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

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Comments: 98

Bishop Joseph Martino blesses the faithful in Scranton

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.”

This scandal would take place “when or if” the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, the Saint Patrick’s Parade Association of Lackawanna County or the Society of Irish Women should honor such officials and the Catholic Church is seen to be involved.

If the prevention of scandal requires it, Bishop Dougherty wrote, Bishop Martino may close St. Peter’s Cathedral or any Catholic church in the diocese for Masses which include the honoring of pro-abortion elected officials.

“It is certainly the Bishop’s hope that judicious choices of elected public officials to be honored by your organization will make unnecessary any such action on his part. He asks, however, that I communicate with you now so as to avoid any surprise should he be required to take action in this most serious matter,” Bishop Dougherty’s letter said before concluding with a blessing.

According to WNEP-TV, parade organizers say they’ve never honored pro-abortion politicians in their parade and don’t plan to start.

"We met as a committee and formulated our opinion that we support the bishop's position. We don't feel it should impact the parade or its Mass," Mike Harrity of the St. Patrick’s Parade association said.

Scranton resident Corey Eagen told WNEP-TV he didn’t think the bishop should break with tradition “just because he’s not happy with the way other people act.”

Robert Malos, another Scranton resident, had kind words for Bishop Martino’s action, saying:

“Maybe some people would say 'extreme' but he's sticking to his guns and in a way, I kind of admire him for that. I like a guy who says something and sticks to it. I have no problem with that at all.”

Comments: 98

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Iryshqueen
Ave Maria, FL 03/18/2009 11:54 PM EST

Thank you for being a good shepherd to your flock who cares for their eternal souls! I pray other Bishops and Priests will follow your lead.

Published by: G.
Scranton, PA 03/18/2009 10:52 PM EST

Please pray for Bishop Martino. He continues to be criticized and vilified by many people of the diocese for taking such a strong stand on the hot button moral issues of our day. I for one am proud to be counted among his flock and pray that he will remain a strong and true shepherd.

~G.

Published by: Pat Morris
San Diego, CA USA 03/18/2009 07:58 PM EST

Thank you, Your Grace. God bless you and would that all your brother Priests would do the same. The faithful are ready to follow but we need the Bishops to lead. There is an abortion clinic in our area and when Bishop Cordeleon comes to pray, there are many people but when he is not there, only a few faithful prayer warriors. God bless you!

Published by: Michele Lennon
Newark 03/18/2009 04:44 PM EST

Praise Jesus for this awesome Bishop...you will be rewarded!!!

Published by: Frances Sullivan
Brooklyn, NY 03/18/2009 12:15 PM EST

Your Excellency,
I commend you for your courageous stand. How many babies would be alive today if all of us took such a stand. May the good God continually bless you.

Published by: Jack
Burnaby Canada 03/18/2009 12:07 PM EST

How is "resident Cory Egan" relevant? Seems like the best the local media could do was get some random guy to disagree so they could have an alternate opinion. Pathetic media again.

Published by: J. C. Tzos
Kingsley, PA 03/18/2009 11:24 AM EST

Barbara Flejter of Greenfield, WI, should get herself a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and read it. The Catholic Church, instituted by Jesus Christ, does not allow abortion in any instance! Neither does the Catholic Church deprive women of their rights. We have God given free will to obey His Commandments or to not obey them. The Seventh Commandment: Thou shalt not kill is what the Church upholds.

Her words: “I’M SO CONFUSED!” speak volumes. She should get herself out of the darkness and into the light. Following the Sixth Commandment: Thou shalt not commit adultery, will lessen the unexpected pregnancies of the unmarried, fornicators and adulterers, and adhering to the bodily rhythms of Natural Family Planning will do the same for the married.

Thank God for the example of what a TRUE SHEPHERD is in the action of Bishop Martino! Please God, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that others will follow his lead.

Published by: m. migneron
canada 03/18/2009 10:29 AM EST

Barbara Flejter needs to get her facts straight. The Catholic church does not allow abortion in cases of rape, incest and the life of the mother. As well the rights of women can never include deliberately killing an innocent, unborn child for any reason.

