December 7, 2022 at 8:07 p.m.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
I truly appreciate your efforts to give a fair and balanced report of Bishop Hubbard’s recent request for “return” to the lay state. (Nov. 24, The Evangelist) No doubt, so it will be understood by the vast majority of those not trained in theology. You came close when you mentioned that he still is able to hear the confession of a dying person. (Canon 976)
May I point out that he may do so if that is the desire of the dying person, even if there are other priests present and available (Canon 986.2) Doubtless this is because the return to the lay state is a legal not a theological act. The wording of the papal dispensation emphasizes that the one receiving it is now denied all of the privileges of the clerical state (be they ministry or benefices). It does not and cannot dissolve, as it were, priesthood.
One is ordained “… a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” (order of Melchizedek understood by Scripture scholars as because there was no knowledge of Melchizedek’s family history or his role as a priest. Unlike priesthood in the Old Testament, which was hereditary, Melchizedek’s priesthood, therefore, was not hereditary). The Church teaches that the Sacrament of Orders includes a permanent mark on one’s soul, which like Baptism, can never be erased. While from a legal-only standpoint, a priest can be returned to the legal status of layperson, the underlying reality remains that he is a priest forever. Thus, he remains even legally, able to hear the confession of a dying person.
I think it would be helpful if the average Catholic was reminded of this.
- Edward J. Martin, MA, SSL, ThD
Troy
MUCH SADNESS
I read with much sadness the recent announcement by Bishop Howard Hubbard that he was requesting laicization. I have known Bishop Hubbard for close to 50 years and I was honored to serve with him on the Hope House Board for 10 years. I truly believe that he is a good man and, in fact, a very holy man and that he has been falsely accused. I can imagine how difficult it was for him to decide to request his release from the clergy and consequently no longer be empowered to celebrate Mass.
Over the years, I believe that Bishop Hubbard has done a great deal of good for others and that he has been particularly the champion of the poor and oppressed. I have no doubt that there are thousands of individuals throughout the Diocese who have witnessed the good works that this man has done.
While Bishop Hubbard is currently experiencing his 40 days in the desert, in the end I believe that he will be greeted in heaven with the words: Well done, my good and faithful servant.
- Peter C. Winkler
Saratoga Springs
SOMEWHAT BIASED
Your recent article — “Return to the lay state” and Bishop Scharfenberger’s “A message of healing” — seem to be somewhat biased. Why were not all the other accused afforded a complete page with little snippets of their innocence like Bishop Hubbard. And now that he has asked to be laicized from his priestly functions because of his own doings is beyond me. Seems like Bishop Hubbard is trying to divert attention, why? I believe once a priest, always a priest, and he should fulfill his obligation regardless of the circumstances and how he feels. You don’t ask and go back on a commitment just because you are falling on rough times. Marriage requires the same commitment and you see what that has turned into.
As for the CVA process Bishop Ed has chosen, to me, is not in the best interest of the victims or the church. The lawyers are the only winners the longer it takes.
I guess all we can do is pray and hope for the best.
- Ray Labrie
West Glenville
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