DIOCESE RESPONDS AFTER POLITICIAN ANNOUNCES HE WAS DENIED COMMUNION
“IN TERMS OF THE DIOCESE, WE REGRET THE DECISION OF SENATOR CERVANTES TO POLITICIZE THIS ISSUE.”
Details from CNA:
After a New Mexico state senator said he was denied Communion this weekend because of a political matter, his diocese responded that it had privately warned him he should not approach for Communion, due to his obstinate support for a pro-abortion bill.
In a tweet on Saturday, July 17, New Mexico state Sen. Joe Cervantes (D) wrote he “was denied communion last night by the Catholic bishop here in Las Cruces and based on my political office.”
“My new parish priest has indicated he will do the same after the last was run off,” Cervantes added. “Please pray for church authorities as Catholicism transitions under Pope Francis.” The senator represents New Mexico’s 31st district, around Las Cruces.
In response, Christopher Velasquez, director of communications for the Diocese of Las Cruces, told CNA on Monday that it is “unfortunate that a pastoral issue with a member of the local church be publicized.”
He explained that both Cervantes’ pastor and local ordinary tried to contact him several times previously regarding his support for an abortion bill, warning him he should not receive Communion. “It did not happen on the spur of the moment,” Velasquez said of the denial of Communion.
“In terms of the diocese, we regret the decision of Senator Cervantes to politicize this issue,” Velasquez said.
He noted that both Cervantes’ pastor and Bishop Peter Baldacchino reached out to Cervantes privately, in regards to his support for a pro-abortion bill that was signed into law earlier this year.
“Bishop Baldacchino did not receive a response from the senator,” Velasquez said, adding, “He [Cervantes] was contacted multiple times prior, letting him know that if he voted for Senate Bill 10, he should not present himself for communion.”
4 comments:
Thank God for this good priest and bishop! If all priests and bishops did the same in regards to all pro-abort politicians, maybe disbelief in the Real Presence wouldn't be at 70%.
"I dare you to deny me Communion!"
-Congressman Ted Lieu
Lucky for him he resides in D.C. and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, where the bishops are closely allied with the Culture of Death.
About time - this should have been done decades ago and perhaps the Democratic Party would not be rabidly pro abortion today
If only this has been done when Teddy Kennedy was alive---maybe we will see a follow-up soon when the House is expected to vote on legislation which will not include the Hyde Amendment (legislation, believe it or not, that dates back to when the Democrats held Congress and the presidency). What does Nancy Pelosi think of repealing Hyde? Stay tuned...
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