SECOND IN SERIES BY KATHY KANE A few years ago when I encountered a breach in the Safety Environment Program, it gave me an opportunity to learn about our archdiocese's child protection system. A few archdiocesan employees and a kind regional Vicar led me through the process. The most valuable lesson I learned from the … Continue reading Why Father John Paul Being Left In Ministry Is So Shocking

In this case, a portrait says a thousand words. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop emeritus of the Philadelphia Archdiocese, visited St. Charles Borromeo Seminary on April 2 for the official unveiling of his official portrait. He celebrated Mass preceding a dinner reception at the Seminary.What this portrait says to the laity is that seminarians were taught … Continue reading A Picture Says a Thousand Words

Click here to read: "Popes John Paul II and John XXIII: a rush to sainthood?" by Josephine Mckenna, Religion News Service, The Salt Lake Tribune, April 22, 2014Excerpt: "One of the questions here is whether a pope can be a saint and also make managerial mistakes," Thavis said, "and I think Vatican officials would say … Continue reading Should a Pope’s Legacy Be Judged On Child Sex Abuse Cover Up?

Click here to read "Poet laureate confronts his childhood abuse by priest," by Will Higgins, Indystar.com, April 20, 2014Excerpt: "I am a poet who returns to origins. In 1980 and '83, my wife and I adopted two infants from Bogotá, Colombia, and she felt we should give them a religious experience. Katherine is deeply religious, … Continue reading Poet Laureate Reveals Childhood Sex Abuse By Priest

by MICHAEL BAUMANN from his blog "Off My Knees: Standing up for myself and other victims of sexual abuse by clergy," April 14, 2014 “The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms.” - Socrates An article on the Vatican Radio’s Website  reported on  a request from Pope Francis for forgiveness for the priests who … Continue reading A Papal Request for Forgiveness Begs Clarification

During the Philadelphia Coalition for Victim Advocacy lunch on April 11, awards were given to those who go above and beyond for victims of crime. Detective James Dougherty won the Barbara McPherson Award/Police Personnel Award. Here's an excerpt from the program book: "...He worked with compassion and diligence on the clergy abuse cases resulting in … Continue reading Detective James Dougherty Honored for Work On Philly’s Clergy Sex Abuse Cases

Click here to read: "Pope Francis asks forgiveness for priests who sexually abused children," by Daniel Burke and Laura Smith-Spark, CNN, April 11, 2014Excerpt: "The church is aware of this damage, it is personal, moral damage carried out by men of the church, and we will not take one step backward with regards to how … Continue reading Pope Pledges to Penalize Clergy Who Harm Children

The same story everywhere....Click here to read, "As a Kansas City detective is honored in the Shawn Ratigan case, the diocese is castigated," by Judy L. Thomas, The Kansas City Star, April 9, 2014Excerpt: “When it becomes clear at the outset of the investigation that the entire hierarchy of a centuries-old religious denomination does not … Continue reading Law Enforcement and Victims Make It Safer for Kids – Not Kansas City Diocese