Terri's Law? How About Canon Law

Let me start by saying I'm no theologian or scholar or expert, just a life long Catholic trying to understand and live his faith. So, don't take my word as gospel. Hell, don't believe anything I say... do you own research and come to your own conclusions.

That being said, much to the dismay of many Catholics in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, our flock is lead by a rather liberal bishop, Bishop Robert Lynch. He has slowly stripped away some of the more traditional aspects of Mass, considering them "unnecessary" and the growing conservative Catholic base have become somewhat irritated by his decisions.

However, the recent marriage of Michael Shiavo in my parish of Espiritu Santo Catholic Church by our pastor Bob Schneider and approved by Bishop Lynch has sent a growing wave of discontent throughout our diocese.

See, the Roman Catholic Church has these things called Canon Laws. They're the laws and regulations that the Church follows and, in the case of the marriage of Michael Shiavo, I guess the Bishop considered them more as guidelines than actual laws.

See, the gist of it is that, due to the circumstances surrounding Terri Shiavo's death and the Canon Law that states that you cannot kill your wife in order to marry another woman, well only the Pope himself could grant dispensation for Michael Shiavo's marriage.

We all seriously doubt this has happened.

A lot of concerned Catholics have called the Bishop, asking for an explanation, only to hear thought-provoking and faith enhancing words such as "No Comment."

There is a wonderful article in the North County Gazette of New York that explains it better than I ever could, so read the article here.

And if you have the urge, you can contact Bishop Lynch by using the following:

Email: communicate@dosp.org

Phone: (727) 344-1611

Fax: (727) 345-2143

Or you can contact Father Schneider at:

Phone: (727) 726-8477

Fax: (727) 799-2062

Maybe this is all just some misunderstanding. Maybe I've got it all wrong. Maybe I'm just an idiot. However, we'll need a more illuminating response than "No Comment" to fully grasp the genius of their decision to conduct this marriage in my parish.

In the end, this entire event has left me with one simple question... if the Bishop doesn't have to follow Canon Law, then why do I?