Poor Fr. James Martin nearly had a meltdown this past weekend when he saw Bishop Strickland retweeted our story regarding a pastor’s response to Cardinal Cupich’s cancellation of Ad Orientem worship in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
To recap, Fr. Anthony Bus C.R., pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka in Chicago, penned a letter to Bishop Lombardo regarding Ad Orientem worship at his parish. Fr. Bus acknowledged in the letter that he would comply with Cardinal Cupich’s decision to restrict Ad Orientem worship. Additionally, Fr. Bus included some excellent questions regarding the policy that we felt were worthy of sharing with our subscribers.
Bishop Strickland retweeted our post regarding Fr. Bus’ letter, including his support for the priest.
This brave priest goes to the heart of the issue. “Do we go the way of Jesus Christ or do we accommodate and compromise our faith in deference to the world?” My answer, I choose Jesus. Let us pray for each other as we choose His way in this storm. https://t.co/qgnel3rXg2
— Bishop J. Strickland (@Bishopoftyler) January 15, 2022
Fr. Martin responded to Bishop Strickland’s tweet with the following message:
Truly astonishing: A bishop praises a priest in another diocese who is challenging his own bishop, apparently saying that this means to “choose Jesus.” Btw, at the Ordination Mass, a priest promises “respect and obedience” to the local bishop and his successors. https://t.co/yT6ld4y399
— James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) January 15, 2022
Does anyone else see the hypocrisy in Fr. Martin’s criticism? One could well ask whether Fr. Martin. Martin is not a part of the Archdiocese of Chicago and is therefore opining on a matter outside of his diocese. Being a priest, Martin is also is questioning a the opinion of a Bishop who is his superior in the hierarchy of the Church.
No doubt Fr. Martin is once again trying to mobile his posse of progressive agitators to spank Bishop Strickland for his opinion.
TAKE ACTION: Send a note of support to Bishop Strickland for remaining to be a defender of the faith.