Give That Bishop A Red Hat

OK, I know that 1 state having 2 Princes of the Church, especially when 1 is only a Bishop isn't normally done, but in this case, I think the message Papa Benedetto would send would outweigh any objections.

But, Bishop Joseph F. Martino, Diocese of Scranton, has done more in the past few weeks to uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church than most of the US Bishops have done in their entire careers.

Last Fall, Bishop Martino showed up at a forum that claimed to be dedicated to assisting Catholic voters to exercise their “faithful citizenship” which was held at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church & making it clear they were doing anything but upholding Catholic teaching. Recently he took on Sen. Bob Casey, telling him that his vote supporting Obama's overturn of the Mexico City Policy was wrong, calling it a "denial of our Catholic teaching on the dignity of every human being."

Once again the good Bishop has made it clear that he will not be silent in the face of those who fail to live the Catholic faith the profess, regardless of who he might offend. & not once but twice.

On 17 February 2009 Misericordia University scheduled a lecture by gay rights advocate Keith Boykin. Bishop Martino condemned Misericordia for "seriously failing" in its Catholic identity by doing so.

The diocese issued a statement saying: "Bishop Martino wants Catholics of the Diocese of Scranton to know of his absolute disapproval of Misericordia University's hosting Mr. Boykin." It went on to say: "By honoring this speaker through allowing his positions, so antithetical to Catholic Church teaching, to be broadcast on its campus, the University has rejected all four essential characteristics of a Catholic institution of higher learning," which are "its Christian inspiration, its obligation to reflect on knowledge in light of the Catholic faith, its fidelity to Catholic Church teaching and its commitment to serve the people of God."

It conclued with: "The faithful of the Diocese of Scranton, the Bishop observed, should be in no doubt that Misericordia University in this instance is seriously failing in maintaining its Catholic identity."

Miserecordia issued a response saying Boykin's being invited "is not meant to be a forum for advocacy on any singular issue." While claiming that the university "is committed deeply to its Catholic Mission" it used a cop out that Ex Corde Ecclesia made clear was not acceptable. They said they were "an academic institution where ideas and positions are explored critically and freely." If that were true, instead of him giving 2 talks where at best, a couple of questions might have been asked & he could have passed off, they would have had a serious debate with people speaking up for authentic Catholic teaching up there with him.

He has also fired a warning shot, making it clear that he will not tolerate any shenanigans as a part of the upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebrations. In a a letter penned by Auxiliary Bishop John M. Dougherty it was made clear that if pro-abortion politicians were given speaking opportunities or other honors in the parade honoring the Catholic saint then they would not be allowed to use St. Peter's Cathederal. A Mass there traditionally kicks off the city's St. Patrick's Day festivities. There is also an additional Mass later that day.

Bishop Dougherty explained the stance. "The Bishop is specifically concerned because doing so in conjunction with the feast day of a Catholic saint would be cause for scandal in view of the Church's clear teaching that abortion is an intrinsic evil."

It also reminded everyone of Bishop Martino's consistent injunction that a Catholic pro-abortion politician would be denied Holy Communion. "While some of the officials have merited the pride our local people take in them, others have positions and voting records that have contributed to the daily killing of the unborn by abortion."

While there have been no pro-choice names surfacing yet, the letter made it clear that Bishop Martino hopes the groups' "judicious choices" on the matter in order to make any action by the bishop unnecessary. The letter was sent "to avoid any surprise should (Martino) be required to take action in this most serious matter."

Given his track record, you can be assured that he definitely will take action should the need arise. May God Bless my paisan for his faithfully carrying out his duies as shepherd of the Scranton flock.

Sources: Bishop Martino Tells St. Patrick Paraders: Cathedral Off-Limits if Pro-Abortion Politicians Honored

Scranton Bishop Martino Rebukes Misericordia University for Hosting Gay Rights Speaker