Pope accepts resignations of both bishops from Diocese of Scranton

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Comments: 11

Bishop John M. Dougherty / Bishop Joseph F. Martino

Scranton, Pa., Aug 31, 2009 / 10:32 am (CNA).- At a press conference in Scranton this morning, Bishop Joseph Martino announced that he and auxiliary bishop John Dougherty are stepping down from their posts. Bishop Martino explained that he is resigning because of "crippling physical fatigue," while Bishop Dougherty is retiring upon having reached the age limit.

Last week, CNA reported that Bishop Martino, 63, would be resigning from his post in Scranton. The Vatican announced today that Pope Benedict has accepted the resignation of Martino in accordance with canon 401 § 2 of the Code of Canon Law which says: a diocesan Bishop who, because of illness or some other grave reason, has become unsuited for the fulfillment of his office, is earnestly requested to offer his resignation from office.”

Speaking at a press conference in downtown Scranton on Monday morning, Bishop Martino announced that for some time, “there has not been a clear consensus among the clergy and people of the Diocese of Scranton regarding my pastoral initiatives or my way of governance. This development, he continued, “has caused him great sorrow, resulting in bouts of insomnia and at times a crippling physical fatigue.”

“The Diocese of Scranton needs to continue to respond to the call of our late Holy Father Pope John Paul II, and of his successor Pope Benedict XVI, to engage in the New Evangelization,” he said. “To do so however, the Diocese of Scranton requires a bishop who is at least physically vigorous. I am not that bishop.”

He went on, “therefore, I have asked our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, to accept my resignation as Bishop of Scranton.”

He noted that though he has no immediate plans, he plans to remain in Scranton.

Born in Philadelphia in 1946, Martino was ordained a priest in 1970 and was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia in 1996 before becoming Bishop of Scranton in 2003.

The Diocese of Scranton will not only lose Martino, but also one of its auxiliary bishops, Most Rev. John M. Dougherty, whose resignation was also accepted by the Vatican today. Dougherty, 77, submitted his resignation when he reached the age of 75.

Dougherty was born in Scranton in 1932. The Scranton auxiliary studied at the University of Notre Dame and was ordained a priest in 1957. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton in 1995.

Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia will oversee the Diocese of Scranton as its apostolic administrator until a replacement is named by the Holy Father.

When he was asked how quickly he would like to see the Pope name a replacement, Cardinal Rigali said he hoped it would be within six months, stressing that this was his hope, not an expectation.

Comments: 11

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Br. Jakob
Providence 09/03/2009 07:26 AM EST

This man was a horrible leader. He disrespected the clergy, religious, USCCB, and laity. He was not a shepherd, he was a right wing puppet who has no clue on how to have healthy relationships. Good riddens

Published by: Mary Ann
Williamsburg,Va 09/02/2009 01:39 PM EST

Dear Bishop Martino I pray the Lord Bless and Keep you .May he reward you for your courageous voice in defending pro life issues. You have been a much needed example to the many of us struggling to live our Catholic faith in a secular world. You have stood (valiantly I might add)for the true teachings of the Catholic Church. I admire and respect your and truly mourn your departure. YOU ARE a TRUE teacher and Sheppard of the church. May our Lady be your refuge. May you find comfort in knowing you have affected so many of the faithful by your example,teaching us how to live like true sons and daughters of Jesus Christ!

Published by: Tomasz
Clinton, Massachusetts 09/01/2009 02:05 PM EST

All the comments here suggest that Bp. Marino is stepping down because of some conservative vice versa liberal fight. I read it quite differently. He is not stepping down because of his stand on abortion. Bishops do not step down for that reason. He is stepping down because he realized that he has failed as a Bishop in his pastoral work and it is not working out at all. That has given him a headache and he decided to quit. Some bishops are simply not fit for the job. It can happen in buisness and it can happen in the church. This is what it says when he explains quote: "“there has not been a clear consensus among the clergy and people of the Diocese of Scranton regarding my pastoral initiatives or my way of governance." The bishop simply clashed with his priest and his people, and it was not on the issure of abortion but issues of pastora planning and the way he govern. It would be a good time for bishops to start listening more to their priests and bishops. I wish him all the best, and it really took guts to say, "I am not the right person for this diocese."

Published by: Wesley
Greeneville, TN 09/01/2009 12:19 PM EST

Your Excellency,

Your voice was and is a beacon of light to all of us! Take this time to rest and gather your strength for the remainder of our battle. We battle not with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers in the heavenly places. Our Lady Help of Christians, pray for this dear Apostle of your Sons Church! We love you, your Excellency!

Published by: Jim
Flourtown, PA 09/01/2009 11:22 AM EST

It saddens me to see us lose Bishop Martino. A strong voice for what is right will always be attacked by the evil forces. It looks like the evil one won this round. Hopefully, Bishop Martino will bounce back with a new assignment, or get on TV, or write a best seller and will win the final round.

Published by: john
phila pa 09/01/2009 09:36 AM EST

A sad day for the Catholic Church. Bishop Martino was the only bishop or cardinal I knew of who actually backed his words with action. He spoke with authority and not duplicity like the rest. I felt he received no support from the USCCB, who really just talk a good game. I pray and is it possible that Bishop Martino could move on to the Society of Saint Pius X.

Published by: maria sawick
philly 08/31/2009 09:39 PM EST

you have been the salt and the light in the coal country--you truly need to rest and recover, peace, MS

Published by: mary jones
toronto 08/31/2009 08:01 PM EST

Your Excellency
I understand you are resigning for reasons of health and extreme fatigue. Reading between the lines of your parishioners I suspect you have given your blood and your health, to defend our Holy Mother Church, I would also suspect that there are many who have worked tirelessly against you.
My comment to fellow Catholics is this one, and I say it with complete charity, but complete honesty.

The Lord is coming back.. but like St.Faustina said, this time He is not coming back as the Salvific Saviour but as the Just Judge.
Jesus indeed will judge us and I believe those who knowingly went against the Church and her good Bishops, (who are in unity with the Pope),
will need to answer for not having defended our Church, our good Bishops and therefore Jesus Himself.

Food for thought..!!!

Published by: kathy
Chicago 08/31/2009 06:17 PM EST

In reading some stories from the mainstream media you would think he has been "silenced" by the Vatican. May he continue to speak the truth in whatever capacity he is preaching in the future.

Published by: Fran
NY USA 08/31/2009 04:13 PM EST

God bless you, Your Excellency, Bishop Martino for your courageous witness in these sad times of rebellion against the teachings of Holy Mother church. Your suffering is saving many souls.

Published by: Anne
NY USA 08/31/2009 02:44 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

From Joe Bidens diocese?

Thanks for your faithful and courageous service to our crucified Lord, your Excellency. Thanks also for helping the Lord shoulder the cross in this age of abortion. You did not compromise with those who promote such an abomination either.
Thank you.

By thy Holy and Immaculate Conception, Oh Mary, deliver us from evil. AMEN.

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