life of the fetus. and NO, NO, NO, N.-O. Repub will ever suppoort the life of the living or the life of the fetus. WHY??? Because it costs some money and the Repubs worship ONLY MONEY and nothing else, ever. Or havn't you noticed that FACT. It's staring you in the face. I'm sorry to say this but it's staring the pope(s) in the face as well, and they are fully aware of that fact.
This is NOT about the fetus. It is totally and only about Repub party politics, money and what I can only think to call: "Dominion and Domination". .
I'm sorry for coming on so strong. I'm just totally sick of hearing about the fetus and about those who kill in the name of Christ and the fetus. Exactly what is so special about the fetus that is not equally special about those who are already livin, especially the woman carrying that fetus??? No one ever answers that question. Nor does anyone ever answer the question of why is it okay to kill in the name of Catholic theology.
If you don't like abortions then just don't have one. If you really don't like abortions then put your money where your mouth is by making these women a deal, "a deal they can't refuse". I can guarantee no Repub will ever do that, and that includes Repub Catholics. Social Cons and Fiscal Cons will NEVER do that, ever. It may/will cost them some money. In fact there is a name for it. It's called adoption!!!.
The sin of PRIDE is killing the Catholic Church. Satan is using it, quite successfully, to tempt religion, including the Vatican into believing it ALONE speaks for God and it can kill for God, and with impunity!!!.
The Vatican and it's brethren the evangelical fundies (not all evangelical, please) are part and parcel to Repub party politics. This IS an abomination unto God and His creation, the "Family of Man", ALL men, ALL of the members of that family.
There is a whole lot more to Pro-life and Family Values than just the fetus or voting RepubliKKKan.
This endless fetus stuff is deadly, to say the least. Killing for the fetus or Catholic theology is an abomination. There WILL be a heavy price to pay for those killings. I can guarantee you what you people are doing IS the wrong way to solve the problem. Make these women a deal they can't refuse. Embrace them as fellow human beings in Christ and under God, our Heavenly Father, and just watch the successful results.
In the very few years(terminal illness) I have left on this planet I am totally convinced Jesus will not come back until we make the ENTIRE world a place where He feels welcome. And killing others will NEVER accomplish that. Could it be that Jesus may come back as a Black woman? And you want to kill Black or Hispanic women who have or think they need abortions because they are poor and often poorly reducated and thus trapped in their way of life. Think about that. It's a very scary thought. Mayhap, Jesus will come back as an Iraqi. Mayhap, He already has. And Bush-Cheney and the killer Repubs/PNAC/AEI?Heritage Foundation/Bush family have already killed Him.
If that doesn't terrify you you really are a Repub and a fundie Catholic killer for Christ. .
..
Pray for peace. Demand peace. Jesus would! Demand diplomacy, Jesus would! WWJD, That's what Jesus would do! Do you really doubt that?
Once again I apologize for coming on so strong. But killing for the fetus is totally wrong. Killing for Catholic theology is equally wrong. Keep up the killing and "Sic Transit Gloria Mundi". Propitius esto.
Don't try to save the world, your world but lose your soul. Don't try to save the fetus and lose your soul. or actually give it up for nothing more than repub party politics. Could there be something wrong when the Pope and Karl Rove are saying the same thing. Human values are more important than corporate values. But don't ever try to tell that to any Republicans.
If you follow the laws of God(The Commandments); as well as the teachings of Jesus (peace, love, tolerance and "Do unto others...") you cannot go wrong, ever!!!
Lest you think I'm aq disgruntled Dem, I voted for whomever I thought was doing a good job in government. That voting philosophy ended in 2006. If I make it to vote in 2012(not likely) I will vote Dem, only. The Repubs will ask us to vote for Sarah Palin(Apostolic Pentecostal) Jeb Bush(Catholic) and Newt Gingrich(now Catholic) among others. They will never get my vote. To vote Repub is to guarantee more poverty, which guarantees more abortions. And that IS a true fact. Exactly how is it Family Values to suppress the wages of working class parents????? Yet, that IS exactly what Reagen and the Repubs are all about.
I have known many really good priests and nuns(my aunt was a Dominican) in my life. Exactly how is it Family Values for pedophile priests to be protected and deliberately and intentionally allowed to continue. Mayhap there is need for another Reformation in our Church.
Something is wrong; very, very, very wrong!
.
May God shower All in the
May God shower All in the Diocese of Scranton with wisdom and discernment.
In one of the referenced
In one of the referenced articles, Canon lawyer Nicholas P. Cafardi, speaks directly to the manner of Bishop Martino's dealings with the people of his diocese, and his attitude toward them showing a lack of respect. The bishop came off as an arrogant executive bully rather than as a chief shepherd of the flock. The reference to a Kenny Rogers song seems to indicate that this bishop remains clueless, regarding himself too literally as a 'prince of the Church' engaging in the equivalent of a game of cards.
.
While Bishop Martino complained about his insomnia and fatigue, one has to wonder if it occurred to him that he had created significant stress for the people he was supposed to pastor, and even for those beyond his direct authority in his collusion with other equally caustic bishops. The reports of his behavior and temperamental outbursts, clearly did not set well with the majority of folks. Even the most docile of individuals do not respond well to harsh, dictatorial "leadership".