Published by: Robert harris
South Bend, IN 03/18/2009 08:07 AM EST

This good bishop is following the path of Our Lady of America from Rome City, IN. Purity in our lives is wwhat is called for and it begins with the protection of life from its inception.

Pray for us Oh, Holy Mother of God!

Published by: Tom Lee
phila pa 03/07/2009 01:52 PM EST

I only hope the Bishop reads the overwhelming support he received. Courage of your convictions is the hallmark of heroes and martyrs. The Nancy Pelosi politicos need to examine their consciences, just as we were all taught in grade school. When you give up your beliefs just for the sake of a job makes you unworthy of the position. God bless and stregthen the Bishop !!!

Published by: Connie Beckman
Helena MT 59601 02/26/2009 04:09 PM EST

Thank you Bishop Martino for taking a stand and speaking out for Life. We need many more Bishops to do the same, to encourage the Lay people who are standing in up for life

Published by: Connie Beckman
Helena MT USA 02/26/2009 04:06 PM EST

Praise God for taking a stand and speaking out for Life, Bishop. We need many more Bishops to stand up and speak up for Life. It is only when the Bishops speak up that the Priests and Lay people will be encouraged and speak up and change the culture of death to a culture of life

Published by: Rory Flick
California, USA 02/26/2009 02:52 PM EST

Thank God for TRUE U.S.Catholic Bishop.
This stance needs to be done everywhere and by ALL CATHOLICS.

Published by: D.Patricia Murphy
Toronto, Canada 02/25/2009 05:57 AM EST

Thank God,a true Bishop. We need so many more like you. I will pray for you and thank God for you.

Published by: Fran
Colorado Springs, CO 02/24/2009 06:54 PM EST

What a joy it is to have a bishop use his God-given duty to protect the Church from public scandal. We need more faithful bishops who aren't afraid to use their position for the good of the Church. Thank you, Bishop Martino, and may other bishops follow your example.

Published by: Mary Sisak
New Castle PA 02/23/2009 05:26 PM EST

Scranton is lucky to have such a bishop. Let's hope he will be an inspiration for the rest.

Published by: Bob
Philly, Pa 02/23/2009 04:53 PM EST

He is a Philadelphia priest trained in the way of St John Neumann a true bishop of the day. Of proper mind, body and soul. Don't be foul with the last name he is half Irish and he is a fighter. He is just trying to keep Saint Patrick Day HOLY not a political event or drunk fest the for once a year irish and for the lost catholics. GOOD LUCK and kick butt.

Published by: Paul Cortese
Germantown, MD 02/23/2009 02:03 PM EST

Standing beside you good Bishop. Name the next move!

Published by: Francis Saporito
Cottonwood, Arizona 02/22/2009 10:14 PM EST

Your Excellency Bishopp Martino:

God will profoundly bless you for defending the rights of the unborn babies. You are a good and faithful servant of God. You are a wonderful example for all Catholics to defend their faith and the Church and the Magesterium. God bless you. Respectfully,

Published by: Virginia E Carter
Bainbridge Island Wa 02/22/2009 05:48 PM EST

I am very proud of the Bishop for showing the importance of not letting everything be OK in a celebration of Catholic Saint Patrick

Published by: Sarah
Zimmerman, MN, USA 02/22/2009 05:44 PM EST

God bless him! All our bishops ought to do the same.

Published by: Kerry Daly
Suquamish WA 98392 02/22/2009 04:30 PM EST

Bless you, Archbishop Martino! Would that all your brother bishops would follow suit and stand up so firmly for the unborn.

Published by: ROBERT PURCELL
JACKSON NJ USA 02/22/2009 04:28 PM EST

i WILL HOIST ONE FOR THAT GOOD BISHOP ON ST PATRICKS DAY.
It is about time someone stands up for what they know is right. It is horrible to think that so called Catholic politicians can vot for abortion and then pretend to be good Catholics. Shame on Pelosi, Kennedy, Biden etc.
Bishop - God Bless you

Published by: Frank Henry
Cottonwood, AZ, USA 02/22/2009 03:21 PM EST

Good Show.

Thanks and Good Luck

Frank Henry

Published by: Alice O'Brien Gunther
ny, NY, USA 02/22/2009 03:08 PM EST

As a proud Irish-American and the daughter of a man active all his life in the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, I applaud Bishop Martino (and Mike Harrity for his support of the bishop's position).

