Scranton's Bishop Martino Separates the Wheat from the Chaff

AMEN I say to you AMEN! It's about time we began to separate the wheat from the chaff!

Scranton's Bishop Martino, who previously took a stand against pro-abortion politicians in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, made it official with direct orders to all his priests: NO COMMUNION for Public Officials that are materially aiding in intrinsic evil and comitting a grave sin through their public support of abortion. It is fully his responsibility to prevent if possible, and using the full authority of the Church, the grave sins of the faithful and he is doing exactly what he has been called by Christ to do. He doesn't exist to please you, me or others only Christ.

Diocese of Scranton OFFICIAL NOTICE

Catholic World News Story

Some are saying if this becomes more widespread it will cause a schism in the church but I don't think so as it's not up for debate. This has been the church's stance for over 2000 years and so it will remain. We cannot slowly let a little bit of evil in at a time (like the Democratic Party and America has) just because some people think it's more convenient for their lifestyle and/or politics. If a Catholic isn't pro-life they aren't Catholic. Period. Not much of a Christian either, in my opinion. You know, that whole murder of unborn innocent baby thing.

The USCCB is finally taking bold steps to undo the church's failures and weakness of the last 40 years with a fire and a passion that can only be the work of the Holy Spirit. This will certainly and finally cause a "cleansing" or purification of the faithful as those who question the authority will be rooted out and can seek faith elsewhere. Will we lose numbers? Hopefully not and they weill repent and renounce abortion and pro-choice.

This is most certainly nothing new, as some pundits will cry and whine, but even St. Thomas Aquinas noted in Summa Theologica written from 1225-1274:

St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, III:q 80: article 6
"A distinction must be made among sinners: some are secret; others are notorious, either from evidence of the fact, as public usurers, or public robbers or from being denounced as evil men by some ecclesiastical or civil tribunal. Therefore Holy Communion ought not to be given to open sinners when they ask for it."

If they do decide to leave, well they weren't acting as Catholics in the first place. There is only the loss of a number. One might argue that the church will lose a soul but I would submit that the soul was lost a long time ago when the "Catholic In Name Only" decided to be pro-abortion/choice, and in doing so failed to follow the teachings of not only the scripture but of the Magisterium. I say don't let the church door hit ay where the good Lord split ya!

Remember, being Catholic means belief in ALL THREE; Sacred Scripture AND Sacred Tradition AND The Magisterium, not best two out of three or just the parts you like. I believe that 10 true Catholics with a passon for the faith would bring more to the church than 100 paper Catholics with only interests and this will make us stronger as a church.

In this day and age, we need all the spiritual support against evil we can and anything that strengthens the church for the coming times is good.

Please let the bishop know you support his decision by contacting him at:

Diocese of Scranton
300 Wyoming Ave
Scranton, PA 18503
Main Chancery: 570-207-2238
Fax: 570-207-2236

I hope that pro-abortion and pro-choice Catholics will repent and come back to the church. They will be welcomed with open arms. But if they don't, they weren't really Catholics in the first place.

May God Bless Bishop Martino!
Bob Cavalcante