How do we respond to the "sex abuse scandal"?

[lil_flower_luv]

To the OP: Never underestimate the power of prayer:thumbsup:

 

[portarica]

I appreciate your thinking and analysis of the situation. It is so Catholic - the kind of thinking to which I have always been exposed. Sure there were a couple of priests who have said things that have made me roll my eyes (nothing dramatic - just little things) but in the main the priests have been intelligent, highly educated, holy and dedicated men. I even know one from before he became a priest, then attended his ordination and then later when he left the priesthood to marry, employed him. He remains an honest and good person - exceptionally so.

When the abuse scandal was exposed the pain I felt was so intense and my first reaction was to defend (because of my experience…) Then I became angry and wanted to physically attack priests who might have abused. I KNOW that if I had been abused I would have been destroyed…and yet I had two incidences as a child when one man tried to fondle me while piggy-backing me - I wiggled away and ran - and another who exposed himself and I also ran - he was so handsome and I had idolised him but from that day I never went hear him. I have always been bold and cheeky and if a priest had done such a thing I would probably have shouted and screamed and told the world out loud but I realise some people would be too ashamed and timid. Now I want everything EXPOSED and a complete purge. I realise that the scandal will be with the Church for a long time and that perceptions will be extremely negative.

I would like a thread with people who have suffered abuse and how they handled it and how they came through it, if at all, and whether they are still Catholics.

I do firmly believe that there was a time when society believed that pedophiles could be counselled and cured. The realisation that pedophilia is incurable is recent.

I would also like to see the media more honest in their reporting. I saw the entire homily by Fr Cantelamessa and he said that he received a letter from a Jewish friend who went on to say that the persecution of the Church by the media was akin to anti-semitism. CNN reported (and the BBC) that Fr Cantelamessa had said that which is different from it coming from a Jew - in fact Fr Cantelamessa said that he got permission from the Jewish friend to speak about his letter. See the difference? Yet the media reports that it was Fr Cantelamessa’s opinion. It is a dishonest twist and it makes me wonder how many other twisted reports do we hear daily thinking that it is the truth. The media has a tremendously important role but when they rush to be the first to report without checking their facts then they really do us a disservice because they are reporting lies.

God bless you all
Cinette*

Can you please show me where we can find his homily in English?

Thanks,

Peace

 

[portarica]

Can you please show me where we can find his homily in English?

Thanks,

Peace

I found a translation and Fr. C said before the conclusions reached by his Jewish friend that in affect the Jews know of what they speak, so it does appear that Fr. C was using his friends letter not as a point to be pondered, but as a conclusion to be held.

So there is really no issue with characterizing it as something Fr. C said, since he actually did say it, and he made notice that he gave some authority to what he was to read. It would have been better to give some attribution as well.

But it doesn’t distort the fact that fr. c was trying to emphasize that the church was being prosecuted in the media. The ironic thing about that is that the German people pretended that they didn’t notice the strange smell from the ovens or the mass graves or the slave laborers. In the case of the Nazi’s the press was silent, in the case of abuse, the press is not silent, so the anti-semitism claims of Fr. C and his friend are probably misplaced.

Peace

 

[twb1621]

The following is a post I recently placed in response to antiCatholic posts in another forum. Perhaps it may have benefit or meaning here.

Yes, shamefully scripture tells us these things would come, but it also says the Church will not fail and in a very heart breaking way, these events prove the prophecy of Christ and further prove it is His True Church. Do you still have no trust in the covenant He made with His Church?

I wonder what “facts” you know about the events and history of the events to be so confident of your righteousness as to know you are justified in promoting your conclusions. Do you truly consider yourself free of ever having serious sin that you can make such Judgments let alone without knowing what parts are actually true and what is embellished or outright false? Do you believe everything in the media is presented accurately and honestly?

I do not know ALL the facts, nor do you or most people, only the accusations and resulting responses based on what may have been presented if presented correctly or truthfully by the media. Do I believe some of what happened or to some of those involved… of course. But I am not quick to pass judgment on any entire faith based on some corrupt within it and especially not on accusations made primarily by some “legal representatives” who stand to make a great deal of money from even a settlement made often regardless of facts. Representatives, some of whom specifically seek cases against major entities looking for the biggest profits hopefully with the least efforts through settlements. Representatives many of whom, behind closed doors, can and often do plea bargain and deal to settle a case sometimes not to the best interests of their clients for the quickest solution with the least effort possible to raise the profit margin. Oh, I am not saying that all legal representatives are less than ethically professional, only some.

And the media, some of which whose first interest and priority is in presenting a story in the most captivating way possible with the intention of attracting back viewers to their networks… Did you ever hear a line similar to this; “child in critical condition playing with toy… see the story tonight at 11:00, right here on channel (whatever). Did you ever ask yourself why if the child was critically injured just playing with a toy, the network would hold the story for hours to bring the viewer back later when other children during that time may also be exposed to the same dangerous toy? Or maybe the media embellished the story to make it a bit more alluring to attract viewers and the child actually was injured WHILE playing with a toy but not from the toy.

I am without any reservations whatsoever that Jesus, who as the High Priest of His Church and who has the authority of God the Heavenly Father, to reconcile all things to Himself In heaven and on earth, is perfectly capable of making those determinations and to effect judgment as and when and how He deems appropriate. In fact, I am sure He is and has been involved. I have no doubts that justice by the Hand of God will be implemented appropriately. I also guarantee those who are faithful to Christ in His Church will persevere and appose any corruption within regardless of superficial criticism or insignificant judgments of those with bias.

What I question is, how so many people in our society today who take it on themselves to judge and condemn, either directly or indirectly but fully aware, accept and/or promote and/or supported others in such perversions as abortion, after-the-fact methods of “birth control”, gay marriage, heterosexual relationships often having multiple births outside of marriage, child pornography, internet pornography and sex and so on, yet pass judgment as though so righteous. Who is free of ever having committed sin against God that they can step up and justify to God their righteousness in judging others? And who that believes they have been forgiven their own sins can say who should not be forgiven their sins by our Lord. Doesn’t scripture say what judgment you impose you will bring against yourself and God knows the hearts of man?

I do not speak of judgment imposed through proper accumulation of facts by those who are entrusted to protect society and are recognized professionals, although they have also proved they can be wrong in their conclusions; I am speaking of those members of society who take it on their own to judge and convict and demean through the spread of rumor based on media and commercialism. Who’s free of all sin? How many “Christians” voted for an elected official or our current president who was very clear on his position to reverse or remove any legal obstacle that inhibits abortion once elected? Regardless of the reasons or excuses, voting for someone who is so clearly proactive on issues such as abortion is supporting the act.

continued…

 

[twb1621]

We are one person, one soul, one being, and cannot separate these parts of our self to be two individuals, one who is “Christian”, and the other who is liberal or “politically correct”. Anyone who thinks it is a sin to have an abortion or promote an abortion but acceptable to knowingly vote for someone into political office to represent them or this country who WILL fervently promote abortion is sadly mistaken and may be in for a rude awakening. One body and one sole equals one person, not two. The soul doesn’t go to heaven while the body goes to hell.

DO you truly believe in the entirety of Scripture? Have you wondered recently…

Latin Vulgate
Matthew CH24; 10 And then shall many be scandalized: and shall betray one another: and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall seduce many. 12 And because iniquity hath abounded, the charity of many shall grow cold. 13 But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom, shall be preached in the whole world, for a testimony to all nations, and then shall the consummation come. 15 When therefore you shall see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place: he that readeth let him understand.

Do we stand tall next to Christ among those who spit and throw stones and curse the Church He founded with His Blood? Or can they show through their Sola Scriptura theology, justification supported by scripture for the “reformation” and subsequent establishment of so many diverse beliefs that have generated since that time? It is not hard to see the Catholic Church is authenticated by scripture both in its Divine teachings and in its corruption at times through History. and does anyone think for one minute that Peter and the other apostles did not here the following mockery made of them by non-believers; “Why should we believe what you have to say… wasn’t it one of your own people, Judas, who sent Jesus to the cross for claiming Himself the Son of God?”

 

[eucharisteo]

Do you now have children?

Cinette

I’m the father of 3 children, all sleeping while they wait for that rodent to show up in the middle of the night. I went to my garage downstairs and when I got back I must have scared him because he left a trail of potty and his tutu along with some books and video games. Next year I’m going to pull out my Remington 12 guage pump shotgun and hope for a new car.

