The headline on one account reads: “Legionaries reform process outlined.” That is a generous way to characterize the remarks of Archbishop Velasio De Paolis in explaining what will occur as a result of Pope Benedict XVI’s mandate that the Legionaries of Christ undergo reform."
"But despite repeated and credible accusations against him, Maciel held the late Pope John Paul II enthralled because of his ability to raise money and to attract high numbers of young seminarians. He was a charming liar who kept judgment at bay in part by spreading piles of cash around to powerful “friends” around the Vatican."
"I asked Berry for his impression of this new turn in the story, and he responded, not untypically for a Jesuit-educated journalist, with questions":
“How can Benedict or any future pontiff presume to speak about justice in the world when the Vatican’s system of tribunals stands aside, literally, when confronted with bishops and even cardinals [the late Hans Hermann Gröer of Austria] who have themselves abused young people? "
The bottom life is the Vatican is not held accountable by anyone. This is an example that absolute power corrupts absolutely. The people of God are the church and it is our responsibility to speak truth to power, to cut off donations, and to work together to reform our beloved in order to live the Gospel message of integrity and, compassion and justice.
There is hope because there are millions of Catholics, religious orders and organizations like Voice of the Faithful, Call to Action, The American Catholic Council, We Are Church, CORPUS, Roman Catholic Womenpriests and many more working for the transformation and renewal of our church.
I commend Tom Roberts and the staff of the National Catholic Reporter for speaking truth to power in their unrelenting coverage of the global sexual abuse crisis, Fr. Maciel, and the Legionaires of Christ, and the corruption at the highest levels of the Vatican. It is obvious why the top Cardinals including our present Pope did not take action years ago. Tragic, that the witness of victims were not taken seriously until now.
We should be grateful for the National Catholic Reporter, an independent Catholic free press that informs and challenges the church, including the hierarchy and Vatican to live up to Christ's teachings and example. Bridget Mary Meehan, sofiabmm@aol.com
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