After a long period of denial and silence, Pope Benedict XVI has had an audience with a select group of survivors of priest sex abuse. I cannot TELL you how many emails and letters I get from these brave souls.
I saw the Pope the other day in Washington, DC from my hotel window and it was exciting. I want to believe he wants to make it right. Do you?
2 comments:
Liz,
I had the opportunity to view Pope Benedict's Mass on Saturday outside Saint Pat's, and I also attended the one at Yankee Staduim.
When I heard that he met with the victims, it really touched me beyond words. Pope John Paul II never did that. There was a true sincereity that came across in all of his homilys and I was especially moved to see him meet with the familes of 9/11.
I really believe he is trying to implement strong changes and policies within the Catholic Church when it comes to this issue.
He got a lot of criticism for not visiting Boston, but he specifically chose not to do so because of the whole situation with former Cardinal Law. I thought that spoke volumes and really showed he was taking a stand. Why the hell should he reward a Diocese like that?
Having grown up in CT where the sex abuse issue in the Arch Diocese of Bridgport was also a mad scandal, I can't help but constantly wonder... How in the hell did Eagan become Cardinal of NY??? He confirmed me, and I loathe the man. He makes me embarassed to be a Catholic.
But good news- he's resigning! Prais the Lord!
Michele
M:
You totally hit it on the head! I was ambivalent about Pope Benny for a bit - I too, am a Catholic and my dad is a Deacon in the New York Diocese - as he didn't come out and say anything in the beginning and seemed in denial. Then I realized the beloved JP 2 hadn't either.
He is trying. This is a good thing. It's very emotional for the survivors and I am so glad he's moving in the right direction with a scandal that is so far reaching. I only hope he's not doing it to restore our (young people's) faith and refill the coffers. He is, after all, the CEO of a very troubled organization.
Boston, of course, should not be rewarded. What a freaking mess. And yes, we do have our share of scandal here, no? I remember the old days of Cardinal Cooke and I really don't care for Egan.
Obviousy, my dad and I disagree on some things as my dad chooses to ignore the Church sex scandals - or at least, not discuss them with me for fear of my anxiety. He loves tending to his parishioners and for that I am happy. My Catholic upbringing wasn't dark, but I fear for the long-lasting effects of these poor survivors.
xx Liz
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