Those who read these pages would certainly know that I have been very critical of Catholic bishops for their silence on political issues that touch faith and morals, or for their deliberately ambiguous statements.
However, when they do act as the Shepherds of the Flock, I will support them 100 per cent. We need strong bishops much more than strong politicians.
The Bishop of Wagga, Gerard Hanna, has spoken up. He’s told the media that pro-life humanitarians who offer hope, assistance and encouragement to women considering abortion should be allowed to continue their efforts. The abortion crowd, ever seeking to remove rights from others, want to stop them from doing so. Apparently they believe that only pro-abortionists have the right to conduct protests, rallies, marches and political activity. How very one-sided of them.
According to the report in The Border Mail, Bishop Hanna has been very supportive of pro-life efforts.
“It is still within the law in a peaceful and non-harassing way to be present and offer any person going there one final time to talk about their decision and understand what other options are available,” Bishop Hanna said.
“Sometimes these matters haven’t been addressed and they may well regret their action at a later date.
“Their idea is to be there in a peaceful way and observing the laws.
“Occasionally someone going to the abortion clinic will stop and talk to them.
“More often than not that is helpful, even if they continue with their original decision.”
If you would like to thank Bishop Hanna for his bravery, please email him here: ghanna@wagga.catholic.org.au
February 19, 2014
Glad to hear you add prayers for our Bishops in your daily Rosary, preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words. And really if there was a “big bang” God created it I am sure. St. Thomas Aquinas and St Augustine also had their little quirks and theories that were never condoned by the Church, for eg. both theorised that the soul enters the body 40 days after conception, this was never condoned by the Church yet both men are Canonised as Saints. And While the Bishops of Australia are not as strong as what they could be they are still deserving of respect for their office in word and gesture. I applaud and encourage Bishop Hanna of Wagga for his speaking up in support of those who dedicate their personal time and prayer to help those who are in need of a compassionate ear in the fight against abortion.
February 19, 2014
Here is an Article written by Rev Thomas G Morrow regarding the dangers of Criticizing Bishops and Priests, if the link does not work just google “Rev Thomas G Morrow dangers of Criticizing Bishops and Priests”
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1781443/posts
February 19, 2014
St Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor, on this subject:
It must be observed, however, that if the faith were endangered, a subject ought to rebuke his prelate even publicly. Hence Paul, who was Peter’s subject, rebuked him in public, on account of the imminent danger of scandal concerning faith, and, as the gloss of Augustine says on Galatians 2:11, “Peter gave an example to superiors, that if at any time they should happen to stray from the straight path, they should not disdain to be reproved by their subjects.”
February 19, 2014
Ah but Rory are you in a position of Authority to reprimand a Bishop? I think not, and if you have a question or problem with a Bishop I suggest you email or send a letter them directly and do so with respect, as often one may misunderstand the meaning as to what a Bishop is actually trying to say. Also if one is not satisfied with the answer the Bishop has given take it to higher Authority and leave it to those who are in a position to reprimand. Remember one is quite in his right to question what a Bishop says and does but do not forget to contact him directly to avoid any misunderstanding and slander through word of mouth.
February 19, 2014
Bishop Hanna: “The council ranger has monitored them from time to time and where it was necessary to correct them he did so.”
This is typical of our limp-wristed bishops – and while Bishop Hanna may be better than the majority of our mitred cowards – he still lacks the backbone of a good shepherd. Why are council rangers being deployed against the peace-loving pro-life crowd, while the vicious mass-murderers across the road are protected? Even if some good person did obstruct a vicious killer from savagely slaughtering her baby, how is that a problem. If anyone obstructed a known serial killer from hacking one of my children to death, I would applaud them – as a brave and virtuous individual.
February 19, 2014
Rory, I suggest you take out your Rosary and pray for the Australian Bishops, then maybe their backbone will be strengthened. The job of Bishop is not an easy one, they are under attack most of the time because they hold a position of Authority, one which the devil must also obey as Authority is given from above. Encourage Bishops when they get it right and pray hard for them when they seem like a wavering reed or as you put it cowardly.
February 19, 2014
Kat,
Praying rosaries for the conversion of our Bishops is a most laudable practice. We often include petitions for the conversion of modernist Priests, Bishops and Cardinals in our daily family rosary. After all, our local Ordinary, Archbishop Coleridge is a fan of Charles Darwin and sees no problem with the “big bang” theory of creation. However, please excuse me if I won’t applaud a Bishop who sees a necessity for council rangers to correct a peaceful pro-life gathering.