Fatigued Bishop Resigns, by Mark Guydish, Times-Leader, September 1, 2009

Fatigued Bishop Resigns

By Mark Guydish
Times-Leader
September 1, 2009

http://www.timesleader.com/news/Fatigued_bishop_resigns_09-01-2009.html

SCRANTON – Expressing relief at revealing a secret he had held for nearly three months, while acknowledging that progress in his efforts to improve finances has been "glacial," and apologizing to those who did not agree with his actions during his 6-year tenure, Bishop Joseph Martino officially stepped down Monday as head of the Diocese of Scranton.

Reading from a prepared statement, Martino conceded "for some time now there has not been a clear consensus among the clergy and people of the Diocese of Scranton regarding my pastoral initiative or my way of governance. This development has caused me great sorrow, resulting in bouts of insomnia and at times a crippling physical fatigue."

Bishop Joseph F. Martino speaks during a press conference Monday morning in Scranton at which he said a lack of consensus during his six-year tenure, which included the closings of many schools and churches, caused him great sorrow and bouts of insomnia.
Photo by Clark Van Orden

The diocese "requires a bishop who is at least physically vigorous," Martino said, "I am not that bishop."

Martino has overseen what is arguably the most radical restructuring of the diocese in its 141-year history. While most of his predecessors had the luxury of overseeing a growing diocese, he took over at a time when the population was shifting sharply and the number of priests dwindling.

He conducted a diocesewide review of schools that led to numerous closings, which angered many parents, then conducted a similar review of churches that will lead to the closing of about half the buildings in the 11-county diocese.

In both cases, the closings hit hardest at what has long been the heart of the diocese: Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.

On Monday he defended those actions as necessary because of "very high institutional expenses due to an excessive number of schools and parishes competing with one another and diluting diocesan and parish resources." He also said that, while he regrets not having the energy to travel more and visit people, particularly the sick, he leaves "with a clean conscience."

"I know that I did what my mother told me to do," he said, "She said 'Well you do the right thing, you do the right thing,' and my conscience is clear that I did the right thing.

"Blessed Therese of Calcutta said so often we are called to be faithful, not to be successful. And I think by the world standards I have not perhaps been successful here, but I believe in my heart that I have been faithful."

During a question-and-answer session, Martino revealed he had first discussed the possibility of resigning about a year ago with Archdiocese of Philadelphia Cardinal Justin Rigali. He said he submitted his resignation in June and was notified at the end of July that it would be accepted, but he could not publicize the news until Monday. "I'm feeling very free and much lighter."

Bishop Joseph F. Martino talks with the media during a press conference Monday in Scranton. At left is Cardinal Justin F. Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia.
Photo by Clark Van Orden

The first official announcement of his resignation came in the Vatican's "Daily bulletin," early in the morning, which included a terse announcement in Italian that "The Holy Father has accepted the resignation" of Martino. The bulletin also announced that the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop John Dougherty, initially submitted two years ago when he turned 75, has also been accepted.

Rigali joined Martino and Dougherty in a studio on the third floor of the Guild building in Scranton to announce the resignations. Rigali was appointed Apostolic Administrator, but noted he must still run the Philadelphia Archdiocese, so he appointed Monsignor Joseph Bambera as his official delegate in Scranton, giving him the title of "vicar general."

Martino said he plans to "fade" so the faithful can focus on those now in charge, and that he does not expect to do much for the next several months as he resides at the Fatima Center in Dalton, the former St. Pius X Seminary. He said he would be glad to help out in the future and has little doubt he will be called upon to do more work for the church. Retired priests often "look better, but do more work than ever," he said with a laugh.

During his prepared remarks, Martino thanked those who have worked with him and said "I seek forgiveness from anyone whom I may not have served adequately as bishop, due to my human limitations." He then ad-libbed, noting the new bishop will face great challenges, and asked "all in the diocese to rally around him."

Rigali praised Martino, Dougherty and Bishop Emeritus James Timlin, who stood in the back of the room during the press conference. "The diocese of Scranton is richly blessed," he said. "Change and transition are always challenging to embrace, yet we know that life goes on. In the Church, life always goes on with joyful anticipation of the future because the Risen Christ journeys with us.

"May we use this time of transition as a period of prayer and expectation. I invite you to work together in pursuing charity in truth."

Appointments by Cardinal Rigali

For photos, videos and official statements, visit www.timesleader.com.

Monsignor Vincent Grimalia, as full-time director of "Called to Mission and Holiness," the program that included the long process of studying and closing churches; the Rev. Richard Loch, as Episcopal vicar of priests, the Rev. Philip Altavilla as Episcopal vicar for the northern region, the Rev. Mark Balczeniuk as Episcopal vicar for the eastern region, the Rev. John Polenak as Episcopal vicar of the southern region, Monsignor Neil Van Loon as Episcopal vicar for the Western region, Monsignor Joseph Kelly as Episcopal vicar for Hispanic Ministry, and the Rev. Anthony Generose as vicar for consecrated life.