Friday, April 08, 2005
WHY DIDN'T HE REFUSE ?
Newsday.com reports:
Cardinal Bernard Law, who resigned in disgrace as archbishop of Boston over his role in the clergy sex abuse crisis, has been given a role of honor in the mourning for Pope John Paul II.
The Vatican announced Thursday he will lead one of the daily Masses celebrated in the pope's memory during the nine-day period that follows the funeral, called Novemdiales. The service will be held Monday at Rome's St. Mary Major Basilica, where Law was appointed archpriest after leaving Boston.
Some Roman Catholics in his former archdiocese immediately protested.
Suzanne Morse, spokeswoman for Voice of the Faithful, a Massachusetts-based reform group that emerged from the scandal, said Law's visibility since the pope's death has been "extremely painful" both for abuse survivors and rank-and-file Catholics.
"It certainly shows and puts a spotlight on the lack of accountability in the Catholic Church, that the most visible bishop in the clergy sexual abuse crisis has been given these honorary opportunities," she said.
David Clohessy, national director for the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, called it "terribly insensitive."
Cardinal Law is surely aware of the response of the victims to his position of honor. Why, then, didn't he refuse to say this Mass. Surely he could have invited another cardinal to do the honors. Out of deference to the victims and out of what we hope is a contrite heart, he should have stepped aside.
Washington Cardinal Theodore McCarrick said he did not know why Law was chosen, but said it was likely because the basilica is one of the great churches of Rome.
"It would be a natural selection," McCarrick said. "The choice was certainly not made for any reason except to honor St. Mary Major."
Does this, then, do honor to St. Mary Major? Somehow I doubt it.
Blogger credit to Novus Ordo Watch.
