I followed Cardinal Pell's posts and what he was up to when and after he was in prison. My impression of him was that he was very greatly growing in both Sanctity and Heroic Virtue as the days and months passed. In other words the fires of Tribulation was making him a saint. It was the same thing in the life of St Thomas Moore with his unjust imprisonment. Before being put in the Tower of London I would say he has a very,very good, very devout layperson. But it was his imprisonment and death that were the spiritual makings of him. I would guess if someone, somewhere, sometime does not slander us for practicing our Catholic Faith we are not practicing it very well.
Yes Trust and pray. Trials on every side but we are never defeated. Praying 7 sorrows rosary this morning for Fr Tony
I'm so sorry Brian, to hear this. I know of a similar case where a priest went to jail. It was at the time when victims could claim large sums of money in compensation, but it is very difficult to prove guilt without evidence, and in this case it was only one person, whose family didn't back him up. It's true that there is an 'off' feeling about those who prey on the vulnerable. Many years ago our holy priest was moved and a new one came in. He instantly ripped out the communion rails and reordered the confessional. He was often on vacation. His sermons were touchy feely and schmaltzy, and his main theology seemed to be about people having fun. Lent was 'having a laugh' and what he said on Good Friday I can't bring myself to write. He also was a bit too huggy with the ladies for my comfort and others'. It never felt improper but it was over familiar. Several of us felt something was 'off' about this guy. He was finally exposed through an on-line group for old schoolfriends. Several discovered they had one thing in common. Each thought they were they only one and wouldn't be believed. He went to jail and died there, denying any wrongdoing to the end. In this case the evidence was quite clear, and for those of us who had met him later in his life, we were saddened, shocked even, but not entirely surprised. What is so sad is that when an innocent man like Cardinal Pell is accused, there is always a slur on their reputation because some people want to believe the worst in others. It's unjust and foul, especially when certain [cough] high ranking churchmen are running around under the protection of an even more powerful one.
When I was in Medjugorie just a few weeks ago, we heard the most wonderful homily delivered by Fr. Nial O’Riordan. I tried to link it directly here but I think it takes you to play list. The date was Sept 24. It really is worth a listen. Among other highlights his sincerity in asking for prayers for priest is spot on. I thought if fit well in this thread not only for Fr. Tony but for all priests. as an aside, I climbed Apparition Hill later than Sunday and was atop the mountain in my thoughts and prayers. When I looked up at the statue of Mary , who do I see kneeling in front of her with his rosary beads and in deep supplication but Fr. Niall. after he was done, I had chance to speak with him … to thank him for his priesthood and to promise to pray for him and priests ever day. these are an “army” in my eyes…. Soldiers of Christ and sons of Mary https://marytv.tv/english-homily-in-medjugorje-2/
How awful, Brian. Prayers for Father and you. Many years ago Fr Benedict Groeschel visited our parish and gave an honest conference on priest sexual abuse. He acknowledged the validity of many accusations but revealed the total annihilation of the falsely accused priests. He said their lives and many, their vocations were destroyed.
At one time Fr. Tony was discerning religious life and took a sabbatical from his diocese. He spent some time with Fr. Groeschel and his order in NYC and got to know him while there. He also checked out the Trappists and the Carthusians.
Just read this thread. Pray for Fr. Tonny and Brian.It's break my heart to see the injustice. May the grace of Almighty God give him strength and perseverance.
A friend from Pennsylvania has been waiting at the jail for Fr. to be released on bond since noon today. She has to get home to her family, so I am heading up to wait for him and it is a 3 Hour drive from here. This whole situation gets more bizarre and sinister by the day. Please say a prayer for us.
