School’s commencement pick of Sen. Casey ‘sad and disappointing,’ Bishop Martino says

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Comments: 23

Sen. Bob Casey Jr. (D-Va.)

Scranton, Pa., May 5, 2009 / 06:27 am (CNA).- Bishop of Scranton Joseph F. Martino has called Sen. Bob Casey, Jr.’s role as commencement speaker at King’s College is “sad and disappointing” because the allegedly pro-life Democrat cannot “muster the courage” to oppose “the pro-abortion agenda” in Washington. King’s College, a Catholic institution in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, said the Senator will receive an honorary doctorate.

President of King’s College Father Thomas O’Hara, C.S.C., commented on the selection of Sen. Casey in a March 31 statement:

“From the time that Senator Casey taught fifth grade in a Philadelphia inner city school after graduating from college, he has been a great advocate of improving the quality of education.

“He is keenly aware of the issues important to the people he represents and provides great support to Northeast Pennsylvania on a federal level akin to state level support that his father obtained. The Caseys are a shining example of a family of faith who have dedicated their lives to public service. Throughout his career, Bob Casey has been guided by the legacy of his father’s principle that ‘all public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor.’”

The Diocese of Scranton commented on Sen. Casey’s appearance in a May 1 statement.

The statement noted Sen. Casey’s vote to confirm Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of Health and Human Services, which it called “an affront to all who value the sanctity of life.” It also described the governor as “a committed advocate of abortion.”

“It is the Bishop’s position that his vote on April 28 demonstrates that Sen. Casey is a reliable vote for President Barack Obama’s aggressive pro-abortion agenda,” the diocesan statement continued.

The statement then quoted Bishop Martino.

“Sen. Casey’s appearance at King’s graduation ceremony is sad and disappointing in view of his recent alignment with anti-life forces in the Senate and the highest offices of our government,” Bishop Martino said. “I do not believe he has the moral stature to stand before the graduates of a Catholic college to address them about their futures and the challenges they will face when on the most important issue of the day—the sanctity of human life—he cannot muster the courage to oppose the pro-abortion agenda which is currently being promoted in Washington.”

The bishop did note that the college’s decision to invite the Senator was made prior to his votes to confirm Gov. Sebelius and to rescind the Mexico City Policy, which allows taxpayer funding for organizations that promote or perform abortions overseas.

Before Senator Casey’s actions, Bishop Martino said, he had no objection to the invitation.

However, he said it is now “truly unfortunate” that the Catholic institution will appear to provide a forum for “a politician who is steadily distancing himself from pro-life principles and, sadly, from his father’s legacy as a statesman who championed the rights of the unborn.”

Sen. Casey’s father Gov. Bob Casey, Sr. was a pro-life Democratic governor of Pennsylvania. He signed several abortion restrictions into law, a move which led to the 1992 Supreme Court decision Planned Parenthood v. Casey. He is believed to have been denied a speaking role at the 1992 Democratic National Convention because of his pro-life views.

Bishop Martino said he will continue to challenge Sen. Casey “whenever he fails to cast a vote or advance a position that will protect the most vulnerable in our society.”

CNA contacted King’s College and was told it had no comment on Bishop Martino’s statement.

Sen. Casey is scheduled to be commencement speaker at King’s College on May 17.

Comments: 23

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Charles
Baltimore, MD 05/22/2009 11:35 PM EST

Here are a few facts;
Fifty percent of U.S. women obtaining abortions are younger than 25: Women aged 20–24 obtain 33% of all abortions, and teenagers obtain 17%.[7]
The abortion rate among women living below the federal poverty level ($9,570 for a single woman with no children) is more than four times that of women above 300% of the poverty level (44 vs. 10 abortions per 1,000 women). This is partly because the rate of unintended pregnancies among poor women (below 100% of poverty) is nearly four times that of women above 200% of poverty* (112 vs. 29 per 1,000 women[3,1]

Those seeking abortion are generally in a culture of ecomomic deprivation that is passed on from one generation to the next. Until we can REBUILD the traditional family in those areas where poverty exists, then it will not matter who gives the commencement speech at King's College, UND or anywhere else.

