The Good News, The Bad News
Crisis Magazine e-Letter
May 19, 2006
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Dear Friend,
I don't get along overly well with nature. This is not a point I've
come to lightly. Quite the contrary. I've done a great deal of study
on the subject, including several marathon sessions watching the
National Geographic Channel.
In light of my research, I've concluded that nature can be roughly
divided into two categories:
1. Things that I can't eat because they're poisonous.
2. Things that will bite me.
Since I want neither to be poisoned nor bitten (or, with my luck,
poisoned then bitten), I've avoided a lot of time spent in the
outdoors.
That changed a couple weeks ago when I took a five-day fishing trip
in southern Kentucky with my father. We didn't catch much, and I
managed to get a nice sunburn (by the end of the week, I looked like
a superhero whose sole power is to be red).
But none of that mattered. I had a wonderful time with my father,
and I experienced the rejuvenation that only nature can provide. The
fact is, in the natural world, we meet God's creation unmediated by
human hands. That tree over there? God made it. The river? He made
that too. And he did it without the help of man.
So consider this a strong recommendation from a confirmed city-boy:
Take some time to enjoy the peace of nature. God made it for us.
But of course, I didn't write to you to tell you about my vacation.
There are a couple important things happening... including one very
sad event.
Let's start with that.
* * * *
This morning, the Vatican released a statement on the conclusion of
their long investigation into sexual abuse allegations made against
Fr. Marcial Maciel, the founder of the Legionaries of Christ and the
Regnum Christi Movement.
As you may know, in the late 1990s, nine former Legionaries filed a
complaint with the Church claiming that Maciel had sexually abused
them throughout the 1940s-1960s. He denied the charges.
An investigation was opened but never really went anywhere (and one
of the original accusers recanted). Then, in 2004, then-Cardinal
Ratzinger reopened the inquiry. Additional evidence was gathered, and
several other individuals stepped forward to say that they'd also
been abused.
Now, the investigation has ended. You can read the full statement
here:
http://212.77.1.245/news_services/press/vis/dinamiche/b1_en.htm
(Cut and paste into your web browser if the link doesn't work.)
One particular paragraph is noteworthy:
"After having attentively studied the results of the investigation,
the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, under the guidance of
the new prefect, Cardinal William Joseph Levada, decided -- bearing
in mind Fr. Maciel's advanced age and his delicate health -- to forgo
a canonical hearing and to invite the father to a reserved life of
penitence and prayer, relinquishing any form of public ministry. The
Holy Father approved these decisions."
So what are we to conclude from this? Well, Rome clearly believes
that at least some of the charges are true. Otherwise, they would not
consign the rest of Maciel's 86-year life to "penance."
But what about the punishment? Does it seem a bit light? Well,
that's surely what we'll hear from critics. I disagree. Remember: The
events occurred at least 50 years ago in Mexico -- surely past any
statute of limitations. Furthermore, given Maciel's age and health
(at least some rumors say he's mentally impaired), a canonical
process to have him defrocked would be, at this stage, quite
difficult. The Vatican has opted for closure over a canonical trial
that the defendant would not likely survive.
The fact is, Maciel has been silenced and removed from the public
(he stepped down from leadership of the Legionaries last year, so
that's not an issue). This is a very serious punishment -- possibly
the most serious penalty the Vatican could impose, practically
speaking.
What does this mean for the future of the Legion and Regnum Christi?
Only time will tell. I was myself a member of the Regnum Christi
Movement from 1996-1998. There are no scandalous reasons for my
withdrawal... it just wasn't for me. However, I still have numerous
friends in both the Movement and the Legion, and I'm praying for them
in this very difficult time. Legion priests are some of the finest
I've known, and I'm very sad to see them go through this.
* * * *
Thankfully, not all the recent news has been bad. Earlier this week,
Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, archbishop of Washington, DC, announced
his retirement and his replacement has been named: Bishop Donald
Wuerl of Pittsburgh.
Bishop Wuerl is not only doctrinally solid, but he's also
tremendously pastoral as well. And he's good in front the camera...
so good that he has a nationally syndicated television program, The
Teachings of Christ. That will come in handy in the very visible role
as archbishop of Washington.
Yet another sign that Pope Benedict is committed to providing great
bishops for the Church.
I'll talk to you next week,
Brian
*** HOW TO FIND REAL HAPPINESS BY IGNORING THE SELF-HELP BOOKS ***
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Get the facts here:
http://www.crisismagazine.com/truth.htm
(Cut and paste into your web browser if the link doesn't work.)
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