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	Bishop Joseph Martino Resigns WNEP August 31, 2009 http://www.wnep.com/wnep-scr-bishop-martino-resigns,0,2266333.story [with video] Bishop Joseph Martino made it official Monday when he announced he has resigned his position at the helm of the Diocese of Scranton. Bishop Martino, 63, was installed as the ninth bishop of the Scranton Diocese just about six years ago. He admits his tenure at the helm of the diocese has not always been smooth. "So, after a while, as the song goes, you have to know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em and I think it's time for me to move on," Bishop Martino said Monday. He spent much of the news conference reflecting on his nearly six years as bishop of Scranton. He said when he was installed as the leader of the Diocese of Scranton he was filled with gratitude but he soon realized some hard changes needed to be made. "It became clear to me that, at the very least, something had to be done to halt the rapid financial deterioration of our diocese," Martino said. With that, the bishop began the process of closing schools and consolidating parishes, institutions, he said, that were competing with one another and draining the financial resources of the diocese. His decisions, Martino admitted, were not always popular but were made with the long-term well being of the diocese in mind. "I think with some institutional changes in the diocese, our schools, our parishes, I think we will be a little leaner, a little more able, as ll people are when they're leaner, to have greater energy and do the work of God," the bishop said. He added those difficult decisions came with a great deal of stress for him and that led to some failings with his health, prompting his decision to step aside. "Resulting in bouts of insomnia and at times a crippling physical fatigue," the bishop explained. On hand was Cardinal Justin Rigali from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. With Bishop Martino's resignation, Rigali will be in charge of the Diocese of Scranton until a new bishop is named by the Vatican. "I have been appointed, as you heard, by Pope Benedict XVI as Apostolic Administrator of the diocese and that appointment is, by its nature, temporary," said Cardinal Justin Rigali. "It is ah honor for me to serve during this time of transition as we await the appointment of a new bishop." He appointed Monsignor Joseph Bambera as his delegate to the local diocese. Bamberra is pastor at two parishes in Lackawanna County. Bishop Martino said he will be happy to help the men in charge and eventually, the new bishop in any way he can. "While I have no immediate plans, I hope to be helpful. I will be residing, for the most part, in the Diocese of Scranton," said Bishop Martino. There is no timetable from the Vatican on naming a new bishop here in Scranton.
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