Published by: HoHokus Jack
HoHoKus, NJ 05/22/2009 07:23 AM EST

I am 64 years old, a graduate of fairfield University. In 1962-66 time fame Jesuits were telling us it is not a mortal sin to miss Mass. There is no reason to be surprised at the condition of our Catholic colleges. This has been under development for a long time. Count the number of parents who are dismayed to find their children's faith damaged or lost after attending catholic colleges. This is a big contributiong factor to why our parishes are shrinking.

We need the New Evangelization o JP II and PBXVI to rebuild the Church.

Published by: Bill
Wilkes-Barre, PA, US 05/07/2009 12:02 AM EST

I am a student at King's so I figured I would leave my opinion here. Bishop Martino is a Catholic hero. I am so thankful someone has the courage to criticize these evils and stand up for the Catholic faith. I hope that his actions spark some kind of movement of the hearts of those liberals who support abortion and gay marriage.

God Bless Bishop Martino. It is because of people like him that I still have hope for this country. Obviously his words have made an impact on some. I feel so refreshed after reading the comments of so many true and loyal Catholics. Please pray for this school, all its students, and all its priests.

Published by: Michigan Mom
USA 05/06/2009 05:04 PM EST

This speaker, must not be allowed to speak at a Catholic College. The Bishop should be INVITED to Speak in Senator Casey's Stead. King's College, call up the Bishop, and Invite him to speak, then call up Senator Casey and DISINVITE him to Speak at your College. This will send a Clear Message to Senator Casey that he is not welcome to lead the Graduates Astray, like a Wolf does.

Published by: Diane Paquette
Brampton ON Canada 05/05/2009 09:48 PM EST

I'm with Scott of South Bend - What is happening to Holy Cross? I was blessed to be taught by Holy Cross Religious before some of the community went off the rails.

Published by: Henry
Sydney 05/05/2009 08:09 PM EST

What's wrong with CSC priests? from NotreDame to King's College!

This is a wake up call for Bishop before ordaining the future CSC priests

Published by: Ted
Oxford NJ 05/05/2009 06:40 PM EST

Sen. Casey's Father is rolling over in his grave - his son - what a disappointment. Too bad the head of the college is disappointing Jesus Christ also - he will have alot to answer for. God help him.

Published by: Cindy
South Waverly, PA, USA 05/05/2009 01:45 PM EST

I am so honored to have Bishop Martino leading our flock. 5 years ago, I was unsure of the direction the Church was going in this diocese. Bishop Martino has proven that he is the right man in the right position. As for King's College--we visited Campus as part of college selection with our son. It wasn't too hard to determine that King's College was not the school for us. We will be visiting DeSales in the near future.....

Published by: JAMES
Havertown, PA USA 05/05/2009 01:28 PM EST

Due Respect to Bishop Martino, does he have authority to cancel B. Casey's apperance at King's College, if not then why not Bishop Martino be a speaker on the same program after Casey's appearance to counter Casey's speach!

Published by: Donald Nelson
Dallas, Texas, USA 05/05/2009 01:19 PM EST

Regret to say that King's College is no more traditional than the most disgraceful
example---NOTRE DAME.
Also I hope you corrected a typo--Virginia is not part of
Pennsylvania--not in
Colonial days or today!
Specter did not appreciate what Santorum tried to do for him to keep him in the Republican party--
yet Santorum is still
superior to Casey.

Published by: geraldine m. boos
branchville,nj,usa 05/05/2009 12:56 PM EST

God bless the strength & courage of Bishop Martino. I am both saddened & shocked by the position of Pres. O'hara in his selection of Sen. Casey to be honored by a Catholic University....There are so many admirable, staunch Catholics who could have been chosen. Pres. O'Hara made his point shamefully, in my opinion.

Published by: Sandra
Scranton PA 05/05/2009 12:53 PM EST

Sen. Casey I am so ashamed of you. I was always so proud of your dad. Proud to be associated with him as a fellow Catholic. I know that if he were here today he would be so ashamed of you for not having the courage to support the life issue. You are wrong. Beleive me when I say, "It is not the "PEOPLE" that you will have to answer to for how you voted in office." God bless you and have mercy on your soul.

