Canadian bishop resigns at 63

April 08, 2010

A Canadian bishop described in the local press as a “staunch public defender of Catholic orthodoxy” has resigned at the age of 63.

“My decision to offer my resignation was the result of a long and intense process of prayer and reflection,” Bishop James Wingle of St. Catharines (Ontario) said in a statement. “The duties of the office of a diocesan bishop call for vigorous stamina to meet the challenges of leadership. I am no longer able to maintain the necessary stamina to fulfil properly my duties. I believe that my resignation will serve not only my own spiritual and personal wellbeing, but the good of the diocese and the Church as well.”

“If my shortcomings and limitations have caused any disappointment, I ask for God's mercy and your understanding.”

Bishop Joseph Martino of Scranton cited similar reasons in his equally surprising resignation statement of last August. Referring to “bouts of insomnia and at times a crippling physical fatigue,” Bishop Martino said, “The Diocese of Scranton requires a bishop who is at least physically vigorous. I am not that bishop … as is customary on an occasion like this one, I seek forgiveness from anyone whom I may not have served adequately as bishop, due to my human limitations.”

 

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Further information:

• Rinunce E Nomine (Holy See)
• Bishop Wingle steps down (St. Catharines Standard)
• Canadian Bishop Wingle: "We Cannot Afford to Sit on the Sidelines" on the Life Issues (LifeSiteNews.com, 2009)
• Breakthrough: Canadian Bishops Give Full Support to National March for Life (LifeSiteNews.com, 2009)
• Bishop Objects To Stephen Lewis Speaking At Catholic Health Conference (LifeSiteNews.com, 2001)
• Statement of Bishop Joseph F. Martino (Diocese of Scranton, 2009)