Canada has it's own "Patrick Kennedy". His name is Justin Trudeau, son of the famous Pierre Elliot Trudeau. He claims to be Catholic, like his father, yet he's vigorously pro-abortion and pro-homosexuality. He's a Liberal Member of Parliament for the riding of Papineau.
So the burning question on everybody's lips is: will any bishop tell him not to receive communion?
Hmmmm... Let's see now. The Parliament buildings are in the Archdiocese of Ottawa, which is part of the jurisdiction of Archbishop Terrence Prendergast. The riding of Papineau is on the Island of Montreal, which falls under Cardinal Turcotte.
I understand that these bishops need not make a public statement about this. They only need to speak privately to Justin Trudeau and to the clergy in their dioceses to give instructions on not giving communion. I just hope that we don't hear some story about Trudeau having been given communion somewhere.
It's worth remembering that Bishop Fred Henry (Calgary) has spoken out on several occasions on refusing communion to politicians.
- In 2004, he said John Kerry, the presidential candidate, should be denied communion.
- In 2005, he said the same thing during a testimony before Parliament.
I am very proud that Bishop Henry took such a public stance on this issue. That was truly inspiring. God bless him.
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