Bishop Martino Resigns

Bishop Joseph Martino
Bishop Joseph Martino (photo: CNS)

Following on the heels of today’s Vatican announcement that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted his resignation as the bishop of Scranton, Pa., Bishop Joseph Martino held a press conference in Scranton to discuss his reasons for leaving.

Go here, to read an account in the Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader about what Bishop Martino said at the press conference. A video of the press conference can also be viewed here.

Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia has been appointed as apostolic administrator of the diocese until the Pope appoints a successor to Bishop Martino. Cardinal Rigali, who was at the press conference, has named Msgr. Joseph Bambera as his vicar general in Scranton.

Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

People Explain ‘Why I Go to Mass’

‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis

Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

People Explain ‘Why I Go to Mass’

‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis