10 Comments

I take no great pleasure in saying this: the statement you cited barring Cdl. Mahony was walked back with a clarification on February 15, 2013. He celebrated public Masses in the archdiocese since then, including presiding over confirmation Masses in some instances.

I know as I was in parish ministry in the archdiocese 2004-2014 and well aware of the controversy at the time. I am not a canonist but I recall issues being raised as to what Archbishop Gomez could do as Mahony is a cardinal.

Here is the statement from the director of public relations for ADLA at the time:

“Cardinal Mahony was and remains a priest in good standing with full rights to celebrate the Holy Sacraments and minister to the faithful without restriction. The LA Times covered the clarification in the following article on February 15, 2013: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/02/gomez-pray-for-cardinal-mahony-has-be-goes-to-rome.html.

Cardinal Mahony was not “relieved of his duties.” He was already retired and thus did not have administrative public duties as Archbishop of Los Angeles.”

Thanks for your good reporting. Much appreciated.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you. I will issue a correction.

Expand full comment

Thank you, also, for the good reporting, and this clarification about Mahoney. Still, his giving an interview to a Vatican news outlet, giving the air of legitimacy to his opinions, demonstrates his, and the other leaders he is connected to, like McCarrick, addiction to power, acting like politicians rather than shepherds who guard the people, and guard the true teaching, especially covering up, and participating in, the abuse scandals, all to continue to promote their agenda of "moving The Church into the future", or "adapting it to modern times". They feel self-righteous in what they do, and, yet, are blind to the damage they are doing.

As to Cal Ripken as a key to Baltimore's greatness, true, but must add how George Herman Ruth grew up at St Mary's orphanage and industrial school in Baltimore, after running wild in the streets as a boy, and it was Brother Matthias who helped guide him to become the legend of Babe Ruth in baseball, especially hitting that home run in the World Series for the little boy in the hospital with cancer. So, too, in modern times, Johnny Unitas and his game winning drives with the Baltimore Colts, and Wes Unseld leading the Baltimore Bullets to the Championship.

Expand full comment

It is a surprise to hear from him, after all these years. I really wonder why someone thought now was the moment to solicit his opinion on the document. My impression is he has become the old uncle in the family who pops up at importune times and sounds hopelessly out of step with said times. People politely nod, and then move on.

At least that is what most people I know do.

Expand full comment
author

Editor’s note: This report initially stated that Cardinal Mahony was in 2013 barred from public ministry in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles since 2013. In fact, after that prohibition was reported in 2013, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles clarified that Mahony remains in good standing and is therefore able to exercise priestly ministry. The Pillar regrets the error.

Expand full comment

Where is the information about the protest in Baltimore against the Bishop’s Conference? Are you informing the people or covering USCCB.

Expand full comment
author

covering the USCCB.

Expand full comment
author

We're here to cover the USCCB meeting. That's what we do.

Expand full comment

Greatly appreciate the primer on "Brother Joseph", as I had never heard of him. Praise God for the witness of all these holy men and women!

Expand full comment

Since the protection of children is on the agenda, the protest SHOULD be addressed. You have it in the title for Pete's sake. The silence is deafening what these Bishops have done to the Church.

Expand full comment