One Traveler

Another bomb has gone off in the Catholic Church, this time in Pennsylvania.  A grand jury has released a report detailing pervasive child sex abuse among the clergy.  Not the first time this has come up, but certainly the worst so far.

They focused on the dioceses in the Commonwealth other than Philadelphia and Allentown, which had been previously investigated to similar disgusting effect.

Here is the one that angers me the most–a tale from Pittsburgh:

Zirwas started introducing George to his “friends” who were priests who seemed to share similar interests. On one occasion, Zirwas took George to a parish rectory in Munhall where the following priests were present: Father Francis L. Pucci, Father Richard Zula, and Father Francis Luddy of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. The priests began a conversation about religious statues and asked George to get up on a bed. As the priests watched, they asked George to remove his shirt. They then drew an analogy to the image of Christ on the cross, and told George to remove his pants so that his pose would be more consistent with the image of Christ in a loincloth. At that point, the priests began taking Polaroid pictures of George. As the picture taking  continued, the priests directed George to take off his underwear. George was nervous and complied.

George recalled that either Zula or Pucci operated the camera. He stated that all of the men giggled and stated that the pictures would be used as a reference for new religious statues for the parishes. George testified that this occurred before he turned 18-years -old and that his genitals were exposed in the photographs. George stated that his photographs were added to a collection of similar photographs depicting other teenage boys.

Grand Jury Interim Redacted Report, page 237

Pope Francis:  sorry, but the death penalty is “admissible” (your word) in this case.  For blasphemy as well as sexual abuse.

Blasphemy:  violating the sacred image of the Savior on the Cross, and violating a boy made in the divine image.  “George” was crucified before the religious leaders of his day, just like his Lord.  He was also raped.

“Father” Zirwas and his ugly friends better think of the future.  According to Dante, the devils in Hell are outraged by blasphemy and exceed their divine mandate to punish it:

Thereat the snakes became my friends, for one
coiled itself about the wretch’s neck
as if it were saying:  “you shall not go on!”  (Canto 25, line 4-6–Ciardi translation)

But here is what the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has to say to me in reply:

Some of my friends from the seminary have been accused of abuse. What can I do to support someone who I know has done something terribly wrong?

First, you might have to honestly deal with your own thoughts and feelings about the situation.  Once you find yourself in a better place, beyond your initial reaction, be a friend.  It does not mean that you condone the behavior or in any way rationalize or justify it.  Separate the action and behavior from the person.  All of us are sinners that need mercy and love in our lives. Help bring your friend to the healing and reconciliation that he needs on many levels; spiritually, emotionally, socially, etc. Be careful not to try to fix him up but, be a true reservoir of love and friendship; call him; visit him; spend time with him; pray for him and pray with him.

My pastor has been removed from ministry because of an abuse charge. The diocese has determined it is a credible allegation. I just can’t believe someone as caring as he could do something like this. How can I get over this anger?

First of all, be honest with the anger. Realize that the anger can be both justified and healthy.  Then find someone that you can talk to about the anger and all the other thoughts and feelings that come with it.  Find a close friend or two that you can honestly talk with to deal with your feelings; not to retell the story of the pastor.  Retelling the story about your pastor is not healthy for you or him; or the one you are speaking with. Rumination never brings about reconciliation.  If you have a spiritual director (if not, find one) talk with him or her for your own healing and reconciliation.  Pray for your pastor; it is very healing to pray for someone who has betrayed your trust and confidence.  Pray for yourself, asking God’s grace to move on in a healthy way.

http://usccb.org/issues-and-action/child-and-youth-protection/faqs.cfm, accessed August 15, 2018

Well, there you are.  If you are upset with what’s been happening, hush up and pray for the perpetrators.

Update of August 16:  the first of the above paragraphs is now gone, but the second one, advising “clamming up,” is still there.

Not one damned word about the victims.