A Pennsylvania Catholic bishop whose public scoldings of politicians””including Vice President Joe Biden””created a stir nationwide resigned on Monday (Aug. 31), citing stress and lack of confidence in his leadership.
Bishop Joseph Martino was appointed in 2003 to head the Diocese of Scranton, a heavily Catholic corner of northeastern Pennsylvania. His relatively brief tenure was marked by battles with local parishes, a teachers union, college administrators and a number of politicians, particularly over abortion rights.
“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 way of governance,’’ Martino said Monday at a press conference. The Vatican appointed Cardinal Justin Rigali, archbishop of Philadelphia, as temporary head of the Scranton diocese, which encompasses about 350,000 Catholics in 11 counties.
God bless Bishop Martino. May the Diocese of Scranton be blessed with another like him!
[i] Ad hominem comment deleted by elf. [/i]
#2. Could you please elaborate on the “wounds” His Grace inflicted upon the church? Or maybe your disaffection for the “likes of Martino” belies your own wounds. Peace be with you.
I know nothing about Bishop Martino, and am left wondering whether he has been a godly leader upholding Catholic teaching or a difficult personality who likes to resolve problems by fighting — or something in between.
God bless Bishop Martino!
The good bishop made many angry by consolidating several parishes and parish schools. People of good will can disagree over the way in which he carried out those decisions, but the diocese was in terrible financial shape and needed strong medicine.
However, in my opinion, the real reason Bishop Martino is “controversial” is his adamant, even combative, pro-life record. He castigated two “Catholic” colleges/universities for the politicians and other public figures they chose to honor. He threatened to close one of the “Irish” parishes on St. Patrick’s Day if they honored someone who was at odds with the Church’s moral teaching. He publicly warned Sen. Biden not to present himself for Communion in the diocese, having given instruction to all diocesan priests to deny Biden Communion as a consequence of Biden’s anti-life record. These are but a few examples. There’s more.
In other words, Bishop Martino made all the “right” people mad. God bless him for his courage.
Between this and the funeral for Ted Kennedy I have to say that I have undergone of late some rare lapses in my admiration and envy of the Catholic church. It seems obvious to me that this bishop was simply upholding the teachings of the church in a courageous manner. I’m sure Biden and Pelosi are smiling about this. Where’s the roar in the Catholic church now?
Laura R. –
You pose two possibilities that are not mutually exclusive.
🙂
Words Matter, that’s quite true! I suppose I was wondering what was the main reason for Bp. Martino’s being removed, and if he was being unnecessarily combative.
Geofrey, FWIW, it’s my understanding that at Kennedy’s funeral any message of warmth or commendation from the Vatican was noticeably lacking.