Posted: Monday, 31 August 2009 11:23AM
Kiss Me I'm Retired
Steve Corbett Reporting
Monday, August 31, 2009
I’m sitting here listening to WILK News Radio this morning as Joseph Martino takes questions from the press about his resignation.
Lordy, Lordy, the man’s finally holding a press conference.
Every practicing Catholic who belongs to the diocese of Scranton would have felt a whole lot better had Martino fielded questions during the time he became what can arguably be called the most despised bishop in the history of the diocese.
But his going away speech and corporate answers to reporters’ dull questions hold the aloof tone of the same high-strung elitism that got him into trouble in the first place.
Martino says he’s a happy man. He says he’s feeling free and much lighter.
But it is the free spirit of “Catholicism light” that Martino abhorred that created much of the schism between him and his flock. “Catholics for Obama” might have ultimately sent Martino him over the edge.
Still, Martino now says he did the best he could and that he did the right thing. He said he did what his mother told him to do.
“My conscience is clear that I did the right thing,” Martino said.
Sitting here, I’m struck by Martino’s words, more suited to cocktail party banter than a serious resignation approved by the Pope. Martino is a new man. The old Martino holed up in private during the most turbulent times in the diocese. He refused to take calls or do interviews. He was rude, callous and downright cruel as he closed churches and schools. The bishop was not a nice man.
Now he’s giddy. Martino even pointed out that he’s part Irish. Kiss me I’m retired. I’m surprised he didn’t break out in a jig or ask anybody if they could snag him some Notre Dame tickets. After threatening to shut down the Mass at the cathedral before the Paddy’s Day parade, Martino has come full circle. Maybe he’s finally ready to become one of the local lads.
Ah, it’s a great day for the diocese.
Or is it?
Martino’s ready to live on a church-owned estate like a bloated country gentleman. He said he plans to visit friends and family in Philadelphia. Prince Charles has nothing on Martino.
But what about the victims he left in his wake? Their greatest days of old-time religion and Catholic culture might be behind them. Old time coal fields’ Catholics might have nowhere to go but down.
Maybe U.S. Sen. Bob Casey – a super Catholic for Obama - can recommend a replacement for his old nemesis who accused Casey of breaking faith with his church. In the end, Casey seemed to have more power than Martino.
But the day of the cafeteria Catholic is upon us so I caution conservative practicing Catholics who liked Martino as they prepare for another shepherd to come their way. The church will likely send a smiling bingo master to help the healing.
But beware.
The diocesan damage is done and it’s not likely that the new guy will do all that much to undo the mess Martino made of the diocese. Maybe Martino will even pull some of the strings from behind the curtain.
Catholicism is about control.
And under Martino, the diocese lost control.
Although liberal pro-choice Catholics had already taken their place at the communion rail, local church leaders still held control. Nobody wanted to upset their priest let alone the bishop. Still, they practiced birth control with one hand while spinning the Big Six picnic gambling wheel with the other.
The church wants to regain control.
And hardcore among them who carry a grudge might do just that.
Maybe a tougher, albeit more congenial, bishop might show up. Maybe a smiling more diplomatic moral hit man will come to carry out the Pope’s contract. Maybe the faithful will have a tougher time with the new guy than they had with the old guy. Maybe the incense will be even darker and thicker this time around than it was under Martino.
But maybe the church leaders will try a little honey rather than all that sour vinegar that Martino brewed up by the ark full.
Like it or not, Martino got the job done. The schools and churches are closed. He did the job he was sent to do. Now, while parishes blend into one, he’s being rewarded with a nice estate in the country.
Catholicism will survive in Scranton. So will the Notre Dame leprechaun.
Go Irish.
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Corbett
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