Interesting...I don't think
Interesting...I don't think that an annulment of a marriage, laicization, and/or dispensation from religious vows would be granted on the grounds of insomnia or fatigue. It seems to me that there is more to the issue than meets the eye.
I am 61, almost 62, just a year junior from Bishop Martino. I am a former presbyteral member of a religious community in the Church...a former associate pastor, pastor, and director of formation. I have no retirement benefits from the religious community or any of the dioceses in which I worked. I will have to work for years to come....without sympathy, compensation, or disabilty benefits for fatigue or insomnia.
I am concerned that Bishop
I am concerned that Bishop Martino's resignation may set a precedent for any bishop who may be facing the same challenges. Interesting enough, it is not the left-leaning bishops who are struggling with their leadership, it's the right-wing, conservative bishops like Martino who capitulate. Discipleship has never been easy. It is unfortunate that a 63 year old Bishop, 12 years away from canonical retirement age abrutply ended his episcopal ministry.
I think his bouts of insomnia
I think his bouts of insomnia and crippling physical fatigue are the least of Bishop Martino's problems. A large portion of his clergy and lay people did not feel they were remotely in communion with this man. He damaged many people and parishes with his far right wing fundamentalism and disregard for the basic dignity of other human beings who were effected by his mean spirited and vindictive behavior. He needs to reflect on the damage he has left in his path.
This is the Catholic "spend
This is the Catholic "spend more time wiyh my family" These fundy retirements always end up much more sordid in the end.
As someone from the Scranton
As someone from the Scranton Diocese, we are well aware that there is more to this story then meets the eye. I knew the previous Bishop of Scranton and while I disagreed with many of his theological positions, he was an outstanding pastoral figure who knew his people personally and had an outstanding raport with almost everyone he knew, even with many of us who disagreed with him. Martino was very different and placed fidelity to his theological positions as the first priority to the establishment of any relationship with him. Scranton needs a pastor, I hope that will be a consideration in selecting a new Bishop. Many outside Scraton think this a monolitic blue collar backwater community, Think again.
See? That's the problem with
See? That's the problem with that darn celibacy rule. Anyone else in that position would have left "to spend more time with his family". Catholic clergy are deprived of that classic cover story.
I see through the comments
I see through the comments that there is in America more conscienciousness in the laity than in the hierarchy. And I see it as a good sympton for a future revitalization of the church.
Maybe Bishop Martino toiled
Maybe Bishop Martino toiled for too long in the vineyard of the Lord. Maybe he was just too full of himself, judging and condemning others. Did he remove the mote from his own eye, the mote of the sin of Pride. Pride goeth before the fall, it is written, and often said.. And the worst of these is the first, referring to the sin of Pride. A sin so often committed by the religious clergy. The virtue of true Humility becomes us all and is the cure for the sin of Pride.
Lest we forget!.
Bishop Martino's decisions
Bishop Martino's decisions and behavior have long indicated that he suffers from mental illness. Thank God that it finally did him in before he could do even more damage.
It wasn't too long ago (a few
It wasn't too long ago (a few centuries) that the thought of a bishop from outside of the diocese would be considered. An early church law instructed that the bishop be elected from within the diocese (don't have the exact reference handy). The same goes for Vatican involvement in choosing bishops - it simply wasn't done, it was a local matter.
I don't know which method is better, the one being used now or the one we set aside. But I'd offer that this question merits serious consideration on all levels. Why shouldn't a diocese elect their leader? Or, why should they?
Why is it that when a liberal
Why is it that when a liberal Bishop destroys the faithful and misleads them it's Okay? And when a Bishop is faithful to the Church. He must be absolutly
destroyed? Sounds very much like when Christ declared to the people of that time, "God sent you Prophets and you killed them." I guess the old saying is true. Those who forget the past, are condemned to repeat it.
Angelo: This bishop was not
Angelo: This bishop was not faithful to the Church. The Church is The People of God, not a corrupt and centuries outdated imperial hierarchy that has destroyed the Latin Rite Churches by their immoral and criminal behavior. Bishop Martino has divided and damaged many human beings in the name of "orthodoxy." The very problem is the vast majority of Catholics have not forgotten the past and they are DEMANDING that the bishops DO NOT REPEAT their mistakes and engage in criminal behavior such as recycling priests who have sexually abused children. The argument you try to make about liberal bishops is specious to say the least. The far right wing reactionary element in the Church is far more dangerous than the liberal or progressive wing. You might try reading about the ministry of Jesus. He was INCLUSIVE and believed in true equality of all people, male and female. The Catholic Church as it exists today does not remotely reflect the Church that Jesus wanted. The Holy Spirit began to initiate the changes that are needed to model the Church on its' original matrix. This was called the Second Vatican Council. The "true" Church is emerging and it will most likely be the opposite of what you believe the Church should look like. Bishop Martino leaves a fractured and damaged flock. He has a great many unChristian acts in which he needs to repent. You seem to be embracing a Catholic Church that is in a state of decay. Imperial Roman models of Church are NOT what Christ intended.
Bishop Martino: Too Outspoken
Bishop Martino: Too Outspoken on Abortion for Vatican? - TIME
... world of church communication, the Cardinal's announcement was akin to a public smackdown of Martino. One month later, Martino was summoned to Rome, and submitted his resignation. ... We have become quite blasé about that, and that scares me very much."
www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1919969,00.html?xid=rss-nation-cnn
Post new comment