May St. Patrick bless the diocese of Scranton and help Catholic politicians understand the need to defend the unborn.

Published by: V. Maruda
Poulsbo, WA, USA 02/22/2009 02:33 PM EST

If any person, be they politician or not, disagrees with Catholic Church teachings, then let them go start their own church! It's still a free country and 100's of 1000's have done just that over the past 600 years since the 'reformation'. But DON'T try to 're-make' the Catholic Church. There's the door...you'll be back when you want The Real Truth of Jesus. Right on Bishop Martino (and all others like him)! It's about time and way past over-due!

Published by: Christina Sims
Thomaston, Ct. USA 02/22/2009 12:07 PM EST

I agree with the Bishop
of Scranton, Pa.
May God bless him always for honoring the
sanctity of life. Life of the unborn is a gift from God.
May God touch the hearts of the pro choice believers, so they will become pro life believers..
Thanks be to God, forever.

Published by: Albert
Canada 02/22/2009 06:31 AM EST

It's time that Catholic bishops make it clear to public officials they cannot straddle the fence and expect Catholics to honor them.

Published by: john
ann arbor mi usa 02/22/2009 04:34 AM EST

In this case the Bishop is right on target. He is sricking to His gun and I agree 100% with Him.

Published by: kelly
united states 02/22/2009 02:44 AM EST

Way to go!

Published by: Jane Boccuzzi
Peoria Il. 02/21/2009 10:47 PM EST

Thank You Bishop Dougherty, it is about time, All our Bishop need to hold our Catholic senator and congress person feet to the fire. One can not be Catholic and promote abortions. Neither they believe in what the Catholic Church teaches or they do not. and if they do not want to pratice what the Catholic Church teaches, Then must leave, because there present is a scandal.

Published by: John
Baton Rouge, LA, USA 02/21/2009 10:35 PM EST

Stick to your guns good Bishop. Run ALL the spineless pro-aborts out of town, dragging them through some thistles if the opportunity arrises.

Published by: Peg Young, SFO
Sheffield Lake OHIO USA 02/21/2009 09:49 PM EST

Bishop Martino:
GOD BLESS YOU for being a faithful Shepherd to your flock. Thank you for doing what all priests and bishops of the Church should be doing...GOD is smiling down on you!

Published by: Maryanne Linkes
Pittsburgh, PA 02/21/2009 07:44 PM EST

Thank God for Bishop Martino. He is a true Shepherd after the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is preaching the Truth of Jesus and trying to make sure the laity are not misled by these politicians. They say they are Catholic but then they disregard the teachings of Jesus and they do it so blantantly. It is as if they think they are god. There is only one God. Bishop Martino is trying to save their eternal lives. You cannot be a faithful Catholic and promote abortion or support abortion laws. Bishop Martino did not make this rule up, it is the law of God. God formed these babies in His image and likeness. No one has the right to murder them. Jesus tells us to have eternal life we must abide in Him by following His commands. These politicians should be thanking Bishop Martino because he loves them enough to try and stop them from losing their eternal life.

Published by: Barbara Flejter
Greenfield, WI 02/21/2009 07:24 PM EST

Rate: Regular

I'M SO CONFUSED! The Catholic Church allows abortion in cases of rape, incest and the life of the mother. If abortion is not legal where does someone who has been subjected to the afore mentioned conditions get an abortion? In some back alley kitchen? Or travels to another country where abortion is legal?

If the Church spent more time seeing that pedophile priest were jailed and less time on trying to deprive women of rights which the Church states are theirs it would be in much better condition.

Published by: Angelo Musone
Lady Lake, FL USA 02/21/2009 06:44 PM EST

Bishop Martino is right on. We hope all Catholic Bishops will follow his lead.

Published by: edward kochik
seffner, fl, usa 02/21/2009 06:30 PM EST

May God bless Bishop Joseph Martino.

Published by: QuoVadis
Houston, TX 02/21/2009 05:12 PM EST

I am always amazed at the audacity of people - inside or outside the Church - who find fault with the bishops of the Catholic Church whose role is to guide & instruct the faithful for ACTUALLY DOING THEIR JOBS.

