Back to Exponent Menu Printer Friendly Page   LOCAL FEATURES Friday, February 13, 2004 Defending matrimony is new challenge, pro-life supporters told Bishop Tobin: The signs of decline in respect for marriage are everywhere in our society By Lou Jacquet YOUNGSTOWN — The support and defense of matrimony is emerging as a major moral challenge of our time, Bishop Thomas Tobin told the 275 persons gathered at St. Dominic Church Jan. 24 for the sixth annual Diocesan Mass for Life. The overall purpose of the annual event has not changed, the bishop noted in remarks to begin his homily: “We come to renew our commitment to human life and to ask God’s blessing upon all the work we do to promote respect for human life in our society, in our nation, in our culture. “As we know so well, human life is a sacred, a precious gift of God to be reverenced in every situation and in every circumstance. So we firmly reject anything that is opposed to the gift of life. We reject abortion, and euthanasia, and capital punishment, and violence, and domestic abuse, and child abuse and any form of addiction that robs us of the gift of life. All of those things are contrary to the reverence and the gift of life that God has bestowed upon us.” That said, he added, “the key to our struggle on behalf of human life, without a doubt, is the sin of abortion” because… “we know and we have come to recognize that, if we are able to kill babies to meet one agenda, then other forms of violence will be easily tolerated in our society.” The bishop recalled how, in 1994, Mother Teresa of Calcutta had written a letter to the justices of the U.S. Supreme Court in which she said, in part, “America needs no words from me to see how your decision in Roe v. Wade has deformed a great nation. The so-called ‘right to abortion’ has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has sown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate of human relationships. It has aggravated the derogation of the father’s role in an increasingly fatherless society. It has portrayed the greatest of gifts, a child, as a competitor, an intrusion, and as an inconvenience.” Sadly, he said, her insights became all too true. “We can see how those words have been proven to be very true, sad yet true. How many other circles of violence have resulted because we recognized, and as a society, accepted the ability to kill babies to meet one agenda item! So certainly our struggle against abortion will continue and we’ll do our very, very best to transform society and our nation in that regard, because it is the front line in our defense of human life.” The bishop then turned his attention to “another foundation of human life that’s being challenged today…the sacrament of Holy Matrimony.” The Mass readings (Genesis 1:26-28, 31a and John 2:1-11) were chosen, he said, to “remind us of our very basic and fundamental beliefs about this wonderful sacrament… We believe…that marriage is an intimate union of one man and one woman instituted and designed by God himself from the very beginning. We believe that marriage was raised to a level of sacrament, one of the most beautiful sacraments of the Church, by our Lord, Jesus Christ. We believe that the purposes of marriage are two: to share love, in a very beautiful and intimate way; and the procreation of new life, in the gift of children. We believe that anything that undermines the purposes of marriage is a sin, a serious sin, against God. And we believe that our society and our nation has a serious duty to support and defend marriage for the common good.” The value of Holy Matrimony in our faith and in our society should be very self-evident, the bishop noted. Yet that is not the case. “We know that we live in a culture today when even the institution of marriage is approached with conflicting views... The signs of decline of respect for matrimony are everywhere. We know that so many young people are living together without bothering to get married, without the blessing and grace of matrimony. Too many marriages end in failure, without any attempt to save them, without any attempt at reconciliation, because people don’t take that commitment seriously.” At the same time, he said, “many people, including many of our own Catholics, have eliminated the procreative aspects of matrimony because of their illicit use of contraception, without any openness to new life at all. Another serious offense against the plan of God is that some people…with their own agendas now are promoting same-sex unions and demanding that the state, and sometimes even the Church, recognize these illicit unions as acceptable alternatives to holy matrimony. A new cultural force is being foisted upon us, driven by its own agenda, and apparently will not rest until it meets its own goals.” Bishop Tobin urged all present to read the pamphlet from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops entitled “Between Man and Woman: Questions and Answers about Marriage and Same-sex Unions.” A copy was given to each person attending the Mass. What can Catholics do in the midst of such a culture to uphold marriage? First, the bishop said, “we have to pray for God’s guidance and God’s blessing as we confront this critical issue.” The faithful also need to support matrimony and Catholic family life in their own families, he added, including supporting those in difficult marriages. He suggested asking priests, deacons and teachers “to boldly preach about and teach about the value of human life and the importance of family life and the dignity, the God-given