Regarding the article “Diocese of Pittsburgh announces 10 parishes will be merged into 3 in July” (May 28, TribLIVE): Bishop David Zubik wrote, “This has not been a simple task. Jesus never promised that it would be easy to carry his message of love and mercy to others … our call from God to bring His love to everyone continues as strong as ever.”

The church’s mission is stated in the Gospel of Matthew, “teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you … .” Carrying “his message of love and mercy to others” is not only a gross simplification but an externality subordinate to the successful implementation of the church’s mission.

It appears that many ecclesial hierarchs, their SOP being rooted in effeminacy, emulate Theodore McCarrick rather than Joseph Machebeuf. Citing pastoral reasons as justification for decisions highlights softness and cowardice. Consolidate as many parishes as your flawed wisdom guides you to do. When enough are closed, maybe concelebrations will become the norm.

Shakespeare nailed it: “Indeed, it is a strange-disposed time. But men may construe things after their fashion, Clean from the purpose of the things themselves.”

Peter A. Caruso

West Mifflin

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