This isn't about manipulating politics. This is about peole living what they really profess to believe - not living a lie (esp. just so you can manipulate a voting block).

You can't support abortion - whether it's your choice to kill the baby or someone else's - and call yourself Catholic. It's even more incompatible than a person calling themselves Amish and owning electronic devices...

Published by: Misty Blanton
Coupeville, WA USA 02/21/2009 04:49 PM EST

'Scranton resident Corey Eagen told WNEP-TV he didn’t think the bishop should break with tradition “just because he’s not happy with the way other people act.”'

Don't you understand? It's not because the BISHOP isn't happy with the way other people act...it's GOD's natural rule of law that people are breaking and 'HE' is unhappy. We should worry about making God happy, not man. Hurray for the Bishop! Stand firm!

Published by: marjer
paoli,pa. usa 02/21/2009 04:41 PM EST

God Bless Bishop Martino. Wish all the Bishops in the country were like him. People of Scranton be very proud of your Bishop.

Published by: Mary
Chantilly, VA 02/21/2009 04:22 PM EST

Perhaps this announcement is an "ounce of prevention" and surely worth a pound of cure, but it is strange that such an announcement is made when the Irish American groups involved say they have not honored any pro-abortion politicians in the past, and have no intentions whatsoever of doing so now. I would certainly hope the good bishop makes a similar pronouncement come Columbus Day, and also for any Catholic colleges or other institutions in his diocese.

Published by: Frances
hudson/fl/usa 02/21/2009 04:21 PM EST

Well Praise Be Jesus !!
Thank You !

No one that believes in killing the unborn should receive Our Lord Jesus Christ !

God Bless you !

Published by: Jane Brennan
Centennial, CO USA 02/21/2009 04:02 PM EST

Finally! A Couragous Bishop.

Published by: Justine Nunan
San Bruno, CA 02/21/2009 04:01 PM EST

Would that all US Bishops be as brave and concerned about the spirituality and salvation of their flocks.

Published by: David Ciembronowicz
Lake Zurich, IL, USA 02/21/2009 03:56 PM EST

Bravo and God Speed to Bishop Martino, this is absolutely the right and truthful answer to so-called Catholic politicians who believe they are above their faith. May God strengthen all our Catholic clerics and lay people to support what is right by saying what should be said publicly and acting accordingly through their open support of Pro-Life positions. May God strengthen all those who fight this battle and turn all those who fail to see that Life is to be protected in all aspects.

Published by: Helen
East Stroudsburg, PA/USA 02/21/2009 03:47 PM EST

May God continue to bless our Bishop, and he seeks to lead by a wonderful example!

Published by: Chris
USA 02/21/2009 03:44 PM EST

All the Bishops should band public recognition and honor to any 'Catholic' public figure who supports the killing of the innocent unborn child. More important in the prevention of scandal is the denial of Holy Communion to those 'Catholic' public figures who openly support abortion with their votes and actions. Our Holy Father is very clear about Canon Law being followed by the Bishops but most Bishops refuse to follow the Pope's strong words concerning the issue.
Canon Law 915 states that "Those upon whom the penalty of excommunication or interdict has been imposed or declared, and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin, are not to be admitted to Holy Communion." Hello, USCCB, can you just follow Pope Benedict instead of making up your own rules?

Published by: ken wiesman
woodlands, tx, usa 02/21/2009 03:19 PM EST

At last, a man with a backbone and not afraid to speak out.

Published by: Kathleen Wimmer
Belleville, IL 02/21/2009 03:16 PM EST

Thank God for this principled man. He is taking a stand against those who support abortion. This news comes at a time for me when I question the Catholic leadership's ability to meet this battle headon.

Published by: Tom F.
Vero Beach, FL 02/21/2009 03:14 PM EST

Once again, a courageous Catholic Bishop taking action apart from the many liberal idealogical USCCB bishops. Vatican Rpresentative to the U.S. - take note.

Published by: Katti
Sun City West AZ 02/21/2009 03:09 PM EST

Go Bishop..it is about time the sanctity of life and the Catholic positions on life and its sanctity are upheld. I was shocked by Bob Casey's positions having supported his father throughout his political career. It is long overdue for catholics to uphold "life"...

