Morlino's possible response appears to include the possibility of offenders being prohibited from taking part in sacraments such as communion, confession and burial.
The warning came in a five-page letter Wednesday from Morlino to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Platteville. The congregation has been roiled by opposition to the traditionalist priests, who arrived in 2010. Donations are down by more than half, and about 40 percent of the 1,200 members have signed a petition seeking the priests' ouster.
The priests are from the Society of Jesus Christ the Priest, a group known for traditionalist liturgy and devotion to strict Catholic teaching.
Last week, Morlino agreed to allow St. Mary's elementary school to close amid reports the parish had a $100,000 budget shortfall
The letter referred in the article follows. It is available at: http://stmaryplatteville.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/St-Mary-Platteville-School-Letter-from-Bishop-4-25-12.pdf
This is an earlier letter which Bishop Molino sent to the parishes regarding the matter of reassignment of priests. It is available on-line at: http://stmaryplatteville.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Bishop-Letter-10-31-2010.pdf
O F F I C E O F T H E B I S H O P
Diocese of Madison · 702 S. High Point Road · P.O. Box 44983 · Madison, WI 53744-4983
Phone: 608-821-3001 · Fax: 608-821-4552
October 28, 2010
Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude
Dear Members of Christ’s Faithful of St. Mary and St. Augustine Parishes:
I am in receipt of your October 8, 2010 letter and petition. I am grateful that you have
approached me with your concern, and I certainly recognize and respect your right to do so
(Code of Canon Law, c. 212, §§2-3). By means of this letter I am replying to what you
requested, namely, the “immediate removal of the priests of the Society of Jesus Christ the Priest
from St. Mary and St. Augustine parishes in Platteville.” A number of you have written to the
Apostolic Nuncio about this matter. He has forwarded the letters to me after having read them.
He asked that I inform you that he has forwarded these letters to me for my pastoral
consideration, since the responsibility for priestly assignments rests with the diocesan bishop.
The removal of a priest assigned to a parish is a very serious matter, and I as a Bishop may only
do so, at my discretion, for certain serious causes (c. 1741). I have found that much of what has
been said amounts to opinion, misunderstanding, and rumor rather than fact. Nonetheless, after
carefully weighing all of your reasons for the proposed removal, I have decided to keep Rev.
Lope Pascual, Rev. John Del Priore, and Rev. Miguel Galvez in their current priestly ministry at
St. Mary and St. Augustine parishes in Platteville. Their charisms for Catholic education and
vocations will serve the people of Platteville very well, and they have my full support. With
regard to each of your concerns, see the attached Addendum.
While I am available to all of the faithful of the Diocese of Madison, it is always best to resolve
concerns with one’s Pastor(s) personally and locally. Not only does this give due respect to the
priests, who have given their lives to serve you, but it is usually more efficient. I urge you to
speak openly with these priests about your concerns; and I am confident that you will be treated
with dignity and respect.
It grieves me to acknowledge that the reputation of three happy, holy, and hardworking priests
has been seriously tarnished by rumor, gossip, and calumny (lying with the intent to damage
another’s good name) by some within the parish community. Such conduct is gravely sinful,
since some parishioners have been driven by fear, anger, or both, to distance themselves from
their priests and even the Sacraments. This situation must cease, and charity must prevail on the
part of all.
Furthermore, activities such as protest-letter-writing seminars, leafleting of motor vehicles, doorto-
door canvassing for signatures on a petition, etc (that is, exerting organized political pressure
on people, where the end justifies any means) is an appropriate tactic in a political campaign, but
not in the communion of faith which is the Catholic Church. Groups such as “Call to Action”
and “Voice of the Faithful” regularly employ such tactics against legitimate authority in the
Church. Because these groups dissent from basic tenets of Catholic Doctrine and Discipline,
they are not recognized as Catholic in the Diocese of Madison, much less are they able to
exercise legitimate authority. It is my hope that these clarifications will prove helpful.
Please give these priests time and open hearts. I assure you of their good will and pastoral
concern for all of you, and I ask you to join me in praying for them in their sacred ministry.
With warm regards in Christ Jesus, I remain,
Sincerely yours,
Most Rev. Robert C. Morlino
Bishop of Madison
Enclosure: Addendum
ADDENDUM
Since it is obvious that much thought and care went into the formulation of the reasons for the
petition of October 8, I want to provide a response to each point for the ongoing reflection of the
Parish.
