Morlino Threatens to Keep Sacraments from the Disobedient

Madison Bishop Robert Morlino, who is known for his active conservatism, is threatening the use of formal warning and interdict.  An interdict would allow someone to still be Catholic while refusing that person the sacraments.  An initial warning from Morlino came about in response to about 40% of the parishioner of St. Mary's in Platteville, WI (or roughly 1,200 members) signing a petition for the removal for their priests.  Their priests, Fr. Faustino Ruiz and Fr. John Del Priore, are members of the Society of Christ Jesus the Priest who brought abrupt conservative changes to the parish, such as: no altar girls, no lay eucharistic ministers, and an emphasis on conservative doctrine over pastoral activity.  In addition to the petition, the many parishioners, who do not feel the priests respects their legitimate opinions and rubrics for worship, have either cut back or refused to contribute financially to the parish.  This action has resulted in the recent closing of the parish school.

To be fair, the letter, which can be seen here, was sent to parishioners on the pretext of the school closing.  Nevertheless, Morlino is using the letter to show his support of the priests and disapproval of certain parishioners. The main text does not threaten the parishioners, but there are two added pages of texts for reflection that include multiple canon law passages concerning penalties for parishioners who misbehave in the eyes of the bishop.

Although Morlino rightly states that the priests have not violated any protocols or the teachings of Vatican II according to the letter of the law, they have most definitely violated the spirit of Vatican II.  The Council pushed for the greater inclusion of lay participation in the life of the church--a participation that Morlino and his favored priests wish to restrict to the greatest possible degree.  Now that the parish has spoken with its wallet, he adds passive aggressive texts to the end of a letter to try and put them in their place.  I know the Milwaukee Archdiocese has its share of problems, but my heart really goes out to those good Catholics in Platteville.