Statement From Bishop Robert N. Lynch on the Death of Teresa Schindler Schiavo

Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg ^ | 3/31/05

[marshmallow]

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Terri Shiavo. I know that you join me in praying that Terri finds a warm welcome in eternity with Our Lord. I ask you, as well, to keep Terri's family in your prayers. The many years during which Terri was incapacitated took a great toll on Terri's family and loved ones. It was my sincere hope that while Terri was still in nursing care her family members would find a way to put their differences aside, and come together in agreement about Terri's on-going care.

At this time, now that Terri has gone to meet our Lord, I continue to hope and pray that all of Terri's family members may seek and find healing and peace from God, our Creator.

There are a number of significant issues that have been highlighted by Terri's health problems and her death. A number of people have mentioned to me that they now see a necessity to have a formal conversation with their family members about their personal desires regarding health care in the event that they become incapacitated.

I have given a great deal of thought and reflection to these comments. My recommendation to you is this: never miss an opportunity to spend time with your loved ones and friends; never let a day pass without telling your parents and children that you love them; cherish each day as a gift from God, and keep your hearts fixed on that day when you will see God face to face.

We live a very fast-paced life; it's easy to forget that life is short. The only certain formula for a happy life is to live each day in gratitude for God's goodness. For, at the end of a life lived in gratitude, we can be assured of Our Savior's loving embrace

[marshmallow]

It was my sincere hope that while Terri was still in nursing care her family members would find a way to put their differences aside, and come together in agreement about Terri's on-going care.

That's it. The sum-total of this man's contribution to this affair. "Can't we all just get along."

This man was Terri Schiavo's bishop. He has nothing to say about what was done to her. Nothing about her rights as a human being. Nothing about the way her parents were treated. In fact, he was in Indonesia, surveying earthquake damage when she passed away.

Catholics may also be interested to know that this man's resume also contains such wonderful examples of pastoral zeal as ordering the cessation of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in parishes in his diocese and accusations of sexual misconduct.

Yekkkkkkkk!!!!

[eastsider]

[N]ever miss an opportunity to spend time with your loved ones and friends; never let a day pass without telling your parents and children that you love them; cherish each day as a gift from God, and keep your hearts fixed on that day when you will see God face to face.

Bump.

[DustyMoment]

With more pastors like this, the church is in trouble. All the time Michael was behaving like the complete (words I can't say on this forum) and Greer was committing judicide on her, Lynch issued nary a peep.

Now that she has been murdered and cremated, he has something to say!!?? Apparently, Mel Gibson's condemnation of him carried quite a bit of weight.

[mike182d]

It reminds of that story of Jesus and the moneychangers at the Temple, when Christ saw the house of God being defamed and said: "Hey, guys. Can't we talk about this? I mean, you really might want to reconsider what you're doing."

Oh.....wait a minute, He didn't do that. He made his own whip, turned over the tables, driving the moneychangers from the Temple.

For some reason people like to think that God became incarnate in a soft cuddly teddybear instead of a man.

[cyn]

don't know that I want to look at this. ok, I peeked:

// At this time, now that Terri has gone to meet our Lord, I continue to hope and pray that all of Terri's family members may seek and find healing and peace from God, our Creator. //

"our Lord" kinda sticks out like a sore thumb. Is he talking about the life-affirming, "look out for the weak among you" Elohim / Creator?

reminds me of a recent post ... I'll try to find it and link it here.

[Saundra Duffy]

I think I'm going to THROW UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kimmie7]

Such a contrast to Fr. Pavone, who actually has the courage to call 'em as he sees 'em!

[Puddleglum]

And with this, let us forever banish the phrase "deeply saddened" from the language. It is a consciously shallow and subjective expression of emotion, when a statement of fact is called for.

[Emmett McCarthy]

This guy made damned sure he was nowhere to be found through the whole execution. A worthless "shepherd" if there ever was one. And, as far as I'm concerned, either a "living will" or signing an "organ donor" card just means you'd better not keep your eyes closed too long if you're ever in a hospital because they'll start cutting you up for parts if you happen to sleep through lunch.

[amdgmary]

Bishop Lynch has made a mockery of Terri's case. He's a pathetic excuse for a bishop.

[SilentServiceCPOWife]

It seems that the bishop is well-versed in diplo-speak.

[syriacus]

The sum-total of this man's contribution to this affair. "Can't we all just get along."

You've summed it up well.

[Ohioan from Florida]

Terri ping! If anyone would like to be added to or removed from my Terri ping list, please let me know by FReepmail!

[silverleaf]

The "Rodney King" blessing- can't we all just get along?
My recommendation to you is this: never miss an opportunity to spend time with your loved ones and friends; never let a day pass without telling your parents and children that you love them; cherish each day as a gift from God, and keep your hearts fixed on that day when you will see God face to face. ..

.....and parents, when your child gets married, have them sign a letter making your their health care guardian ... just in case their cheating spouse stands to cash in by "remembering" them express their final wishes to die of thirst by saying something like "Honey, I'd rather die than go to your office party with my hair looking like this..."

[vaudine]

So, he is a hypocrit. I am far more exercised about Bill Frist distancing himself from Tom DeLay's position of reigning in the courts and judges. Frist has taken a "well, the judges have spoken" attitude. He is a nice man, but a complete Casper Milktoast. He is obviously not going to do anything about judges. OMG, can't the man understand that you cannot play Mr. Nice Guy with Dems?
vaudine

[silverleaf]

This guy made damned sure he was nowhere to be found through the whole execution. A worthless "shepherd" if there ever was one. And, as far as I'm concerned, either a "living will" or signing an "organ donor" card just means you'd better not keep your eyes closed too long if you're ever in a hospital because they'll start cutting you up for parts if you happen to sleep through lunch.

[tiredoflaundry]

Unfortunately this is my Bishop. Most of the Churches under his wing, have no kneelers, the Tabernacles are off to the side,and Masses sometimes feel more like a protestant service.

[syriacus]

Lynch has an appropriate name.
In the late 19th century the verb form [of lynch] had come to mean "inflict a sentence of death without a lawful trial".

[cyn]

oops, barf alert needed. This is a shepherd with a little lamb's blood on his hands -- with all that means in nature as well as in religion. There is a special "Woe to him....."