A. Impact on Faith of Parishioners
1. Allegation: Introduction of faith doctrine that is pre-Vatican II in format and
content – Response: First of all, it is necessary for us to appreciate the eloquent
teaching of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI regarding the false dichotomy between
the pre-Vatican II and post-Vatican II Church. While the Council introduced much
renewal, this dichotomy is not healthy in the Church. It is what the Holy Father
described as the “hermeneutic of discontinuity and rupture.” We must rather adopt the
“hermeneutic of reform,” which recognizes continuity in the Church’s life from
before the Council to the present day. The hermeneutic of reform rejoices in the
renewed presentation of the Church’s self-understanding without attempting to
divorce itself from our rich Catholic heritage. The Holy Father taught this in his
Christmas Greeting to the Roman Curia (December 22, 2005); I earnestly recommend
that all the faithful prayerfully study this speech.
a. Allegation: Reversion to obedience rather than acting as Body of Christ –
Response: It would not be correct to see obedience to Church authorities and
the common priesthood of the faithful as in any way opposed to each other.
The Council itself highlighted both of these as important components to the
life of the Church (Lumen gentium, no. 37). Indeed, the example of Christ our
Savior is the very epitome of these two elements, since he offered his priestly
sacrifice to the Father by being obedient to the point of death on the Cross.
b. Allegation: Treating not as true believers but as lost souls – Response: It
is not proven that any of the priests have called the parishioners “lost souls” in
the paternalistic way implied in the petition. I would encourage parishioners
not to infer that the priests currently assigned to St. Mary and St. Augustine
Parishes are criticizing their predecessors simply on the basis of their own
pastoral decisions. Every Pastor must prayerfully discern how to proceed in
his ministry, and this not uncommonly takes a different course and expression
than that of his predecessors. Likewise, I would urge parishioners not to infer
that the priests are making personal judgments when they preach doctrines
and disciplines of the Church which may have been less emphasized in the
past or when they encourage or offer pious practices which may be a change
in experience.
2. Allegation: Introduction of faith practices that are pre-Vatican II in format and
content – Response: The petition did not include any evidence of when the indicated
practices were mandated by the priests. It is my understanding that the priests have
made a kneeler available for those who wish to receive Holy Communion kneeling,
without requiring it. The options of receiving Holy Communion on the tongue or in
the hand are both acceptable; and I know that the priests respect this.
In general, it is important for priests to verify that a person is properly disposed to
receive Holy Communion (c. 843, §1), and this may include an assessment of whether
a person’s hands are too dirty to handle the sacred species. In one incident of this in
Platteville, after the priest received more complete background information, the
offended party immediately received the priest’s apology, and the apology was
accepted. As far as I am aware, this was an isolated incident and should not be
characterized as a general trend.
3. Allegation: Homilies transmit teachings inconsistent with the Vatican II Council
– Response: Regarding this concern, it is probable that the remarks at no. 1 above are
applicable. I note also that Fr. Pascual publicly invited any concerned parishioners to
review his homilies, which he has recorded, so that they could tell him where they
think he diverges from the teaching of Vatican Council II. To date, no one has
stepped forward, nor was any evidence of this included in the petition. If anyone has
very clear examples, I would encourage you to bring your concerns, along with the
helpful citations from the documents of the Second Vatican Council to Fr. Pascual.
4. Allegation: Limiting altar service only to males so that young females aren’t
deemed worthy in the eyes of Christ – Response: It is permissible in the Diocese of
Madison for Pastors to reserve altar service at the Holy Mass to males. This is
particularly beneficial for the promotion of priestly vocations, which is a particular
charism of the Society of Jesus Christ the Priest. Once again, it is unfair and
unreasonable to infer that the priests, by employing only males in this service, deem
women to be unworthy in any way. Also, while it is a particular charism of the
Society of Jesus Christ the Priest to foster vocations to the priesthood, that does not
mean, nor will you find, that they ignore the vocations of young women to the
consecrated life, nor of young men and women to holy marriages.