I married when a 22 year old church of Christ gal when I was 28. She’s my first baby I always say. I love her very much and am discerning the diacoante with her support. I’m not against clergy at all. In fact, I’ll be the first to defend them. Sure we all make mistakes, sometimes real doozies. This too will pass. My issue is mainly with people that become calloused and insensitive to people that were hurt or setback by it. How many “victims” do you see defending the lack of action made by the clergy? None. When it happens to you there is no excuse. However, if you see things as they really occured, context and history are always important to include. Most of this happened in the 60’s and 70’s. I was at the tail end of it.

I can assure you that the priests in control of that particular seminary have tightened the reigns on everything. Any seminarian missing the prayer times must have a valid reason for missing. there is a curfew that was once not very strict. The priest monk in charge now was a senior seminarian when I was there. My other friend, vocation director, is a very good priest and all the seminarians at the seminary love him. I can vouch for him since we spent a lot of time together in the seminary. We are fortunate to have such good priests rising up through the ranks. I even love his bishop. He is also very good. This trash will pass and everyone will remember it as another battle against Satan that Church prevailed against.

 

[twb1621]

I appreciate your thinking and analysis of the situation. It is so Catholic - the kind of thinking to which I have always been exposed. Sure there were a couple of priests who have said things that have made me roll my eyes (nothing dramatic - just little things) but in the main the priests have been intelligent, highly educated, holy and dedicated men. I even know one from before he became a priest, then attended his ordination and then later when he left the priesthood to marry, employed him. He remains an honest and good person - exceptionally so.

When the abuse scandal was exposed the pain I felt was so intense and my first reaction was to defend (because of my experience…) Then I became angry and wanted to physically attack priests who might have abused. I KNOW that if I had been abused I would have been destroyed…and yet I had two incidences as a child when one man tried to fondle me while piggy-backing me - I wiggled away and ran - and another who exposed himself and I also ran - he was so handsome and I had idolised him but from that day I never went hear him. I have always been bold and cheeky and if a priest had done such a thing I would probably have shouted and screamed and told the world out loud but I realise some people would be too ashamed and timid. Now I want everything EXPOSED and a complete purge. I realise that the scandal will be with the Church for a long time and that perceptions will be extremely negative.

I would like a thread with people who have suffered abuse and how they handled it and how they came through it, if at all, and whether they are still Catholics.

*I do firmly believe that there was a time when society believed that pedophiles could be counselled and cured. The realisation that pedophilia is incurable is recent. *

I would also like to see the media more honest in their reporting. I saw the entire homily by Fr Cantelamessa and he said that he received a letter from a Jewish friend who went on to say that the persecution of the Church by the media was akin to anti-semitism. CNN reported (and the BBC) that Fr Cantelamessa had said that which is different from it coming from a Jew - in fact Fr Cantelamessa said that he got permission from the Jewish friend to speak about his letter. See the difference? Yet the media reports that it was Fr Cantelamessa’s opinion. It is a dishonest twist and it makes me wonder how many other twisted reports do we hear daily thinking that it is the truth. The media has a tremendously important role but when they rush to be the first to report without checking their facts then they really do us a disservice because they are reporting lies.

God bless you all
Cinette

with 25 years experience that began in law enforcement and progressed too through criminal investigations, civil investigations and professional research, I have had the misfortune of being in the back room during off record bargaining and to experience the public embellishment of SOME lawyers to promote the sympathetic favoritism toward their clients in the pursuit of success in their settlement of cases. This at times has gone to a point of mixed truth and false accusations. I have also many times been the direct contact with some media representatives who outright acknowledged their need to attract ratings through maintaining the interest and repeated return reviewers through making the occasional story “more interesting”.

