PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Citizens’ Voice
February 26, 2020
By Joseph Kohut
Barred from representing the Diocese of Scranton at public functions, retired Bishop James C. Timlin dressed in his clerical attire and sat among his peers at last week’s installation Mass of Philadelphia’s new archbishop.
Diocese spokesman Eric Deabill confirmed Tuesday that Timlin attended the Feb. 18 installation of Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez but added “he wasn’t representing the diocese in any way.”
Video footage taken at the Mass and posted by CatholicPhilly.com, the archdiocese’s digital news organization, show Timlin entering the church dressed in clerical attire, including his bishop’s mitre.
Reached at Villa St. Joseph in Scranton, Timlin, 92, said he did not violate any restrictions laid down by Scranton Bishop Joseph C. Bambera.
“I am free to live my life,” Timlin said.
He said he does not represent the diocese and does not attend public events within the Diocese of Scranton.
He stressed he is still a bishop, however, and will attend events outside the diocese.
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