I have made occasional donations to this organisation (Opus Bono Sacerdotis) which helps priests who have been kicked out of their parishes and lost their incomes because of accusations of abuse made against them. It is certain that, because of the large financial compensation paid to accusers, some (many) of these accusations are false but whether innocent or not, these men deserve some help. Many are unable to pay for prescriptions or run their cars. As it's coming up to Christmas, I commend this organisation to you and ask you to consider helping these discarded priests in this season of goodwill. This is a message that they sent me today. http://www.opusbono.org/donate.html I had to share with you a powerful email that was sent to our president, Joe Maher, from a mother of ten whose children are voluntarily giving up some of their Christmas presents in order to support the priests who are standing in line waiting for our financial assistance this Christmas. Please read below and see the picture! It touched all of the priests and staff here at Opus Bono deeply and motivated us to think ever more serious about the work that God has called us to do in caring for His priests. "These are the five youngest of our ten kids. Aren't they cute? Okay, I'm a biased mother!" (Mary Rose is the one in pink holding the infant) "Joe, My kids love priests. We live near a seminary and get to meet and know lots of priests, quite a lot. It's a huge blessing. Plus the kids know all about Father G. (who is now a good friend) and the injustice in his case. They've written to him. (It's easy to explain to kids. They "get it" more than most adults. All I had to do was point out how it feels when they are punished and they are not guilty. Of course they don't know all of the details, but they understand injustice.) So anyway, at dinner time we discussed giving up presents to support your work for priests and they were totally in support of my idea. So, if I buy them fewer gadgets etc. and give that savings to priests they are great with that. We even talked about how some of these kids (our kids) are from third world countries. Mary Rose, 10, remembers the unbelievable poverty in Ethiopia. We have more than enough in this country. So, we can make tiny sacrifices for these priests who are suffering so painfully for love of Holy Mother Church, well it's the least we can do. As my friend Mother Lucy says they are the martyrs of our time. God has blessed us beyond measure and it's the least we can do to share a little. God bless you and your fine organization! I hope and pray you get lots of money for these priests this Christmas! Thanks for all you do. Liz" Would you please consider joining Liz's kids and make a special donation to enable us to support the priests who are awaiting our support this Christmas? The need has never been more urgent! Please click on the link below to make your special Christmas donation: http://www.opusbono.org/donate.html It is much needed and on behalf of all the priests and staff of Opus Bono, I thank you! Pete