This is the reality of a large part of the society we have today, born of the discard of morality grown through the distancing of the individual and Christian teaching. Not just in the Church but in the household. This for about the last 50 years has flourished to where 75 - 80 % of Catholics not only do not practice but do not know the difference between the Catholic Bible or the KJV or NWT for that matter. This distancing and the failure of the Church to properly screen candidates who also came from this society is the foundation for what we are answering for today in these horrid acts by the corrupt. But those who have promoted a society that has turned almost completely away from moral values, the sanctity of Marriage, the responsibility of raising a child that they unintentionally and carelessly procreated but chose to abort for the sake of future convenience as well as others teaching of their children that God’s around but as long as you try to do what is right in your heart, that’s all that matters or all you need to know, are just as responsible on their part for what we have and will face. Repentance and the return to faith and trust in God and the proper teaching of our Children is the only cure for ALL of it. This has begun but will take time to grow once more. The question is will we have time for it to make a difference.
I was part of this secular society shamefully.

 

[Tybourne]

I found a translation and Fr. C said before the conclusions reached by his Jewish friend that in affect the Jews know of what they speak, so it does appear that Fr. C was using his friends letter not as a point to be pondered, but as a conclusion to be held.

It was a homily not a thesis. The purpose of a sermon is to reflect on how the Gospel applies in our daily lives. Fr.C raised this as an issue for consideration.

So there is really no issue with characterizing it as something Fr. C said, since he actually did say it, and he made notice that he gave some authority to what he was to read. It would have been better to give some attribution as well.

Agreed. Except that the secular media misquoted him as if they were simply his own thoughts. For example, the BBC News headline was: “Outrage at anti-Semitism comparison by Pope preacher”. As others have noted, this was inaccurate and misleading reporting. Fr C has since apologized for any misunderstanding or offence that occurred. Have any of the secular media done the same?

The ironic thing about that is that the German people pretended that they didn’t notice the strange smell from the ovens or the mass graves or the slave laborers. In the case of the Nazi’s the press was silent, in the case of abuse, the press is not silent, so the anti-semitism claims of Fr. C and his friend are probably misplaced.

Yes, the press, during the rise of the Third Reich, largely turned a blind eye to what they were doing. At the same time, the Nazis undertook a major propaganda campaign to increase the circulation of their 'news’papers through increasing the coverage given to scandals involving Jewish people. For example, they accused a Jewish-owned clothes company of failing to pay income taxes and investing money in Switzerland. This story dominated the Nazi press for several weeks. These scandals were hyped up by the Nazi press in order to increase prejudice against Jewish people, laying the groundwork for persecution. It is this parallell that seems to have struck Fr. C’s friend, when he wrote:

The use of stereotypes and the passing from personal responsibility and guilt to a collective guilt remind me of the more shameful aspects of anti-Semitism

 

[theinquisitive]

“The use of stereotypes and the passing from personal responsibility and guilt to a collective guilt remind me of the more shameful aspects of anti-Semitism”

The shameful aspects of anti-Semitism<<----------:tsktsk:

Something the “Catholic Church” has been guilty of for centuries…
This seems a little cynical to me,and I may imagine to many more.
Jews were murderd,tortured,in some countries… “wiped out”. “Die Endlösung”
All the while, the “Church/s” looked the other way… It seems to be a habit hard to shake off.
It can in no way be likened to the “victimization” of the C.Church…

