Ireland: Card. Brady on the resignations of Msgr. MageeThe Pope accepted the renunciation of the pastoral government of the diocese of Cloyne (Ireland) by Msgr. John Magee, in conformity with the Canon Law Code. The bishop had already presented his resignations March 7 2009, and the Pope entrusted the diocese of Cloyne to the guidance of the archbishop of Cashel and Emly, Msgr. Dermot Clifford, appointed Apostolic Administrator. In note released March 24, the Irish Bishops’ Conference explains that an Apostolic Administrator is appointed to temporarily govern a diocese when “special or very serious” circumstances warrant such an appointment. In the same note, Msgr. Clifford, thanks “Bishop John Magee for the cooperation” he has given this year in the guidance of the diocese. “I ask for the continued prayers and support of the lay faithful, priests and religious of the Diocese of Cloyne for all those who have suffered abuse”, adds the archbishop. “I want to offer once again my sincere apologies”, writes Bishop Magee in his statement-confession, “to those whom I have failed in any way, or through any omission of mine I have made suffer”. Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, issued a statement on the resignations accepted by Pope Benedict XVI released by the Social Communications Office of the Irish Bishops’ Conference: “I wish to acknowledge the long and varied ministry of Bishop John Magee in the Church. I thank him for his contribution to the work of the Irish Bishops’ Conference over the past twenty years, particularly in the area of liturgy. I assure him of my prayers at this time and wish him good health in his retirement. However, foremost in my thoughts in these days are those who have suffered abuse by clergy and those who feel angry and let down by the often inadequate response of leaders in the Church”.Poland: the bishops’ “no” to in vitro fertilizationOn the occasion of the Day for the Sanctity of Life, celebrated in Poland on March 25, and of the National Life Day (March 24), the team of experts of the Polish Bishops’ Conference (KEP) released a document with the motivations of the Church’s opposition to in vitro fertilization (IVF). The document was described by KEP’s press office as “providing a negative evaluation of extrauterine fertilization, which is contrary to Christian faith, is morally unacceptable, and is dangerous for life of the mother and of the child”. The communiqué makes known that the document was drawn up in conjunction with KEP and therefore it constitutes an official document of the Polish Church”. While opposing IVF, experts note that the children thus conceived should however be welcomed with love and respect, since like all human persons they are entitled to enjoy full human rights”. The document points out that IVF procedure brings the development and birth of 5 to 10% of all fetuses while the remaining are sentenced to death”, and underlines that the “in vitro syndrome” affects the parents and that one day it could also affect the children who have learnt that their birth occurred to the price of the death of their siblings at embryonic stage”. The document recommends resorting to “alternative methods to in vitro fertilization”, highlighting the importance of treatment against infertility and calling upon the families to adopt “children in orphanages with courage and love”.Slovakia: the bishops oppose the new casinoCatholic bishops of Slovakia voiced their opposition to the erection of an amusement park and a casino in the area of Bratislava, on the border with Austria. As reported on March 23rd by the news agency Kathpress, during the last plenary meeting, the Slovakian Bishops’ Conference conveyed their disapproval of all forms of gambling. The bishops criticized “those policies that promote, also at fiscal level, the implementation of morally questionable projects”. “Gambling is ethically controversial since it harms individuals and society as a whole”. Therefore the related “economic gains are also shady”, the bishops claimed, backed by the outcome of scientific research in this field. Along with a list of negative consequences of gambling, the Bishops’ Conference voiced opposition also to the new regulations drawn up by Slovakian authorities to this regard. The leading U.S. company “Harrah’s”, charged with building the casino and the amusement park of Bratislava is expected to become one of the largest in Europe. Political parties are divided on the implementation of the project, in view of the elections for the renewal of the Slovakian National Council due to be held next June 12.