5. Allegation: Reducing visits to homebound parishioners compared to
Extraordinary Ministers – Response: Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion
have no “right” to administer Holy Communion at all—whether within the Holy Mass
or outside of it. The administration of Holy Communion is proper to the clergy; and
extraordinary ministers may only be used when there is a true necessity (Instruction
Ecclesiæ de mysterio, art. 8, §1). Therefore, the priests are obliged to administer Holy
Communion to the homebound if they are able; they may only call on an
extraordinary minister if they judge there to be a true necessity. To my knowledge,
now that the priests are settled in Platteville, they are known to be consistent and
diligent in this aspect of their priestly ministry.
6. Allegation: Lack of support for families suffering loss of a loved one with
inappropriate comments at a funeral – Response: I have known the priests to be
quite supportive and attentive to grieving families. As for the comments about hell
and purgatory, it is natural for the Last Things to be discussed at the time of a funeral.
While it would be gravely wrong for a priest to declare that the deceased is in or
deserves hell, there is no indication that this has ever been done by the priests of the
Society. At the time of a loved one’s death, it is very important for priests and
deacons to remind the faithful to pray for the departed and to have Masses offered for
them in order to help make satisfaction for the temporal punishment due them for
their sins (purgatory). If a soul is in heaven it can do no harm. If the soul is in
purgatory, it can do great good.
7. Allegation: Insisting on an open flame candle at a nursing home that prohibits
open flames – Response: To my knowledge, this was an isolated incident, which was
immediately resolved between Fr. Pascual and nursing home management, and in fact
Mass is now regularly offered by the priests at the nursing homes.
B. Change of Worship Environment
Allegation: Worship environment has become unwelcoming and lacks joy – Response: It is
not proven that the celebrations in Platteville are lacking in due joyfulness, calling to mind also
the characteristic sobriety of the Roman Rite. From other letters and communications it is also
clear that what is reported in the petition is not the unanimous experience in Platteville. In fact, it
is well known that the priests are reintroducing many images and practices that have never
ceased to be an important part of the Church’s spiritual heritage. As for decisions about the kinds
of music to be used in the Sacred Liturgy, this is prescribed by the universal liturgical norms of
the Church. Also, it is the responsibility of priests to implement these norms in their parishes.
Finally, it is entirely permissible for the tabernacle to be placed in a prominent, dignified place in
the sanctuary; and in fact I routinely insist on this for renovation projects in the Diocese.
On a personal and spiritual level, I would offer for consideration the reality that each of us is
called constantly to seek real and lasting peace and serenity in our life of prayer – the very center
of which, of course, is the Holy Mass. While I do not doubt that there have been some external
changes at the parish nor that these changes – as change almost always does – may cause a
certain unsettledness, the reality of Christ’s real presence in the Holy Eucharist is the same.
God, Himself, remains constant, unchanging from age to age. I encourage each of you – as I
remind myself each day – seek the interior peace and serenity that only God can grant you.
Sincerely approaching your liturgical prayer with this at heart, and allowing all things to point to
God, I am confident that whatever unsettledness you might be feeling will fall away and be
replaced with a renewed and lasting peace in our God, who desires passionately to speak to you
in the silent depths.
C. Parish Donations
Allegation: Parish donations have decreased by 50% - Response: Parish donations often
decrease when changes occur at a parish. The exact level of change at the two parishes here is
not yet clear. Regardless, it would be wrong to imply that the priests should carry out their
ministry in a way that is pleasing to the faithful in order to generate income for the parish. On the
one hand, the priests have the responsibility to proclaim the Gospel in season and out of season,
even if it is unpleasing to those whom their preaching challenges. On the other hand, it is the
obligation of the faithful to support the work of the Church as a good in and of itself, irrespective
of the popularity of the clergy. Financial support is not to be treated as a vote of confidence but
as a gift of love. This was emphasized by Vatican II in many places (Presbyterorum ordinis, nn.
20-21; Apostolicam actuositatem, no. 21; Ad gentes, no. 36).
D. Approval of Finance Council
Allegation: Consultation with parishioners is next to non-existent; no approval of finance
council – Response: The duty of administration of the parish is entrusted to the Pastor and no
other (c. 532); the Parochial Vicars participate in this according to the determinations of the
Bishop and the Pastor. The Pastor never needs the approval of the finance council, pastoral
council, or any other committee before making any decision (c. 536, §2, and c. 537). These
councils and committees offer him insights, suggestions, and support; he can never allow them to
bind him to make any specific decision, even by their unanimous vote (Instruction Ecclesiæ de
mysterio, art. 5, §§2-3).