Published by: Joan L. Roccasalvo
Bronx 05/05/2009 12:32 PM EST

Several months ago, I read that a Democratic senator who supports pro-life social issues is given a choice by the party: choose between supporting pro-life activities and opposition to same-sex marriage. You may not oppose abortion AND same-sex marriage. Some one should investigate this piece of news. As the only pro-life Democratic, has Mr. Casey been forced to choose between the pro-life and same-sex marriage agendas? This may be the reason for the ambivalance of his stance. What was done to Governor Casey was an unconscionable action by the Democrats. They may have mitigated the punishment for being pro-life by providing a false choice to the son now that the marriage issue looms over the nation.

Published by: Arline Kendrick
Daytona Beach, FL,USA 05/05/2009 12:01 PM EST

This invitaion should be recinded ASAP just as ALL Catholic Universites should do,including Obama's,and all pro-choice people. We Catholics are supposed to stand for LIFE! So how dare these so-called "priests" invite these kinds of speakers, the ones who are against LIFE! I don't understand--the law is the law, and IT IS the LAW of Almighty God! Obey it or suffer the consequences!

Published by: J. C. Tzos
Kingsley, PA USA 05/05/2009 11:57 AM EST

Kings College and Notre Dame are, unfortunately, under the Holy Cross Fathers. This is just another case of CINO, Catholic in Name Only, priests giving another forum to a CINO, pro-abort politician. I trust Father O'Hara is preparing to argue his case before Almighty God at his death. May God have mercy on his soul.

Published by: Phil
TN 05/05/2009 11:52 AM EST

King College is not Catholic. Notre Dame is not Catholic. Boston College is not Catholic. Etc, etc. When institutions, or individuals, directly and deliberately refuse to abide by the teachings of the Church in faith and morals, they are deciding that they are not Catholic. It's that simple, folks. The term, "Dissenting Catholic" is an oxymoron.

Published by: Scott
South Bend 05/05/2009 10:47 AM EST

What's up with these Holy Cross Priests? Even the Jesuits aren't this bad.

Published by: Joseph Aubin
Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901 05/05/2009 09:47 AM EST

I admire and support Bishop Martino's defense of human life.
AQt the same time, Senator Casey is a disgrace to the Catholicchurch

Published by: JULIA B.
Virginia 05/05/2009 09:01 AM EST

They will NEVER get another dime from me!

Published by: marjer
paoli,pa.usa 05/05/2009 08:59 AM EST

What in the name of all that is good and holy is wrong with our so called Catholic colleges today? How can anyone vote for a politician that believes that it is alright to murder babies or invite them to speak at a graduation ceremony? Aren't there any good Catholics out there for these colleges to invite to their schools? St. Michael defend us.

Published by: Maureen
NY, USA 05/05/2009 08:56 AM EST

Can we, as the Church militant, get serious here? Let's cut these colleges loose. They are wolves in sheep's clothing, masquerading as Catholic institutions. It's disgusting.

A recent poll said over 50% of Catholics think abortion and embryo destruction is OK. This too is outrageous. Not a surprise though, since the wolves (pro-abort politicians) are now grazing 'peacefully' with the flock.

WE EITHER GET SERIOUS IN DEALING WITH THIS SCANDALOUS BETRAYAL, OR WE SIMPLY GO THE ROUTE OF OUTRIGHT SCHISM.

Published by: Stella
Austin Tx 05/05/2009 08:56 AM EST

What a sacrilege! And a weak defense against the sanctity of life. I just don't understand how officials of any so-called Catholic institution can ignore the primary fact that any so-called Catholic politician who supports culture of death issues offsets that support by other actions against other issues of social justice. Why is it to hard to comprehend that if you don't support life at the beginning any other right is useless?

Published by: John
Chicago, Illinois, United States 05/05/2009 07:51 AM EST

The Catholic Church needs to sever all ties with these psuedo-Catholic institutions, and demand that they cease to use the Catholic name in their description. If they don't follow Catholic moral tenets they have no right to call themselves Catholic.

Catholics should cease all donations to such fraudulent universities as King's College and Notre Dame University. Any Catholics who donate money to such institutions share in the blame for abortion by supporting institutions that honor advocates for abortion. It is evil.

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