Bambera Statement

No mention of the abuse Rigali did nothing about until after a grand jury investigated those abuse claims, Bishop Bambera? Way to dance around the biggest scandal in the American Church in the 21st Century.

Here's the suspended priests and the years of their ordination. If I had the names of the victims, I would have posted those.

Rev. Philip Barr (1948)
Rev. John Bowe (1973)
Rev. George Cadwallader (1992)
Rev. Paul Castellani (1996)
Rev. Michael Chapman (1982)
Msgr. John Close (1969)
Msgr. Francis Feret (1962)
Rev. Mark Fernandes (2004)
Msgr. Michael Flood (1968)
Rev. Mark Gaspar (1998)
Rev. Joseph Glatts (1966)
Rev. Steven Harris (1980)
Rev. Daniel Hoy (1948)
Msgr. Joseph Logrip (1972)
Rev. Andrew McCormick (1982)
Rev. Zachary Navit (1994)
Rev. Leonard Peterson (1967)
Rev. Robert Povish (1990)
Rev. John Reardon (1973)
Rev. Thomas Rooney (1991)
Rev. Peter Talocci (1986)

Almost forgot, here's Bambera's statement:

"As required by Church Law, Cardinal Rigali submitted his resignation upon his 75th birthday in April 2010. Today's acceptance of the Cardinal's resignation by the Pope affords us the opportunity to reflect on the Cardinal's service to the Diocese of Scranton.

"While the time he spent as our Diocesan Administrator was short, it was significant as the Cardinal served us well during a period of profound transition in our Diocesan history. We are grateful for the Cardinal's leadership and his presence during his 16-plus visits to our region over a nine-month period of time in 2009-2010.

"Cardinal Rigali selflessly shared his gifts and talents with us as our Diocese began to navigate through a rather unique and challenging period of transformation and change.

"On a personal note, I am grateful to Cardinal Rigali for the advice, care and example he has provided to me during the past year and half. I wish him good health and happiness as he opens a new chapter in his life and extend a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the gift of his ministry to the Church and his life of service to His people.

"In recognition of the appointment of Archbishop Charles Chaput, I invite you to join me in offering prayers for the faithful of the Philadelphia Archdiocese and their new shepherd."

Would Bambera still be Bishop if Chaput were named administrator? What do you think?

Who To Replace Rigali?

Despite several fingers and toes being crossed in the Bishop's residence, I can say with some certainty that our Bishop Bambera is not on the short list to replace Cardinal Rigali.

In fact it won't be an Italian.

Sorry, Father Sica. I know how important that is to you and your cronies who fought for Bambera.

The Holy Father, not too happy with the Bishops in this country, has been on a roll replacing scandal ridden or dead wood Bishops with men of virtue and holiness.

Watch tomorrow for His Holiness to name Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput to head the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Scranton lost with the recent feel good appointment of Bambera, but now Philadelphia wins with the appointment of a conservative who publicly defends the faith.

More to come.....

New Pastoral Letter

October 15, 2009

Dear Priests, Deacons, Religious and Faithful People of the Diocese of Scranton,

In the words of Saint Peter the Apostle I greet you: “Peace to all of you who are in Christ” (2 Pt 5:14).

On August 31, I was appointed by our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI to serve as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Scranton. In the six weeks that have passed since the time of that appointment, life has moved on.

Children have returned to the routine of school. Parish activities, which often quiet down during the summer months, now abound. Some parishioners have faced the pain of seeing their parish churches close and the challenge of worshipping in new places with new people. So many individuals and groups still serve the poor during these difficult economic times. The blessings of births and marriages continue to be celebrated. And many of the faithful have had to let go of loved ones in death. As a Diocese, we recently said farewell to a dedicated priest of 53 years: Father Hilary Malinowski.

For me personally, I have been touched by the kindness of the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton. I was most cordially welcomed by many of you at the La Festa Italiana Mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral in early September. A few days later, I was blessed with the opportunity to pray with the priests of the Diocese of Scranton. I look forward to future visits with you in the weeks and months ahead.

Yes, life goes on. But for us as a Church, these days are not routine. During this time of transition as we await the appointment of a new Bishop, we have been given a unique opportunity to come together in prayer as a people of faith. May we use this time of transition well by continuing to work together to fulfill the mission of the Church. May we remember to pray for our beloved Diocese and for the new Bishop who will be chosen to lead the faithful. And may we always look for help to Mary, the Mother of God and our Mother.

In the Church, life always goes on with joyful anticipation of the future because the Risen Christ journeys with us. May you be strengthened by His loving presence and experience His peace.

Sincerely in Christ,

Cardinal Justin Rigali
Apostolic Administrator
Diocese of Scranton

More Changes?

With the naming of Monsignor Joseph Bambera as Delegate to His Eminence, Cardinal Justin Rigali last week, don't be too surprised to see some changes coming down the pike.

And sometime soon, too.

Just a few short weeks ago, priests across the diocese were shuffled around, but now that a new sheriff is in town, so to speak, we can expect more of the same I believe.

Watch closely how this is managed, it will be very telling as to how the diocese will conduct business in the future.

Let us pray it is all done under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to whom we all appeal for renewed faith, strength, and wisdom.

Keep yer eyes peeled, and if you hear anything, lemme know!

La Festa Messa With The Cardinal!

I went to the Mass at the Cathedral yesterday with Cardinal Rigali.

The Mass was Novus Ordo in Italian, which was odd because only a handful of people actually spoke Italian, as was evident by the lackluster responses by the congregation. But the Mass was in the context of "La Festa Italiana", an annual street fair of Italian culture held at Courthouse Square in Scranton.

After Mass, myself and Mrs. Traddy did partake of several delicacies including arancini; a deep fried rice ball stuffed with meat sauce, peas and cheese, an awesome sweet sausage and pepper hoagie, yummy Italian pastries, and iced cappuccino. I'm still bloated this morning! :-)

The Cardinal's sermon had two main themes, unity and sanctity of life. The Cardinal showed by his message that there will be no rupture in the Diocese where the unborn are concerned. Most likely to the dismay of little Bobby Casey who was not present at the Mass.

After the Mass His Eminence indicated that the next Bishop of Scranton must be pastoral. He must be involved in the life of the people of his Diocese. He also rightly declined to hint at a possible replacement.

Time will tell.

La Messa Italiana!

Justin Cardinal Rigali will celebrate his first Mass as Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Scranton this Sunday at Saint Peter's Cathedral at 10am.

The Mass, which will be said in Italian, is part of the annual La Festa Italiana which will be held this weekend at Courthouse Square in Scranton.