Published by: Kathy Reilly
Greenville SC 29605 02/21/2009 03:02 PM EST

God Bless the Catholic Leadership, Bishop Martino and Dougherty. We need to have more Bishops like them. They really represent the "Light of Christ" in these dark trying days.

In Christ,

Kathy Reilly

Published by: Mary Ann Strunc
Richmond, Ky. 02/21/2009 02:51 PM EST

It is about time that the church stop the scandalous decisions we have seen in the past. I cannot say enough for standing firm on what really matters. You either stand for something or you stand for nothing.We have waited too long for this.

Published by: Thomas F. Portelli
Wayne, N.J. 02/21/2009 02:41 PM EST

Bishop Martino is not "extreme". He is Catholic.

Published by: Bev Jaeger
Brownsburg 02/21/2009 02:14 PM EST

Thank You!!

It is good bishops like you who give much hopefulness to prolife Catholics like myself.

I know what we do is not in vain.I need to stop feeling down and out about this controversy! Satan uses discouragement on my efforts and I am not going to fall for it.

Thanks so much!

Bev Jaeger
Indianapolis

Published by: Phyllis K Fenton
Utica, N Y, USA 02/21/2009 02:10 PM EST

God bless Bishop Martino. I have long believed that the Bishops should take a strong position against pro-abortion Catholic politicians. I pray that other bishops follow his brave example. We need our leaders to speak out. The laity needs to hear this--especially those who are not convinced that abortion is wrong.

Published by: Elizabeth
Vassalboro, Me. 02/21/2009 01:53 PM EST

It's about time the pro-abortion people are made to really look at themselves. The faith stands for pro-life not pro-choice no matter what.
Defend the unborn.

Published by: Jim Vondras
Florissant,MO USA 02/21/2009 01:53 PM EST

Bless Bishop Martino. His actions inspires us deeper to continue our battle to save the lives of millions of God's children from the slaughter of the party of death.

Published by: John Tempka
Glenview,Il 02/21/2009 01:53 PM EST

Bravo

Published by: Dan Buckley
Brooklyn, NY 02/21/2009 01:41 PM EST

I wonder would Mr. Eagan have the same attitude if the issue were slavery.

Published by: Laura Hauss
Dover, DE 02/21/2009 01:20 PM EST

Good plan. I would support any bishop courageaous enough to take such a stand.

Published by: Domingo
TX 02/21/2009 01:01 PM EST

We praise and thank the LORD each time we see a bishop remaining faithful to Christ. It is a manifestation of God's abounding grace, His declaration of love to all His people.

Published by: maryaobrien
Indianapolis 02/21/2009 12:20 PM EST

Thank God for strong leaders such as Bishop Martino.

Published by: R
Wasilla, Alaska, USA 02/21/2009 12:12 PM EST

Thank you, Bishop Martino for laying down expectations in advance. Your leadership and transparency is admirable. Please continue to let your light shine; that they may see the good that you do and give glory to God. That in all things God may be glorified. Amen.

Published by: maria
Broomfield, CO 02/21/2009 12:10 PM EST

Good for him!
If the Church does not stand up for life who will?!

Published by: Viola Aldridge
Albuquerque, New Mexico USA 02/21/2009 12:10 PM EST

I don't understand how a catholic politician can be pro abortion if he believes in God's ten commandments . God said " thou shall not kill" and abortion breaks that commandment.

Published by: Marianne Keating
North Andover, MA USA 02/21/2009 11:41 AM EST

God bless you Bishop Martino and Auxiliary Bishop Dougherty for your stand in this matter. Some day when you stand before God alone, the voices of the unborn will sing your praises for speaking up for them that had no voices!!!
Keep up the great work you do for our loving God!!!

Published by: George Kadlec
Green Valley, AZ 02/21/2009 11:31 AM EST

Congratulations to Bishop Martino - a real man. A few Chesterton quotes are appropriate at this time:

"I believe in getting into hot water; it keeps you clean."

“I want a church that moves the world not one that moves with it”

Published by: gerald wester
mt. prospect, il. 60056 02/21/2009 11:25 AM EST

Thank you Joseph Martino for standing up for the unborn. If only more bishops would follow your example.

