We have all seen the horror stories over the past few months about sexual abuse in the Church. We have all been disgusted and enraged by them. For some, it has been too much. They have decided to leave the Church because of all the ugliness they see
I understand that. I see the same ugliness, more close up and personal than most people do. I have been working in the child protection program of the Archdiocese since 2005. I have read the public reports and I've read through the files of priests who have been abusers. I've read academic studies of child molestation and the testimony of victims. Part of my job is to help investigate allegations, so I've talked personally and at length to many victims of abuse. I see the raw ugliness of the sins that were committed against these innocent people. At times it's overwhelming, and it is always depressing. I've also seen the poor responses, the indifference, sometimes the hostility of Church authorities who have tried to ignore, deny, deflect, or conceal what was going on. So yes, there is much ugliness
But that's not all I see when I look at the Church I love. Even with everything that's been going on, and all the sin and evil in the Church, I still see so much beauty. I see things like:
- The Holy Hour of Prayer for the victims of sexual abuse that we held in St. Patrick's Cathedral. What could be more beautiful than adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the devotion of those who were there -- mostly young adults.
- The deep reverence of priests towards the Eucharist during exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, and even during daily Mass.
- The profession of final vows by the Sisters of Life. A spectacular liturgy, sublime music, and the powerful witness of women who were dedicating their entire lives to the Lord and his least ones.
- The consecration to Mary that my wife and I made on the feast of Our Lady of Knock. Mary has been a source of so much grace and consolation to us that it was wonderful for us to offer ourselves back to her.
- The Divine Mercy Shrine in Stockbridge, which we visited recently. Such a powerful devotion, and a wonderful, peaceful location for prayer and reparation.
- The ardent curiosity and commitment of the young adults who come to our monthly Discussion and Discipleship group. We talk about Church teaching on tough topics like contraception, life issues, and sex abuse. You can sense the yearning and hunger for truth in the hearts of these wonderful people.
- The sublime beauty of the Traditional Latin Mass and the noble simplicity of the ordinary Mass.
- The sight of members of the Legion of Mary, praying the Rosary at the Grand Central subway station. Such a wonderful public witness of the power of prayer.
- The dedication of so many loyal Catholics whose hearts burn with love for Christ and his Church, and who are desperately looking for something to do to correct the abuses.