dignity of the sacrament of Holy Matrimony.” He asked those present to be involved in the public debate over the issue and to “insist that our laws reflect these values, which are not simply Catholic values but values that are part of the common good of society, and the natural law that God has built into each one of us.” Writing letters, calling talk radio shows, contacting legislators and voting on these issues are all important, he stressed. Speaking of what has happened in American culture in regard to marriage, Bishop Tobin said “a perfect example” occurred when the Ohio Senate recently passed the Defense of Marriage Act. “It’s a good act, a step in the right direction, a strong act, a strong law. And apparently, Governor Taft is going to sign that bill in the very near future and it will strengthen Ohio law on behalf of marriage and make it one of the best marriage laws in the nation.” Unfortunately, he said, some local legislators, including Marc Dann and Bob Hagan, spoke and voted against the bill. He urged those present to call their offices or write them a letter to ask, “respectfully, and lovingly, ‘What in the heck is wrong with you guys? Why would you speak against and vote against a law that upholds the basic value of matrimony and family life in our society and our culture. What are you thinking? As citizens and as voters and as taxpayers, we want you to support family life and matrimony in our state.’” In closing, the bishop thanked those present for coming to the Mass and for their ongoing efforts. “Thank you…for your commitment to human life. It is the great moral challenge of our time. God will bless and reward your commitment to the sanctity of human life. In the Gospel, we heard this story of the wedding feast of Cana, when Jesus turned water into wine. We believe firmly that the presence and the grace of Christ can change the water of our misguided culture into the wine of God’s blessed kingdom. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, may Jesus help us to do so.” Following the event, many in attendance attended the annual spaghetti luncheon offered by the Knights of Columbus in the former St. Dominic School building.   Back to Exponent Menu Printer Friendly Page   Other Articles of 2004   ‘Eagle of the Cross’ nominations sought to honor diocesan youth   Concrete construction saved SVDP building from total loss in fire   Diocesan pilgrimage to Guadalupe shrine delights   Vocations Congress, Capital Campaign top diocesan events   Msgr. Siffrin named administrator   Vocations Congress follow-up sessions help delegates renew focus   Mooney celebrates state title win with rally, reflection   CTNY/ETC holiday programming schedule announced   Salvadoran mission letter to the diocese contains a surprise   St. Therese, St. Matthias lead way to Block I success   Fr. Lehnerd, Fr. Sommer MSC   Ravenna Immaculate Conception marks 150th   The Immaculate Conception   Youth convention speaker: Live life to the fullest   Grants awarded for Rice Bowl, Catholic Campaign for Human Development   ‘Shanty Town’ at Walsh raises homeless/hunger awareness   Spiritual Adoption for unborn program energizes Champion parish   Diocesan priest attends International Retreat for Priests in Malta   Slovak cardinal visits diocese, assesses Church efforts worldwide   Collection for retired religious set for Nov. 27-28 in diocese   Here’s how local orders   Oblates’ Ladies Auxiliary marks 50th with Mass, reception   Mass, dinner mark Charities’ 60th in Ashtabula County   RFR co-chair has enjoyed ‘doing ordinary things for the Lord’   CCHS principal honored, but not surprised, at national award   Priest’s take on ‘Good Samaritan’ offers a new look   Walsh dedicates Meier Hall student housing apartments   Be passionate about Catholic schools, speaker tells educators   Walsh University presents first-ever lifetime achievement award   On exercising the right to vote   Celebrating Priesthood Sunday: Sending a message   HLG speaker uses humor to focus on pro-life message   Charities’ 2004 Voice of Hope Award winners announced   RFR co-chair, 81, chose priesthood over business career   Lutherans, Catholics focus on social action during Zion gathering   Adult Confirmation set at cathedral   Diocesan delegation visits Guatemala, Dominican Republic   CRS trip gives Bishop Tobin   Diocese launches $34M Capital Campaign with $1M gift   Canton St. Michael holds forum on importance of voting   Our Lady of the Woods   Father Trimbur named pastor at Austintown St. Joseph Parish   St. Vincent DePaul Parish observes 125th anniversary   Middlebranch Little Flower Parish celebrates 75th   Mission work in El Salvador continues for diocesan priest   ‘Catholic Schools Report Card’ show diocesan schools score high   Charities’ role in disasters deals with long-term work ahead   Diocese to sponsor ministry convocation Oct. 23 at YSU   Disabled Catholics in Action director scheduled   Diocesan coaches, ADs told: Sports important, but only third   34 to begin permanent deacon formation program in diocese   50 years ago this month   Two profess first vows as Oblate Sisters in Aug. 14 liturgy   Serrans, seminarians enjoy annual picnic, share camaraderie   Social mission at heart of Church, USCCB official tells clergy workshop   Mother, aunt of diocesan staffer oldest twins in world   Father Korda named Girard pastor; Father Mancini to pastor 2 parishes   CRS collecting donations   Nun from diocese tapped for SND Chapter ‘web’ role   ‘Average Joe’ Schriner seeks presidency on Catholic platform   Diocesan high schools open