Courageous Priest Robert Marrone Threatened by Bishop for Celebrating Masses with Congregation after Cleveland Diocese Closed Parish

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by Michael O Malley, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- "Bishop Richard Lennon of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese has threatened the Rev. Robert Marrone with punishment through church law for celebrating unauthorized Masses in a breakaway church. "
"Marrone and his congregation set up worship space in a commercial building in August, four months after Lennon closed their parish, St. Peter's near downtown Cleveland. "
"On Wednesday, Lennon handed Marrone a letter saying the priest was engaged in "scandal" and "corruption" by saying Masses in a space not sanctioned by the diocese. "
"Today, 48 hours past the deadline, Marrone read to his congregation a letter he had sent to the bishop in response to the threat: "It is my decision to remain in my present position with the Community of St. Peter."
The congregation of about 300 people jumped to its feet in applause and shouts of "Bravo!"
..."In his sermon, before he announced the bishop's threat, he talked about visiting Ireland and seeing myriad shades of green across the landscape. He compared the shades to different groups of Christianity, yet they are all of the same color. "
"The church of Jesus Christ is wide and open," he said. "The church is like the Irish landscape. Differences are not unhealthy. The wonder of our faith is our ability to embrace them."

Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Bravo, Fr. Robert Marrone and the Community of St. Peter, for your courage and prophetic obedience to the Spirit of God as you witness your fidelity to the Gospel and love for your beloved faith community! Indeed, the church is " "like the Irish landscape, wide and open" and able to embrace differences with respect and loving acceptance. Do not be afraid of excommunication or any other ecclesial punishment. Pope Benedict canonized two excommunicated nuns so far! So , like Roman Catholic Women Priests and others who have been condemned by the hierarchy, you too could be on the fast track to canonization, role models for a future generation of Catholics!
Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP
http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/