Published by: Philip Saenz
Corpus Christi, TX, USA 02/21/2009 11:22 AM EST

I'm glad Bishop Joseph Martino takes Catholicism seriously. We need more authentic Catholis.

Published by: Dorothy Maffei
Bristol, CT,USA 02/21/2009 11:22 AM EST

Finally, a Bishop who is willing to defend life in the womb. God Bless you,Bishop Martino. Now if only your fellow bishops would have your courage, maybe it would make politicians realize that God comes first and not votes.

Published by: leroy westburgh
hawley pa U.S.ofA 02/21/2009 11:15 AM EST

bishop: it is about time to take a stand congratulation's. with all my heart and prayer's thank you.

Published by: Beverly Hogan
Berlin, Wi. USA 02/21/2009 11:07 AM EST

just because he's not happy with the way other people act????
What a statement- completely disregards PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY- the Bishops Authority- What it means to be Catholic- either YOU ARE [& obey the rules & guidelines] OR YOU AREN't..... HE IS DOING HIS JOB ...would that there be this Committment by all Catholics and their LEADERS!! It is past time the DISRESPECTFUL, UNcommitted, IN NAME ONLY CATHOLICS were denounced....Thanks to Bishop Martino.

Published by: Patricia
Danbury, CT USA 02/21/2009 10:49 AM EST

Thanks be to God that a Bishop has FINALLY come out to prevent the scandal of giving Holy Communion to the pro-abortion officials. God Bless him.

Published by: Al
PRINCETON, WI, USA 02/21/2009 10:46 AM EST

At least some of them get it right!!

Published by: Phyllis
Palm Coast, FL USA 02/21/2009 10:35 AM EST

This is good news. It is about time Catholic leaders uphold the values taught by our faith. Someone once said "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything". Thank God for this bishop!

Published by: Anne Flynn
Greenville, SC USA 02/21/2009 10:28 AM EST

May God's blessing be on this courageous Bishop. Our Catholic children have been scandalized enough. Catholics do not and never will, support abortion. Any politician who does support it, is not Catholic or is in grave sin. Praise God that Bishop Martino has the guts to stand up for LIFE.

Published by: Barbara Costello
Brigantine, NJ USA 02/21/2009 10:19 AM EST

I am proud of Bishop Martino and wish we had more Bishops like him. The Bishops who allow pro-abortion politicians to recieve Holy Communion are causing scandal in the Church. The Church is not ambiguous when it comes to abortion. It is clear that it is a mortal sin to support the killing of an unborn life, as well as the taking of any life. To give Communion to politicians who are directly involved in the promotion of such laws which support the killing of unborn children is cowardly at least. Bishops are supposed to lead and speak the truth. To allow these so-called Catholic politicians to recieve Communion and be photographed doing so is a direct slap in the face to the laws of God. God Bless Bishop Martino. I will pray for him and those like him to keep up the good fight as St Paul would do. There are Catholics who want to stay in the Church and do as they please, however, if they want to do as they please they should leave the Church. To say they are Catholic and the Catholic Church allows this is an abomination and the Bishops who allow this are causing great disturbance within the Church as they are not following the Pope and the true Church. They are going their own way, making up their own rules because they are either afraid of losing money in the collection basket or they themselves have gone astray.

Published by: Marge
Omaha, Ne. 02/21/2009 09:55 AM EST

I am proud Bishop Martino is standing up for our Catholic beliefs. I hope more bishops will do the same---we need to get back to the basics before we lose our Souls.

Published by: Tony R
Michigan 02/21/2009 09:40 AM EST

Thank you and God Bless you Bishop for leading the flock by example and love.
Tony

Published by: maria
providence, ri 02/21/2009 09:27 AM EST

So proud our Bishop Scranton! It take courage to stand-up and protect our Church from scandal!

Published by: Frank Gutt
Lexington, MO USA 02/21/2009 09:09 AM EST

As a former parish member of St. Peter's in Scranton, I very proud of Bishop Martino's stand against the pro-aborts. We need more Bishop's like him to stand up for the Catholic Churches teachings.

