I’m confused on this one.
What purpose did Kennedy have in revealing this in a newspaper article? Since the bishop isn’t talking, how do we know its even true?
Second, the story says that the bishop is “ultra orthodox”. What does the “ultra” mean. Someone is either orthodox or heterodox, what does the modifier “ultra” really indicate about Tobin.
This story began several weeks ago when Bishop Tobin invited Rep. Kennedy to a private meeting to discuss his stance on abortion. At that time, he was issued a warning - in private. Kennedy went public. Why? Ask Kennedy.
“What does the ‘ultra’ mean.”
That means, not only is the bishop orthodox, but the writer also dislikes him intensely.
sitetest
Who knows with that drug addled mind of Kennedy's. Best guess is that, since everything's about him, and he really doesn't get any of this at all, he thinks he can wear this as some sort of badge of honor to be "persecuted" for his *cough* principled stand.
Second, the story says that the bishop is “ultra orthodox”. What does the “ultra” mean. Someone is either orthodox or heterodox, what does the modifier “ultra” really indicate about Tobin.
IMHO, the word indicates more about the author of the piece than Tobin. I take it to be intended as a perjorative. Much like a judge who follows the Constitution is considered an extremist by media standards, a Catholic bishop who actually follows church canon has to be some sort of nut. Implied: Kennedy's abortion stance isn't the problem, it's this wild-eyed bishop causing all the problems. By suggesting that Tobin's an extremist, out of the mainstream of Catholic thought, Kennedy is cast as the victim, not really at odds with Catholicism at all, just this one bishop's hair-splitting fanaticism.
Winters is exactly and precisely wrong. Bishop Tobin is obliged by law to deny Holy Communion to an impenitent man in Kennedy's position (Canon 915 --- Google that ---uses the word "must"), and this is what the Church calls a "medicinal penalty" because it is intended to make a desperately sick soul aware that repentance is urgently needed.
Bishop Tobin's action was an act of kindness and diligent pastoral care. Mindful of Corinthians 11:17, he knows that for Kennedy to receive under these circumstances would be like letting him eat spiritual cyanide. He would be eating and drinking his own condemnation.
“Second, the story says that the bishop is “ultra orthodox”. What does the “ultra” mean. Someone is either orthodox or heterodox, what does the modifier “ultra” really indicate about Tobin.”
This paper is attempting to portray the BISHOP as a RADICAL. The corrupt and inept press of today attempts to paint anyone who stands up for traditional moral virtues as RADICAL (although they mean it in a negative sense.)