Kansas City Star Calls for Bishop’s Resignation

Why won't The Philadelphia Inquirer's editorial board take this strong a stand? Kudos to the Kansas City Star. Even though Cardinal Rigali sent in his resignation papers upon his 75th birthday (as required), our newspapers could do a better job of making him more uncomfortable while he waits. "Kansas City Star Calls for Bishop Finn's … Continue reading Kansas City Star Calls for Bishop’s Resignation

Prosecutors’ Prophetic 2006 Letter Begged Cardinal to Consider His Conscience

In July of 2006, Maureen McCartney and Mariana Sorenson, two prosecutors assigned to the 2005 Philadelphia grand jury investigation wrote Cardinal Rigali a letter foreshadowing the 2011 Grand Jury Report. "We are writing to you as private citizens and advocates of legislative reform because we are alarmed by the message – propagated by Church lobbyists … Continue reading Prosecutors’ Prophetic 2006 Letter Begged Cardinal to Consider His Conscience

Spin Control in Philadelphia

"Crisis Control in Philadelphia," by Joan Frawley Desmond, National Catholic Register, May 26, 2011 NCR: "So boundary violations created the discrepancy between the cases in the grand jury report and Cardinal Rigali’s initial insistence that no priests with credible allegations of abuse were still in ministry? That’s why the priests were subsequently suspended? Mary Achilles: … Continue reading Spin Control in Philadelphia

Archdiocese Puts Review Board in Context – Their Context

COMMUNICATION FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA: THE ARCHDIOCESAN REVIEW BOARD IN CONTEXT May 19, 2011 Documents such as this only serve to infuriate the informed. This offers bits of truth, while omitting important facts. It answers nothing. It certainly puts the Review Board in context, though. Archdiocesan leadership rendered the board completely irrelevant. Note the … Continue reading Archdiocese Puts Review Board in Context – Their Context

Becoming a Priest Amidst Controversy

"Faith Steels His Resolve," by Phil Gianficaro, Columnist, PhillyBurbs.com "The widespread cover-up of predatory priests rumbled beneath Friel's feet. He needed something to hold on to so he wouldn't fall. It wasn't necessary for him to look far. He held onto that which has never allowed him to fall. His faith in God."