Having said this I do not put the blame on the Church of God/Christ but on the people who profess to be HIS followers.THE CHURCH,has mutated into an institution,more concernd with keeping up apearences,than keeping it’s self accountable to the “institution” Christ intalled.
It is NOT “the Church” that is the guilty party,it is, it’s self apointed, “infalibile” hierachy,protecting it’s wealth,power,and influence,too buisy trying to fill the pews with “Paying clientel”,glad for EVERY Seminarian who decides to become a priest,(nummbers are falling).
It is becoming more like a monstrous Industry.instead of a religous community,following in the footsteps of Christ (it’s founder).
The Church’s of all dominations are in competion as to who has the larger community,and how they can enlarge the same,even making “exemptions to the rules” ie’ married Anglican clergy coming back to Rome… allowing some African “pagen rites” within it’s congregation… The Pius “Brotherhood” (SSPX) being welcomed back,January 2009 the Holy See remitted the excommunications of the Society’s bishops (the Pope was unaware of their anti-Semitic comments???can be found on their oficial website),changing some of the Vatican II rules,in their favour,which btw. were sactioned,at the time,by the now Pope.
Do we (Christians) realy need such “pomp” and “gloria” ? Did Christ ask that of us??
Did HE or HIS Apostles collect “worldly goods”,keep “relics” in a Palast,pray to anyone other than God? ask for any ones intercession for forgiveness of their sins? Demand of His “Bishops” to live celibate? (Petrus and many others were married).
The answer to all those,a definate NO!!!
Time to reflect,on the life that we all should lead,including the persons to whom we look to for guidence,do they reflect the message of Christ? do they live as He did,do they really deserve the “idolization” we so readily give.
Or,are they JUST servants of HIS / OUR Church, If so then we should look more carefuly at the lives they lead,the way they conduct themselves,in private as well as in public,after all,they are representatives of HIS (our) Church!!!
They are the ones who bring/brought shame upon it,not the “media” nor the victims…
In my opinion,even IF,the rest of the world,ie’ Teachers,Protestant clergy,Boy Scout leaders,and so on,and so on,do/did commit more such crimes,it can not lessen the crimes commited by the guilty persons serving within the Catholic Church,nor does it lessen the guilt of those who knew and remained silent,no matter how long ago,nor who they were/are… Sexual abuse against children(also adults) is a crime/sin and allways was,the fact that it hapend long ago does not excuse it,for,even in acient Christian times it was a grave crime/sin!!! and the Priests,Bishops,Cardinals;Popes KNEW it!!!
Those involved,in any way,should resign,only then will the Catholic Church be able to proudly hold up it’s head… and be once more the Church Christ allways intended it to be.
And no,this (“idle gossip” >quote;- Pope Benedikt< ) will not just curl up and die,it has wounded the Catholic Church’s reputation too deeply,it will take very “deep cuts” in the way the hierachy conducts it’s self,now and in future. No more “secret files”, or anything secret,for as one poster here so rightly stated, “secrets create suspicion”… Truth does not shun the light of day…A Happy Easter to all…

 

[eucharisteo]

“The use of stereotypes and the passing from personal responsibility and guilt to a collective guilt remind me of the more shameful aspects of anti-Semitism”

The shameful aspects of anti-Semitism<<----------:tsktsk:

:ballspin:

 

[Cinette]

Can you please show me where we can find his homily in English?

Thanks,

Peace

PM me your email address and I will gladly forward you Fr Cantalamessa’s homily.

Happy Easter - Jesus is risen - ALLELUIA!
Cinette

 

[Cinette]

I found a translation and Fr. C said before the conclusions reached by his Jewish friend that in affect the Jews know of what they speak, so it does appear that Fr. C was using his friends letter not as a point to be pondered, but as a conclusion to be held.

So there is really no issue with characterizing it as something Fr. C said, since he actually did say it, and he made notice that he gave some authority to what he was to read. It would have been better to give some attribution as well.

But it doesn’t distort the fact that fr. c was trying to emphasize that the church was being prosecuted in the media. The ironic thing about that is that the German people pretended that they didn’t notice the strange smell from the ovens or the mass graves or the slave laborers. In the case of the Nazi’s the press was silent, in the case of abuse, the press is not silent, so the anti-semitism claims of Fr. C and his friend are probably misplaced.

Peace

The press has propagated the lies about Pius XII for years. Fortunately there are Jews who have written books to expose the truth of Pius XII role in saving the lives of hundreds of thousands of Jews.

Over the Holy Week celebrations attending the services and watching also on EWTN especially the Easter Vigil at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception one could see the faith of the people and the solidarity with the many priests in attendance. At our local Parish, after the Vigil the whole Parish waited for Fr Harry outside the Church and gave him a standing ovation. He has been with us for many years and does great work. I think we should acknowledge the work and sacrifice of our priests. It would be nice if the Media did some research and reported on the great work and sacrifice of the Catholic Church and its priests the world over. Here in S Africa they earn +/- $187 per month - it is a stipend really. They have to live among us in this world where sin is in our face and temptation is everywhere, everywhere…

Cinette

 

[Cinette]

PM me your email address and I will gladly forward you Fr Cantalamessa’s homily.

Happy Easter - Jesus is risen - ALLELUIA!
Cinette

Here is the latest on Fr Cantalamessa:Father Cantalamessa Clarifies His Reference to Jews
Notes Vatican Didn’t Preview His Sermon

ROME, APRIL 4, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The preacher of the Pontifical Household
is expressing regret if Jewish sensibilities were offended by his Good
Friday sermon given in the presence of Benedict XVI. He says his intention
was a “friendly one.”