Published by: JoAnn
Utica NY USA 02/21/2009 08:48 AM EST

May God bless Bishop Martino!!! He's doing the right thing

Published by: Mary Jost
East Rochester, NY USA 02/21/2009 08:44 AM EST

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. Thank you Bishop Martino for doing the right thing & not offending Almighty God but pleasing Him with your bold action. God bless you always. What a great example you are as a Bishop of the Church.

Published by: Judith Homewood
Tucson, AZ 02/21/2009 08:32 AM EST

Bravos to Bishop Martino. I pray that some day our Bishop will take the same stance, teach the Catholic faith and stop worrying about public opinion.

Published by: Judith Kramer
Mobile,AL USA 02/21/2009 08:09 AM EST

God bless you for having the courage to take a stand for what is right.

Published by: Olga Lucia Manrique
Charlottesville/VA/USA 02/21/2009 07:58 AM EST

I wish ALL bishops had the guns Bishop Martino has. May God bless him for his courage in defending the Truth and may these politicians accept God's call to repentance and change their hearts by choosing LIFE!

Published by: Tina Hemond
Chicopee, MA 02/21/2009 07:19 AM EST

It is about time the Church stood up on this issue. A heartfelt thank you to the Bishop of Scranton, and a Hope that Benedicts statement to Ms. Pelosi on the sanctity of life will Change the stance of all US Bishops.

Published by: Harold C. Seger
Littleton, NC, USofA 02/21/2009 12:00 AM EST

Praise be to our Lord and Savior, Jesus. we have real Apostleship in our Bishops.
May or Lady of America bless us. Amen

Published by: M. G. Hysell
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 02/20/2009 11:11 PM EST

Now this is what I call a Bishop!

Published by: kathy
chicago 02/20/2009 10:51 PM EST

God bless him!

Published by: Rose
IL 02/20/2009 10:41 PM EST

Scranton resident Corey Eagen told WNEP-TV he didn’t think the bishop should break with tradition “just because he’s not happy with the way other people act.”***

Is this guy even a Christian?--He does not seem to understand that the Bishop is not voicing his own opinion; but the "voice of the Church." It is a matter of moral & just principle.

To break with tradition, if that particular act offends our Lord; that is THE point. Honors bestowed from Catholic groups don't mix with recipients who are in opposition to the Catholic fundamental stance on human life.

The Bishop has given a warning and next, if warranted, will come the corrective measure. Not unlike a diligent loving human father.

This brings to mind a N.T Gospel verse about nullifying the will of God through choosing humanity's traditions over & above God's ways.

Published by: psalm
Detroit 02/20/2009 10:31 PM EST

This is the leadership we need. Stand up for the truth. No compromise for political correctness or any other form of rationalization.

Thank you Bishop.

Published by: Craig Bozzacco
Gouldsboro, PA, USA 02/20/2009 09:56 PM EST

Bishop Martino should prevent pro-abortion persons from being honored in a Catholic Church. Catholics believe that abortion is the killing of An innocent human life.

Published by: Jerry Mackin
Pittsburgh, PA /USA 02/20/2009 09:48 PM EST

Thank God for faithful men like Bishop Martino. Honoring people who support abortion is something that the Catholic Church cannot support or seen as supporting. Woe to those who call right wrong and wrong right. God bless both the Bishop and Archbishop and the faithful parishoners in Scranton, PA.

Published by: Dan
Santa Fe/NM/US 02/20/2009 08:52 PM EST

I'm of Irish heritage and completely support it---it's about time we stated fighting back and get in their face. Abortion is evil. Those who promote and support it are participating in their own demise. We should pray, but also fight back---the unborn need our help against these monsters.

Published by: Daniel
Luzerne, PA 02/20/2009 08:16 PM EST

I wrote the Bishop a letter earlier this week expressing how I respect him for always "sticking to his guns." This is another prime example! Thank you Bishop Martino.

Published by: Andrew Francis Guidarelli
Richmond, Virginia 02/20/2009 07:01 PM EST

Thank you Bishop Martino for your good and courageous pro life example. You are setting a standard for us all. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. You are fighting a lonely battle. However, your willingness to climb out of the trenches to face enemy fire is an inspiration to all the soldiers who witness your actions and thereby find the strength to follow you.

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