Sunday, November 18, 2007
SEEDS OF HOPE
Susanna sent in a link to this story at the i observe website:
SPRINGFIELD Responding to the concerns that a local
prayer group known as The Seeds of Hope is harmful to
Catholics, Springfield Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell has
launched an investigation into the group's activities, the
diocese announced Nov. 14.
"In light of questions and concerns raised about the Seeds
of Hope group, led by Neil Harrington Jr., Bishop McDonnell
has appointed the former judicial vicar for the diocese and
a member of the chancellor's office to investigate this
matter and report back to him," said Mark E. Dupont,
diocesan spokesman.
The matter involves a weekly prayer cenacle and activities
surrounding it in which Neil Harrington Jr., a Springfield
resident and leader of the group, claims to have received
messages from the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Francis of
Assisi. Harrington claims that Mary appeared to him and
related messages to him in his parents' Enfield, Conn.,
home from 1991 until 1997.
Harrington distributed these messages for more than a
decade in the Archdiocese of Hartford, Conn., and in the
Diocese of Springfield. In 1995, Harrington was told by the
archdiocese not to distribute messages, but there have been
indications that Seeds of Hope continues to distribute
materials.
The Diocese of Springfield's formal inquiries will not be
the first investigation of the group.
Indeed this is not the first investigation. The article goes on to discuss the involvement of accused pedophile priest Father John J. Szantyr. You may recall that Fr. Szantyr has been accused of sexual abuse with a pending trial that has been continued numerous times, most recently on November 13. This is something like the 35th time the trial has been stalled.
Bishops Accountability provides the text from the Boston Herald which indicates in part:
"We did receive conclusive proof that contrary to the instructions from the Diocese of Worcester, he had celebrated Mass in a private home in Springfield," [Springfield diocesan spokesman Terence] Hegarty said. "The bishop informed him that he remains absolutely forbidden to celebrate Mass anywhere, privately or publicly, or to administer any sacramental functions at all."
The Worcester Voice provides more background on Szantyr."Worcester Voice provides more details including a letter from the wife of a member of the Seeds of Hope, and the following:
November 13, 2007
DA Joseph Early allows another continuance in Szantyr case, without prior notification to victims.
In a startling disclosure the Worcester District court reveled today that a continuance has been granted from the court. The actual party to request for the continuance was unavailable.
The Worcester District court, criminal division has recorded the next hearing to be scheduled on December 14, 2007.
No notation was within the docket that recorded ADA Joseph Reilly III requested John Szantyr be compelled to attend the court hearing.
For any victims of sexual abuse to be dragged thought the court system for four long years is archaic and demeaning.
Notification of this latest court action was made to the victims and witness by the Worcester Voice.
November 11, 2007
Neil Harrington Jr. exposed for making disingenuous statements regarding his knowledge of accused Priest.
Within the operation for the Seeds of Hope ministry numerous spurious statements have been presented by Neil Harrington Jr. in regards to his actual knowledge concerning the status Fr. John Szantyr.
On August 29th Neil called Bill Fortin stating:" I know Fr. John, I've known him for a long time. I know his situation".