Father Raniero Cantalamessa, during the liturgy of the Lord’s Passion,
read a passage from a letter he had received from a Jewish friend. The
letter’s author stated that he saw in recent media attacks of the Pope and
the Church something reminiscent of the “more shameful aspects of
anti-Semitism.”

Afterward, some press reports of Father Cantalamessa’s remarks stirred up
fierce criticism from the Jewish world.

In response to the criticism Father Cantalamessa said: “If, against any
intention of mine, I offended the sensibility of Jews and the victims of
pedophilia, I sincerely regret it and ask forgiveness, reaffirming my
solidarity with both.”

“There is one thing that I must clarify,” Father Cantalamessa added. “Not
only did the Pope not ask me to say what I did, but, like everyone else,
heard my words for the first time during the liturgy in St. Peter’s. No one
in the Vatican ever asked to read the text of my sermons ahead of time,
something that I regard as a great act of confidence in me and in the
media.”

The Capuchin Friar explained to the Italian newspaper “Corriere della
Sera” his intention in citing his Jewish friend’s letter: “This year the
Jewish Passover occurs during the same week as Christian Easter. This gave
me the idea, even before I had received the letter from my Jewish friend,
to offer them a greeting from Christians, precisely in the context of Good
Friday, which, unfortunately, has always been an occasion of conflict and,
for them, of understandable suffering .”

“I inserted the letter from [my] Jewish friend only because it seemed to
me a witness of solidarity with the Pope so harshly attacked in recent
weeks,” he continued. "My intention therefore was a friendly one, not at
all hostile.

“In his letter, my Jewish friend, an Italian who is deeply identified with
his religion, even authorized me to give his name. I was the one who
decided it was not prudent to involve him directly, and much more do I
think so now.”

Later on Good Friday, the director of the Vatican press office, Jesuit
Father Federico Lombardi, clarified that “it is not the line of the Holy
See to compare the attacks on the Pope over the pedophilia scandal to
anti-Semitism.”

“Father Cantalamessa’s intention,” the Jesuit added, “was merely to
disclose the solidarity with the Pope that a Jew has expressed in light of
the particular experience of suffering that his people have had. But it was
a citation that could have given rise to misunderstandings.”

Fr Cantalamessa is very gracious. He had nothing to apologise about.

I believe that there will be tons of journalists in Purgatory “serving time”.

The media is so important and has the power to do so much good. How can they be proud of the work they do when they propagate so many lies and mislead the public? They will have a lot to answer for - that’s for sure.

Cinette

 

[fms]

1. Pray for the Pope. Offer Masses for him.

***Let us pray for our Holy Father Pope Benedict.
May the Lord protect him, enliven him, and make him happy on earth, and deliver him not into the hands of his enemies. ***

1. Offer some mortification for him (I know of someone who offered their Good Friday fast for the Pope)
2. Forgive Maureen Dowd and all involved (e.g. the media).
3. Write to Maureen Dowd/Letters to the Media.

 

[benedictus2]

Having said this I do not put the blame on the Church of God/Christ but on the people who profess to be HIS followers.THE CHURCH,has mutated into an institution,more concernd with keeping up apearences,than keeping it’s self accountable to the “institution” Christ intalled.

Here’s a little question for everyone.

Let’s suppose that you have a big family. Let’s suppose that you found out that one of your sons is a paedophile. What would you do? Would you go to the police straight away and report him. Would you denounce him to all your friends. This is your own beloved son remember.

It is very easy to pass judgement on the decisions made by some bishops because we are not in their shoes. This great dilemna of what to do is not ours to make.

The Church is not just an institution. It is a family - God’s family. If we truly believe that God has placed the Pope and bishops to be our shepherds, then you can imagine the dilemna. They are not just here to be caretakers of our bodies but caretakaers of the Church - His Body.

We all hold this Great Treasure but in earthen vessels - and as such can make the wrong call.

Once we become aware of how great our own sinfulness is, it becomes less easy to pass judgment on others who have sinned no matter how heinous their crimes may be.

Perhaps, those who tried to hide this thought: There but for the grace of God go I. And that is true for all of us. There but for the grace of God we go.

