As an advocate for clergy sex abuse victims, their families, mandated reporters and the faithful in the pews still seeking truth, it is hard to imagine that another Easter is here, and four years since one of my first writings, Hidden Blessings, was published. Thank you to those who have touched the lives of my family and me, and for reaching out to others with courage to communicate with hope that others willl be safe from harm (http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_www_cath_060412__22hidden_blessings_22.htm) .
In writing Communication is About Action--Not Petty Gossip, as a cradle Catholic, there is no doubt the Holy Spirit is alive and working overtime on behalf of the thousands of clergy sex abuse victims, their families and the faithful in the pews -- thanks to communication and good faith action, throughout the world. Communication is all about action, however, the rules of communication do require good faith. So, when victims and families communicate their personal stories of heinous clergy sex abuse crimes, why are their communications labeled "petty gossip" by Pope Benedict?
Four years ago, in the midst of Holy Week, I wrote about George Neumayr's Cardinal Sin, that explained how Cardinal Mahony wrote a letter to President Clinton, on behalf of Carlos Vignali, asking for clemency for the cocaine dealer. Obviously, someone communicated to Cardinal Mahony that Vignali needed assistance, and in response to that communication, Cardinal Mahony acted by writing a letter for clemency for the cocaine dealer. In my opinion, Cardinal Mahony acted in response to Vignali's communication request for help; however, how many clergy abuse victims and family members also communicated the need for assistance from Cardinal Mahony, but were ignored and labeled anti-Catholicism?
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