As we continue to reel from the repercussions of the Grand Jury Report on the sexual abuse by priests and the cover-up by bishops in six dioceses throughout the state of Pennsylvania, I would like to offer some heartfelt reflections. As I mentioned in my homily last Sunday, when I think of my fellow clergy who have done such terrible things, I think of what our Lord once said: “It would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” I would like to thank all of you who have offered me your prayers and support. I appreciate it greatly as I struggle with you over this scandal that affects all of us so deeply. This is very hard for me and for all of the vast majority of clergy who have been faithful and chaste in their vocation. And, I know it is hard for you; as Pope Francis recently observed so well, I understand well how much these crimes can shake the faith and the spirit of all of us believers.

 
I’m sure you have read or heard about some of the responses by Church leaders, especially Pope Francis, Cardinal DiNardo, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Archbishop Charles Chaput, our Ordinary. In his 17 August column in CatholicPhilly.com, Archbishop Chaput began his reflections with a very helpful comment. He wrote:
 
The Stoics believed that anger is never a healthy thing; it always involves an inhumane appetite to hurt others and it always poisons the soul. But, this isn’t the Christian view. The anger Jesus showed toward the Temple moneychangers, the Sadducees and the Pharisees was not merely acceptable but right and good. The anger Philadelphians felt toward the Archdiocese after the 2005 and 2011 grand jury reports was likewise well placed and justified.
 
Yes, it is perfectly justifiable to feel anger in response to this scandalous activity. But, as with all emotions, we need to make sure that this anger is not the driving force as we respond. Otherwise, we can end up, as the Stoics warned, poisoning our souls and hurting others who are innocent. The suggestion by some to lift the statute of limitations so that civil and criminal suits can be brought against the perpetrators will end up hurting countless people today who rely on the Church’s services. If punitive action could be taken just against the guilty parties, then justice could be served. But, our current justice system allows for payments in millions of dollars in punitive damage and this would mean that the Church would have to severely curtail its services to the homeless, the hungry, the immigrants, those with physical and mental disabilities, etc.
 
A reasoned response is one that both Archbishop Chaput and Cardinal DiNardo have emphasized in their recent statements: grief and support for the victims and comprehensive efforts to ensure that such evil never recurs. As you know, the USCCB has established extensive protocols that require careful screening of all those with any contact with our children or minors; that includes all clergy. We enforce these Safe Environment protocols very strenuously throughout the Archdiocese, including our own parish.
 
If you have read enough of our Church’s history, you know that scandalous activity among clergy is nothing new and yet, because we’re led, not by the clergy but by Jesus Christ (remember, the pope is most accurately called the Vicar of Christ), we continue to be messengers of Good News. As we pray for healing for all of those so seriously hurt by this scandalous activity and repentance and conversion among some of our Church leaders, I received this Novena in Response to Sexual Abuse and have begun to pray it myself; I invite you to join in.
 
NOVENA IN RESPONSE TO SEXUAL ABUSE
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Holy Spirit, comfort us, give us clarity, and bring light to this darkness and evil.
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the
Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of
God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Saint Peter, pray for the Church, that it may be re-built, healed, and made holy.
St. Charles Lwanga and St. Monica, pray for the abused, the survivors and for justice.
St. Catherine of Siena, pray for reform and restoration of the clergy.
St. John Vianney, pray for the holiness of priests and bishops.
St. Benedict, pray that this evil be cast out of the Church. 
St. Anthony, pray for us to find the way forward.
St. Paul, pray for the bishops that they may be fearless in confronting other bishops.
St. Augustine, pray for true repentance and conversion.
St. Dymphna, pray for consolation for the heartache, depression and anxiety this evil has caused.
Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.