Breaking news: Scranton Diocese news conference
Posted by Raphael on August 31, 2009
In a prepared statement Bishop Joseph Martino has announced his resignation as Bishop of Scranton. Because of the challenges facing it, the Diocese of Scranton at this time needs a bishop who is “physically vigorous. I am not that bishop,” said Bishop Martino. As expected, His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali has been named Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Scranton, an interim appointment until a new bishop is named by Pope Benedict. As retired bishop, Martino will continue to live in the diocese as well well as spend time visiting friends and family in Philadelphia. Martino stated that he is “very happy and filled with peace.”
In his brief remarks, Bishop Martino cited health problems, including bouts of insomnia and fatigue, as the principal reason for his resignation, which was submitted to the Vatican around June 12. He also acknowledged the pain caused by some of his decisions. He sought forgiveness for those he has not served as best he could.
Cardinal Rigali acknowledged that while change is difficult, life continues. “In the church, life always goes on with joy and anticipation of the future because the risen Christ journeys with us.” Life in the Diocese of Scranton will continue with “apostolic succession and the continuity of the Catholic faith.” His Eminence encouraged the people of the diocese to pursue charity and truth and to look to Mary for compassion and help.
Regarding the appointment of a new Bishop to the see of Scranton, “The Holy See is anxious for it to be done as quickly as possible,” noted Cardinal Rigali. “I would hope that within six months we would have a bishop.”
Elaine said
All I can say is “Thank you Lord”. Although this should have happened 6 years ago. Now let us all pray that we don’t get another hitler to head the diocese.
Julie said
In support of the Diocese of Scranton and on behalf of St. Mary’s Malaga. Your friend in Christ,
Julie
The Rockin' Traddy said
All I can say is “Thank You Bishop Martino”. Unfortunately we can not have 12 more years. Now let us all pray that we receive another shepherd so unflinching in his teaching of the faith to head the Diocese.
Elaine said
rockin traddy—”thanky you bishop martino”? For what exactly? Six years of promises and lies? I may not be as religious as you but “Thou shalt not lie” is one of the Ten Commandments. And this guy and his minions have told whoppers. To joey–Good Riddance! Rockin Traddy may miss you, but the majority of catholics will not.
The Rockin' Traddy said
Do you claim to be Catholic, Elaine? If so, on what basis do you make that claim?
The Rockin' Traddy said
You have been memed!
http://rockintraddy.blogspot.com/
Have Fun!
Elaine said
Rockin Traddy–I have read your website. YOU need to clean up your language, then YOU can question MY catholicism. Just because I didn’t like “your bishop”, doesn’t make me anymore catholic than you. By the way, I don’t curse either.
Elaine said
Me again traddy–you also call human beings, (made in Gods’ likeness), “scumbags”, and “pieces of filth”. Now I am also very much anti-abortion, but it is very UNCHRISTIAN to name call. You claim to be so God like, yet you are name calling. Almost like me calling the bishop a liar. DON’T QUESTION MY RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AGAIN!!
The Rockin' Traddy said
Oh please!
Show me where I have ever claimed to be “God-like”? Give me a break.
FYI, my blog is a place for me to vent my opinons. If you don’t like them, don’t go to my blog. That’s pretty simple.
It’s ok if you don’t want to answer my question. Just move on. But please don’t attack me because you don’t want to answer. That was a poor attempt to divert the debate.
I was asking if you were Catholic and how you know it, because many non-Catholics have chimed in where their opinion isn’t warranted. So I wanted to know if you considered yourself one. But understand if you plan to go around calling the retired Bishop of Scranton a liar because he closed your church or your kids school, or decided the union wasn’t necessary, don’t think you can get away with it when I am around. I won’t stand for it. And I’ll call you on it. But please be kind enough to finish up the engagement, don’t attack me personally, that’s pretty dirty, don’t you think?
Elaine said
I have proof of his lies. You don’t. You love him; I don’t. What I object to is your “holier than thou” attitude, and then questioning whether I am catholic. Does it matter what religion I practice? What if I am Jewish? Protestant? Am I any less of a person in your eyes? My statements to you were meant to show that your “religious” attitude leaves alot to be desired; esp. when you go on your website cursing and calling people names. Jesus taught that while we may hate the sin, we must love the sinner, as does my Lord. Sorry Traddy, my Bible does not have the book of “Rockin Traddy”. I must have missed that version.
The Rockin' Traddy said
Sigh. More personal attacks and irrelevancies. I’ve lost all interest in this non-debate.
NEPA Catholic said
Traddy’s blog is filthy, and quite frankly, R rated. I would never recommend it to anyone because of the language on there.
Elaine said
NEPA Catholic–While I have found some of Traddy’s articles enlightening, it galls me to no end when he calls people that he doesn’t agree with an “ass”, “scumbag”, etc. But if you call his precious bishop names, he will rip your face off. I, myself, have caught the former bishop in numerous lies. But Traddy will never believe it. To him, martino is God.