Irish group answers Bp. Martino's firm demand to not honor pro-aborts

Irish group answers Bp. Martino's firm demand to not honor pro-aborts

Oh boy, this one is a doozy.

I missed it in the hubbub of last week, but it deserves attention still:

"In a letter to the heads of three local Irish-American organizations, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton has threatened to close St. Peter’s Cathedral during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations if the groups feature elected officials who support abortion rights at their annual events.

The letter, which was signed by Auxiliary Bishop John M. Dougherty, reports that Bishop Joseph F. Martino is “determined to prevent scandal,” which would be caused if the organizations “in any way” should “honor pro-abortion officials” by giving them parade or dais positions or opportunities to speak and “the Catholic Church is seen to be involved in this honoring.”

In direct terms, the letter reiterates the bishop’s publicly stated position that elected officials who vote to support abortion rights will be denied Holy Communion if they attempt to receive the sacrament in the diocese, including at St. Patrick’s Day Masses. The closing of St. Peter’s Cathedral is offered as an additional measure to prevent the honoring of such officials." (Scranton Times-Tribune)

Here is a PDF file of the letter. LifeSiteNews also has coverage, as does CNA.

What brought this about? Deal Hudson explains: "Being Irish has for far too long been the trump card played on St. Patrick's Day to honor the worst Catholic politicians in the business. Let's hope Bishop Martino's example is followed nationwide and groups like the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick will take notice. "

Ironic, considering how uncompromising St. Patrick was in our accounts of his ministry in Ireland.

The St. Patrick's Parade Association appears eager to play ball with Bishop Martino:

"We are fully supporting the bishop’s position,” Harrity said.

Harrity said he could not recall the association ever giving an honorary parade position to a politician who supported abortion rights.

“We support the bishop,” Harrity said. “We feel there would be no problem. Given our past history, that (choosing a pro-choice politician) is not going to come to fruition.” (Citizen's Voice)

I'm happy this didn't blow up into the huge to-do it could have easily become.

What a gutsy move from Bishop Martino.