Robert C. Morlino
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Robert Charles Morlino (born December 31, 1946) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the fourth and current Bishop of Madison, having previously served as Bishop of Helena.
Early life and education
An only child, Robert Morlino was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Charles and Albertina Morlino. His father died while he was attending Scranton Preparatory School, and he was primarily raised by his mother and grandmother. He then studied at the seminary for the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus, and at Fordham University in New York, from where Morlino obtained his Bachelor's degree in Philosophy in 1969.
He earned a Master's in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame in 1970, and a Master's in Theology from Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Priesthood
Morlino was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1974, and then taught at Loyola College in Maryland, St. Joseph's University, Boston College, Notre Dame University, and St. Mary's College. He also served as an instructor in continuing education for priests, religious, and laity, as well as director of parish renewal programs. His mother died in 1980.
On October 26, 1983, he was incardinated into the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Morlino there served as Episcopal Vicar for Spiritual Development, Executive Assistant and Theological Consultant to Bishop Alfred Markiewicz, Moderator of the Curia, and Promoter of Justice in the diocesan tribunal.
In 1990, he earned a doctorate in moral theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and became a theology professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, where he expected to spend his life prior to his promotion to a bishop.[1] He was also named rector of St. Augustine Cathedral in 1991.
Episcopal career
Bishop of Helena
On July 6, 1999, Morlino was appointed the ninth Bishop of Helena, Montana, by Pope John Paul II. He received his episcopal consecration on the following September 21 from Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo Higuera, with Archbishop John Vlazny and Bishop Paul Donovan serving as co-consecrators. He selected as his episcopal motto: Visus Non Mentietur, meaning, "The Vision Will Not Disappoint" (Habakkuk 2:3).
Bishop of Madison
Morlino was later named the fourth Bishop of Madison, Wisconsin, on May 23, 2003. He was formally installed on August 1 of that year.
One of the larger challenges for Morlino and the Diocese was the loss of the Cathedral parish when a fire severely damaged St. Raphael's Cathedral in March 2005. Morlino then had to determine whether to rebuild the Cathedral on its current site, or build a new Cathedral elsewhere in Madison. In June 2007 Morlino announced that St. Raphael's would be rebuilt on its current site, reusing the steeple and other items from the previous building.
He is the past chairman of the Bishops' Committee on the Diaconate and Ad Hoc Committee on Health Care Issues and the Church, both within the structure of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
In May 2009, Morlino made a sudden announcement that the Catholic Multicultural Center - a building that fed, educated and supported many on Madison's south side - would close in two days as part of widespread Diocesan budget cuts.[1] The reopening of the Center under direct parish administration was announced one week later.
Views
Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation
Morlino currently serves as the chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Catholic Bioethics Center, and as chairman of the Board of Visitors of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, formerly known as the School of the Americas (SOA). Morlino has denied any wrongdoing by this military school that for decades has trained military officers from Latin America. Former students from this school have been found guilty of thousands of political killings, including the assassination of the Servant of God, Archbishop Oscar Romero and of six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper and her daughter in El Salvador. Morlino told the Wisconsin State Journal (11/4/2007), "I know for a fact there is no evidence to connect what the school teaches with any kind of atrocity".
Pro-choice politicians
During the 2008 presidential election, Morlino criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Joe Biden for their remarks regarding abortion on Meet the Press. Rebuking the two pro-choice politicians "because they claim to be Catholic," the Bishop accused Pelosi and Biden of "violating the separation of church and state" and "stepping on the pope's turf and mine."[2]
Ruth Kolpack controversy
In March 2009, Morlino dismissed Ruth Kolpack from her post as a pastoral associate at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Beloit, for alleged breaches of orthodoxy. In a brief meeting with Kolpack, the Bishop asked her for an oath of loyalty and to denounce her 2003 thesis, which advocated women's rights to ordination in the Church and inclusive language when relating to God. He dismissed her after she agreed to the oath but refused to denounce her thesis.[3]
Rights of Workers
When the Wisconsin Legislature was considering a budget proposal which would curtail the perogatives of public unions (later enacted), the bishop explained the neutral stance on the matter taken by the Wisconsin Catholic Conference, writing "The question to which the dilemma boils down is rather simple on its face: is the sacrifice which union members, including school teachers, are called upon to make, proportionate to the relative sacrifice called for from all in difficult economic times? In other words, is the sacrifice fair in the overall context of our present situation?" [4]
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