Bishop of Scranton bars pro-abortion officials from St. Patrick’s Day Masses

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Scranton, Pa., Feb 20, 2009 / 05:53 pm (CNA).- Explaining that he is determined to “prevent scandal,” Bishop of Scranton Joseph Martino has said that he will cancel Masses for St. Patrick’s Day or for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade if any pro-abortion officials are honored at the holiday events.

The bishop said that scandal could arise if the Catholic Church is seen to be involved in honoring such officials.

John M. Dougherty, the Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton, explained Bishop Martino’s views in a Feb. 6 letter to John Keeler, President of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of Lackawanna County.

Saying that St. Peter’s Cathedral plays “no small role” in the local observance of St. Patrick’s Day, Bishop Dougherty noted that local celebrations often honor elected public officials. This honoring takes place when they are given parade positions or dais opportunities.

“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,” Bishop Dougherty wrote.

Saying Bishop Martino “understands and blesses” the ethnic pride of men and women in the diocese, he is also “determined to prevent scandal.”

Full text:catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=15158
 
Yes, lets pray that more and more begin to follow in his footsteps!!!
 
God Bless the Pope and the courageous Bishops and all of the people that stand up against the American Holocaust; the murder of 50 Million innocent babies!

Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, Ora Pro Nobis Peccatoribus!

Mark
 
God bless this bishop. Lets hope and pray that all bishops of the USCCB will realize that this is the way to go.
 
He’s referring to the ‘extra’ masses that are said specifically for St. Patrick’s Day and not the normal daily masses right? Because if he means ALL masses, I don’t agree that all mass goers be punished because of the decisions of a few. But if he means just the extra masses then I suppose that’s okay.
 
takers said:
He’s referring to the ‘extra’ masses that are said specifically for St. Patrick’s Day and not the normal daily masses right? Because if he means ALL masses, I don’t agree that all mass goers be punished because of the decisions of a few. But if he means just the extra masses then I suppose that’s okay.
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My take is that he is referring to the main mass where all the big wigs etc. attend. Many use these just for appearance sake. I think this is his intent. If anyone knows otherwise, please let us know.
 
Yes, he means the Mass said specifically for the day. There is a bit more to this story than just abortion politicians though. Bishop Martino was also worried that there would be mega-phone wielding union protesters at the Mass and he was concerned about the disrespect that might occur. As of a few days ago, I am pretty sure all possible conflict was dealt with and the Mass will be held.

I think Bishop Martino is a great bishop and very orthodox, it is a shame he is so unpopular among locals. (well, the outspoken locals at least). In the long run, his tenure will do great things for the Church. One criticism is that he is a bit inaccessible and probably not entirely realistic with his expectations of the media.
 
Benedict108 said:
Scranton, Pa., Feb 20, 2009 / 05:53 pm (CNA).- Explaining that he is determined to “prevent scandal,” Bishop of Scranton Joseph Martino has said that he will cancel Masses for St. Patrick’s Day or for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade if any pro-abortion officials are honored at the holiday events.

The bishop said that scandal could arise if the Catholic Church is seen to be involved in honoring such officials.

John M. Dougherty, the Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton, explained Bishop Martino’s views in a Feb. 6 letter to John Keeler, President of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of Lackawanna County.

Saying that St. Peter’s Cathedral plays “no small role” in the local observance of St. Patrick’s Day, Bishop Dougherty noted that local celebrations often honor elected public officials. This honoring takes place when they are given parade positions or dais opportunities.

“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,” Bishop Dougherty wrote.

Saying Bishop Martino “understands and blesses” the ethnic pride of men and women in the diocese, he is also “determined to prevent scandal.”

Full text:catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=15158
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what folly! mass should be held no matter what, regardless. this is not for them this is for St. Patrick; for God. Just keep pro-abortionist from being mintioned…or call for a forgiveness and allow many to understand that regardless of a person’s postition they are still God’s child and we should love them.
 
I pray that the Bishop holds strong to his message and threat concerning the honoring of those abortion supporters at a CATHOLIC holiday celebration.
The parades and such are a big deal to that community. The Church withholding its support will hopefully be a huge deal to same community celebrations.
 
da_nolo said:
what folly! mass should be held no matter what, regardless. this is not for them this is for St. Patrick; for God. Just keep pro-abortionist from being mintioned…or call for a forgiveness and allow many to understand that regardless of a person’s postition they are still God’s child and we should love them.
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What he is saying is that the large celebratory Mass would not be held, because that is the one that the people who are honored would attend. Rather than have yet another photo session of abortion-supporting “Catholics” receiving the Body and Blood of Our Lord, the bishop was planning to cancel the Mass.

And that’s a good thing.
 
St_Francis said:
What he is saying is that the large celebratory Mass would not be held, because that is the one that the people who are honored would attend. Rather than have yet another photo session of abortion-supporting “Catholics” receiving the Body and Blood of Our Lord, the bishop was planning to cancel the Mass.

And that’s a good thing.
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Kudos to the Bishop…not that he needs a word from me. His decision is based on what Christ wants from him. and I just want to say “Thank you” to him for following Christ.
 
Awesome! It’s definitely a good thing that he has barred pro-abortion officials from these Masses. But I am somewhat confused. Are they barred from attending these Masses or are they barred simply from receiving Holy Communion? 🤷:confused:
 
Holly3278 said:
Awesome! It’s definitely a good thing that he has barred pro-abortion officials from these Masses. But I am somewhat confused. Are they barred from attending these Masses or are they barred simply from receiving Holy Communion? 🤷:confused:
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I think he is saying that they aren’t welcome as “honored guests” who usually sit up front and get special recognition at these kind of Masses. Often these are organized by an outside group, not the parish itself, and the Bishop’s warning seemed to be directed at the organizers rather than the officials themselves.
 
I think it’s about time our Bishops spoke up!

I always pray to the Holy Spirit for decisions. Please, everyone join in that the Bishop is guided to do what is right.:signofcross:
 
Anyone know if there were any problems with this, anyone defying the Bishop and that sort of thing?
 
St_Francis said:
What he is saying is that the large celebratory Mass would not be held, because that is the one that the people who are honored would attend. Rather than have yet another photo session of abortion-supporting “Catholics” receiving the Body and Blood of Our Lord, the bishop was planning to cancel the Mass.

And that’s a good thing.
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oh…fuel to the fire type of thing
 
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