Bishop Thomas Paprocki has once again shown his resolute courage in defending the Faith.
He’s also shown that he supports his priests when they make tough decisions for the good of the faithful, and that’s something we don’t always see.
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (Dem., Planned Parenthood) is a Catholic, a democrat, and an outspoken supporter of abortion.
But let’s not be redundant.
Anyway, the pastor of Durbin’s home parish in the Diocese of Springfield, probably thinking that offering the Holy Eucharist to a rabid apostle of genocide would be a bit awkward, and maybe slightly offensive to certain people, like Jesus, did the reasonable thing (and the correct thing under Canon Law 915) and told Senator Durbin, sorry, no Communion for you.
And Bishop Paprocki’s response? That’s my priest, yo.
Quoth the shepherd:
“Senator Durbin was informed several years ago by his pastor at Blessed Sacrament Parish here in Springfield that he was not permitted to receive Holy Communion per canon 915 of the Code of Canon Law,” Paprocki wrote. “My predecessor upheld that decision and it remains in effect. It is my understanding that the senator is complying with that decision here in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.”
There’s something comforting about a bishop who acts like a bishop. Comforting for that pastor, no doubt, and for the other priests in the Diocese of Springfield, but also for us, even if we don’t live in his diocese. I’m not talking about a sense of schadenfreude or triumphalist pleasure at the sight of a scoundrel getting his comeuppance. Dick Durbin, like any pro-abortion Catholic is a tragic figure whose soul is to be pitied and prayed for.
What I’m talking about is the sense of peace and security one gets knowing that someone in a position of leadership is ready to stand between you and the onslaught and state the Truth with courage and clarity. In an age of ever-increasing attacks on the Church, the faithful need to know they are looked after, the way a child needs to know that his father will protect him from any threats from the outside world.
In an age of wolves, we need shepherds.
Bishop Paprocki is one of the best.