Update Martino Says He Submitted Resignation in June, by Mark Guydish, Times-Leader, August 31, 2009

Update: Martino Says He Submitted Resignation in June

By Mark Guydish
Times-Leader
August 31, 2009

http://www.timesleader.com/news/Martino_officially_announces_resignation_along_with_Dougherty.html

[with video]

[Bishop Martino's remarks]

After officially announcing his resignation this morning, Diocese of Scranton Bishop Joseph Martino said he had formally submitted the resignation to the pope in June and it had been accepted around the end of July. Martino also said he had first raised the possibility of resigning with Cardinal Justin Rigali a year ago.

Rigali, head of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia joined Martino and Auxiliary Bishop John Dougherty in a studio on the third floor of the Guild building in Scranton to announce the resignation of Martino and Dougherty.

Martino said stress of the job had caused insomnia and severe bouts of fatigue that, in turn, left his immune system weak. "I had three bouts of flu this last semester, and that has never happened," he said.

Getting the news out in public after keeping it secret for three months was a great relief, Martino said. "I'm feeling very free and much lighter." He said he expects to stay in the Diocese of Scranton for the foreseeable future but has "cleared the calendar" for the next several months, though he expects to be available to help as needed after that.

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." After the press conference Bambera took few questions, expressing surprise and humility.

Bishop Joseph F. Martino answers questions during Monday's press conference.
Photo by Clark Van Orden

Noting he is pastor of the Church near Archibald where a ceiling collapsed, he said he got a call from Rigali 24 hours after that collapse telling him of the looming appointment. "So things continue to fall on me," he said with a laugh. Bambera also noted he prefers to be a pastor priest and will continue to minister at St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Mary Churches, though an assistant will be appointed. He said he hopes that, after a new bishop is installed, he can return to that full-time.

"I will be back nailing up the ceiling, somehow."

Asked if he would take any steps regarding the closing of numerous churches ordered by Martino, Bambera noted that he is Rigali's delegate and will be reporting to him, and that the Cardinal will make any such decisions. But he added that the process is complete and the decisions have been made. "Life goes on."

The press conference began with a brief introduction by Scranton Diocese Spokesman Bill Genello, followed by prepared remarks by Martino, who started, as always, with a religious reference, "May Jesus Christ be praised."

Martino noted that shortly after taking office he realized "something had to be done to halt the rapid financial deterioration of our diocese," citing costs of having too many schools and parishes, and poor distribution of resources in the 11-county diocese. He admitted his decisions in reshaping the diocese had not been universally welcome.

"For some time now, there has not been a clear consensus among the clergy and people of the Diocese of Scranton regarding my pastoral initiatives or my way of governance," he said, "This development has caused me great sorrow, resulting in bouts of insomnia and at times a crippling physical fatigue."

Cardinal Justin F. Rigali talks with the media during a Monday morning press conference in Scranton. At far left is Auxiliary Bishop John M. Dougherty, and at right is Bishop Joseph F. Martino.
Photo by Clark Van Orde

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

He went on to thank those who had worked with min and said "I seek forgiveness from anyone whom I may not have served adequately as bishop, due to my human limitations." Martino then went off the written remarks,noting the new bishop will face great challenges, and asking "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. Rigali named Monsignor Joseph Bambera, Pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Archibald, as his official representative in the Diocese, giving him the title "vicar general.' Rigali made a string of other appointments, and urged people to work together in the diocese.

He made other appointments: 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; Father Richard Loch as episcopal Vicar of priests pro tem, Father Philip Altavilla as Episcopal Vicar for the northern region, Father Mark Balczeniuk as episcopal vicar for the eastern region, Father 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 Father Anthony Generose as vicar for consecrated life.

Martino said he believes he leaves the diocese in slightly better financial shape then when he arrived, but that the progress "is glacial." Asked if he had any regrets, he said the only one was that he lacked the energy to travel around the diocese more, particularly to visit the sick.

Otherwise, "I did what my mother told me to do," Martino said, "She told me 'you do the right thing,' and my conscience is clear."