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Pocono News Section
Bishop Martino Makes Resignation Official
Bishop Martino Makes Resignation Official - Monday, August 31, 2009 at 6:00PM EST
Reported by: Joe Holden
Monday, Aug 31, 2009 @ 06:00pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- Bishop Joseph Martino, leader of the Diocese of Scranton, has resigned. For the past six years he led more than 300,000 Catholics in 11 counties of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.
Bishop Martino said Monday morning he submitted his resignation in June and learned it had been accepted a month ago. He said after the announcement, he's relieved.
In a 35 minute news conference about Bishop Joseph Martino's resignation, he put it simply, saying, “As the song goes, you have to know when to hold and when to fold them.”
Kenny Rogers quotes and biblical references. Martino, the Bishop of Scranton for six years, said it was clear he had to step aside. “There were times where I thought perhaps the best thing I could do for the diocese would really be to move on,” he said.
Martino's resignation, as well as the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop John Dougherty, were well publicized. Some 72 hours ahead of the announcement, Eyewitness News confirmed Martino would be leaving.
We're told Martino stumbled from the beginning working with his priests. “This development has caused me great sorrow, resulting in insomnia and a crippling physical fatigue,” admitted Martino.
Martino said that ultimately it was his failing health that’s behind his resignation. He said in the news conference, ”Scranton needs a bishop that is physically vigorous and I am no longer that bishop.”
His duties, including a vigorous program to merge and consolidate parishes, now shift to the leader of the Philadelphia Archdiocese. Cardinal Justin Rigali said, “Change and transition are always challenging to embrace, yet we know that life goes on.”
Cardinal Rigali said he expects a permanent bishop will be in named in about six months. Until then, Monsignor Joseph Bambera will oversee daily operations, in addition to being pastor of two Mid-Valley churches. “I'm very honored and privileged and awe-struck by the fact that I'm in this position.” Bambera told Eyewitness News.
Martino will remain a bishop. He'll live at a new residence in Dalton. “I'm not sure what's going to come my way in terms of things to do, but I don't know too many retired bishops who are sitting around, looking out the window,” said Martino. | | |
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