with estimated 2,700 students   New principals, administrator named   G.K. Chesterton lecture recalls life of late author   Msgr. Susko, Father Shipe to retire from pastorates Sept. 1   New Catholic radio station in Canton boasts 5,000 watts   Mass for long-married couples set Oct. 24 at Canton St. John   ‘Quilt Ritual’ prayer service commemorates HM’s 150th anniversary   Prayer vigil at YSU Newman recalls victims   MSCs mark 150th with Mass, dinner at Ursuline Center   Archbishop of Gulu visits diocese, shares news of troubled nation   Book on depression ‘from the inside’ offers insights, help   Father Rusnak named pastor   Jefferson event marks Home Ownership Month, educates public on programs   Sisters of Notre Dame celebrate jubilees on July 18   It’s official: Legatus group for CEOs   A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility   St. E’s announces results of study: ICD device saves lives   Youth Congress on Scripture draws teens from across diocese   N. Canton St. Paul event sought support for Congressional amendment   Vietnamese family gathers in Warren to thank parish   Humility Sisters celebrate 150 years of service   Committee on Women’s Issues combines hard work, desire to help   June 13 Mass at St. Columba honors 179 married couples   Little Flower parishioners plan travel to Egypt/Africa   Just call Aurora OLOP’s Jo Reight ‘the Rosary Lady’   New appointments announced for Fr. Paul Tobin, four others   Scouting going strong in diocese with emphasis on faith   Role of art important in a society that needs beauty, values   Mercy Breast Care Center names Dina K. Rooney medical director   Symposium on migrants urges participants to ‘welcome the newcomer’   Mary continues to fascinate, keynoter tells ‘A Night to Honor Mary’   Diocesan Council of Catholic Women   Two Canton natives celebrate 60-year jubilees as religious   ACTION banquet marks five years of ‘deliberate, consistent’ organizing   New rector at North Jackson shrine is familiar face   Diocesan high schools to hold commencement ceremonies   Rabbi Meyer Lecture on ‘artistic expressions’ June 2 at Butler   Bishop’s ad limina visit to the Vatican ‘enjoyable, productive’   Nun from Conneaut chairs Ohio’s largest healthcare system   Eight Sisters of the Humility of Mary celebrate golden, silver jubilees   Sculpture at Garrettsville parish reflects sculptor’s new life   Bishop Tobin represents diocese in ‘ad limina’ visit   Pilgrim George’s 2004 journey takes him through the diocese   Diocese to honor 16 priests at jubilarian Mass May 17   Diocese to honor 24 youth with prestigious ‘Eagle of the Cross’   Walsh speech classes share knowledge with junior high guests   Eighth ‘Annual Bishop’s Appeal’ begins April 24-25 in diocesan parishes   Bishop: Followers of Christ are called to sacrifice, commitment   Diocese announces Golden Apple Award winners, slates banquet May 13   Ashtabula woman’s journey of faith continues   Charities’ First Step program touches lives of pregnant women, families   Memorial service held at Mooney for victims of auto accident   Diocesan Congress onVocations to Priesthood, Consecrated Life   New answers, new directions focus of March 27 Diocesan Vocations Congress   Warren Notre Dame School   Keynoter: Women called to be holy, have effect on culture   Salvador civil war tore apart country and families, set back Church   Get to Know Your Diocese-Salem   Campbell KC Council 3813 recalls proud history, looks to future   Nun details ‘Life Choices’ vocation program at religious meet   Enrollment decline forces closing of Ravenna school in June   Reader survey shows interest in wide variety of news, features, columns   ETC-TV’s Holy Week, Chrism Mass schedule announced   9 ‘sister parish’ relationships link diocese, El Salvador   New assignments announced for Frs. Mancini, Kraynak; additional role for Fr. DeLucia   Survey shows Exponent top source of Catholic news for our readers   In a world apart, similar problems   IC Dinner speaker: Laity have responsibility to serve those in need   New assignments announced for Frs. Mancini, Kraynak; additional role for Fr. DeLucia   Catholic schools at ‘crossroads,’ parents and educators told at meetings   Speaker tells Liturgy Day gathering: ‘Eucharist is a verb’   Bishop: Those in healthcare carry on ministry of Jesus   El Salvador 2004   Updated report: 19 priests cited in abuse cases in diocesan history   Update on the Status of the Child Protection Policy in the Diocese of Youngstown   Parishes host missions, plays, adult faith formation activities for Lent   Defending matrimony is new challenge, pro-life supporters told   Influence, support of family critical to religious vocations, interviews show   Priests, religious share vocation stories prior to upcoming Congress   Stark family donates $1 million to build high school in Tanzania   Attorney recalls 50 years in legal profession at group’s meeting   Father Robert Miller accepts role   Speaker: East, West still not connecting in the Church   Nominations sought for ‘Eagle’   Phase I renovations well under way at North Canton St. Paul   Alba House director: A Korean priest who speaks Italian   Alliance councilman is 18-year-old Aquinas High School senior   Liturgical practices during   Fr. Seifert named pastor of Alliance Regina Coeli   60th anniversary celebration, ordination topped diocesan news in ‘03   ‘Children of Life’ pro-life musical to premiere at UHS Jan. 23-25   2003 Notable Deaths in the Diocese   Interfaith Breakfast speaker: Words can interfere with effectiveness   Past Articles From 2003