 

[Cinette]

I have been so frustrated with the media. I heard on several news channels that the Pope did not mention the sex abuse during the Masses and services of Holy Week.

We are celebrating the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus - the most important feast of the year. It would not be appropriate for the Pope to speak of these things.

Imagine if a couple were getting married and a forthnight before the wedding the Mother of the bride discovers her husband has been cheating on her and she is terribly upset and angry. Now at the wedding when the Father of the Bride makes his speech he then refers to his infidelity!!! Would that be appropriate?

We know that the Pope has always been uncompromising when it comes to morals and has taken measures that these things will not happen again. Now it has come out that a priest and priests in Ireland have committed abuse 40 years ago. It is terrible, it must be addressed - there must be zero tolerance. But, as usual, the media wants to discuss this at length- you know the Americans: they want to scrape the bottom of the barrell - they want to look at it from above, below, and both sides again and again and again. We see that all the time when there is a scandal!!! Like People magazine (I have never read this magazine but have seen it at the check out point in the Supermarkets - wouldn’t was my money

Cinette

 

[fms]

You know what? Maureen Dowd is Catholic!

If I were her, I would be trembling

Cf. Numbers 12

 

[Benadam]

Here’s a little question for everyone.

 

[benedictus2]

You’re right. I would be reluctant to throw the family garbage out in the street for all to see. I would take great pains to foster an environment of healing. Like the Bishops 50 years ago my judgement might have bent to the secular wind and I might have thought a little therapy would purge my son of that unnatural desire. But for the life of me if he pleaded to return to the field that gave that desire opportunity for satisfaction I would not believe he had repented. If he pleaded with me to never let him go near again to those he might endanger, to not let him be exposed to near occassions of this sin, I would rejoice for his contrite heart and for not having to force him to do what ought to be done.

A spin has to be put on the analogy, what was happening was a web of disorder that spun all the way up to the Shephards of souls. Pedophilia wasn’t the disorder that caused this scandal. Same sex attraction caused this scandal. That desire found rich soil to plant roots and had become a tall tree in the garden of our Priests. The gardener isn’t focused on weeding out candidates to the Priesthood who suffer with a disordered sexual desire for children. Same sex attraction is the gardeners target.

The analogy would require that the father be afflicted with the sickness of the son. Perhaps having more or less control over it. Nevertheless, the analogy would require that the sin of the son be clouding the judgement of the father. That the father be not just reluctant to go to the police but be fearfull that the spotlight on his son might cast his own disfigured shadow on the neighborhood street.

It got that bad.

I am not saying that decisions taken were right. I myself would have preferred that they were removed from office and de-frocked.

I also agree that homosexuality is the cause of the problem.

The analogy fails as well in that in the case of a family situation one is only considering one’s own family. The bishops have the added burden of weighing it against the interests of the universal Church. That said though, I think following the truth no matter where it leads is always a good dictum to follow for it can only lead to liberation.

I think hiding the problem is a wrong call but now I am glad that it is out. It is a good chance for us to clean house.

The Church is Christ’s Church, no matter the terrible revelations that are coming out now. Down the centuries the church has endured the iniquities of her errant members. But her Spouse will not leave her that way.

Christ is God and He is in control of His Church even though it may not seem that way to our finite understanding.

This also be the devil’s way of sifting us all. So let us pray to hold fast to the faith and let us pray for those whose faith may be shaken by this.

 

[benedictus2]

I don’t hold the entire church responsible, just the 1-4% of priests who abused and all the bishops and cardinals and popes, except those that did all they could to not condone abuse with inaction.

We are all part of the one Body of Christ. When the toe is blistering and infected the whole Body is in pain.

I wonder, we think that this and that priest is evil to do this and that sin and yet we all sin, but we tend to think Oh but my sin is smaller than that. But who is to judge whether it is really smaller.

A cripple who can run a half a mile is probably more heroic than a fit athlete who runs 40 miles.

Instead of cringeing, I think we should all just pray and be mindful of Chesterton’s answer when asked what’s wrong with the world - “I am”.

The same could be said of the Church. What is wrong with the Church is me. And if we all looked at ourselves, then this probably would not have happened.

But so many of us have bought into moral relativism that it is probably about time that we got knocked out of our complacency.