Florida bishop counsels Biden to examine conscience before Communion

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Bishop John Richard / Vice president-elect Joe Biden

Tallahassee, Fla., Nov 8, 2008 / 09:18 am (CNA).- Bishop John Ricard of the Diocese of Tallahassee-Pensacola has written to vice-President-elect Sen. Joseph Biden regarding his recent attendance at a Sunday Mass in the diocese. Commenting on his support for laws that do not protect the unborn, Bishop Ricard reminded Biden about the need to examine one’s conscience about his fidelity to Church teaching in his personal and public life.

The bishop’s November 4 letter began by thanking Biden for his collaboration with the bishops in legislation beneficial to the poor and the destitute.

“It is as a collaborator for the common good, and as pastor of the Church in Pensacola-Tallahassee that I write to you with similar urgency,” he wrote.

Noting that Sunday Mass provides Catholics with the “nourishment to live in the image of Jesus Christ,” the bishop described Christ’s mission as one “directed to the orphan and the widow, to the poor and the vulnerable.”

“The common good is served only when the least of our brethren are accorded full rights corresponding to their inviolable dignity. Thus, human life is to be respected from the moment of conception until natural death. The Church has taught this from the beginning, and civilized societies live by this principle,” he continued.

Noting that the worship of God culminates in the reception of Holy Communion during Mass, Bishop Ricard added that at that moment the Holy Spirit nourishes us and strengthens us and grants us the “gift of courage to stand up in fortitude to protect the weakest among us.”

“While grateful for the effective collaboration you and your office have offered on so many worthy projects and concerns, I also observe, by your support for laws that fail to protect the unborn, a profound disconnection from your human and personal obligation to protect the weakest and most innocent among us: the child in the womb,” the bishop wrote.

Quoting the words of St. Paul about the worthy reception of Holy Communion, Bishop Ricard noted the necessity of examining one’s conscience.

The bishop concluded with a prayer, saying:

“I pray that the Catholic faith you have been raised in, the faith by which you pray, and the life of virtue which flows from both may strengthen you so that you may have the strength needed to witness Jesus, even as the martyrs did, and live by the virtue of fortitude as you proclaim your support to the Person of Christ in the most vulnerable of his members: the pre-born child.

“You are, Senator, always welcome to nourish such a faith within the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.”

Comments: 9

Subscriber comments:

Published by: H.J. D"cruz
Karachi Pakistan 11/11/2008 01:26 AM EST

Somtimes these types of politicians defy the laws of God and nature.They thnk that they are very wise and benefical to the nation and public.Instead they are corrupting society.

Published by: jaime ochoa
atwater/ca/usa 11/09/2008 10:09 AM EST

Most of the bishops are trying.

Published by: Steven Barrett
Hadley, MA USA 11/09/2008 04:22 AM EST

One of Senator Biden's favorite means of setting up his opponents is to say, "Ya gotta love the guy, but ...."

Bishop John Richard gave Joe Biden a good taste of the Senator' own medicine back to him to swallow.

I'm hoping to see if Biden will swallow his pride enough to accept a blessing instead of expecting to receive the Sacrament.

Senator, you DO recall what the Church teaches about the mortal sin of Pride; or have you forgotten already?

Published by: Michael
Florida 11/09/2008 04:15 AM EST

That's Bishop Ricard.

One of my favorite people.
Michael

Published by: M.Kathleen Clancy
white Lake, MI USA 11/08/2008 07:42 PM EST

I agree with the Bishop.
Senator Biden knows full well that he is at odds with his Catholic faith. He should not receive Holy communion until he expresses regret and changes his stance.

Published by: Gianna
Columbus, Ohio 11/08/2008 04:48 PM EST

Thank you, Your Excellency for speaking the truth to Senator Biden on the issue of the Unborn as being the most vulnerable in our society. That idea has been the campaign issue all during the campaign. How sad that many Catholic Senators are disconnected from protecting the weak and vulnerable among us. It was refreshing to read the Church's teaching on life: conception to natural death. As Catholics we MUST do all we can to protect them.

Published by: Francis Mossholder
Michigan 11/08/2008 10:25 AM EST

Humm... I wonder how many bishops invloved in the abuse scandal examined thier consciences before receiving communion?

Published by: Brian
Indianapolis, IN, USA 11/08/2008 10:17 AM EST

I appreciate the bishop's words.

Published by: Jack
NY 11/08/2008 10:11 AM EST

These politicians, most of them, do what they want to in order to get votes. They go as far as not portecting the unborn. They smile with their big white teeth and try to put on a nice and warm appearance, when they are anything but that.

The worst was destruction legalizing abortion. It gives women the right to kill their babies. Firstly, it's murder. Secondly, it causes all sorts of problems in society.

Politicians are hungry for power. Most of them want to do away with God from all things. They are faciliting the coming of the Antichrist, that most abominable man of sin who will seduce the whole world and commit the worst evils ever, which will usher in the parousia of Christ.

Anyone who supports abortion, is an accomplice to murder in spirit and therefore, just as guilty. It's disgusting.

A perosn like Joe Biden makes up his own beliefs. More than that, he defies the God on a continual basis. Obama, is just the same.

These two men need prayers. They must change their stance on abortion and make it illegal.

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