NEW ORLEANS: A TIME FOR PRAYER AND HEALING

A Time For Prayer and Healing

by Bro. Jerry Meegan, SDB

(Marrero, La. – September 26) – In the September 20 issue of the New Orleans archdiocesan newspaper The Clarion Herald, Archbishop Gregory Aymond outlines the steps being taken by the bishops of the United States to address the serious sin of sexual abuse. The steps that were approved by the USCCB:

The Administrative Committee took the following actions within its authority:

Approved the establishment of a third-party reporting system that will receive confidentially, by phone and online, complaints of sexual abuse of minors by a bishop and sexual harassment of or sexual misconduct with adults by a bishop and will direct those complaints to the appropriate ecclesiastical authority and, as required by applicable law, to civil authorities.

Instructed the USCCB Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance to develop proposals for policies addressing restrictions on bishops who were removed or resigned because of allegations of sexual abuse of minors or sexual harassment of or misconduct with adults, including seminarians and priests.

Initiated the process of developing a Code of Conduct for bishops regarding the sexual abuse of a minor; sexual harassment of or sexual misconduct with an adult; or negligence in the exercise of his office related to such cases.

Supported a full investigation into the situation surrounding Archbishop McCarrick, including his alleged assaults on minors, priests, and seminarians, as well any responses made to those allegations. Such an investigation should rely upon lay experts in relevant fields, such as law enforcement and social services.

On September 20 the archbishop also wrote a letter to all the clergy, religious, and laity of the archdiocese of New Orleans. I quote four paragraphs from the letter.

Jesus reminds us that sometimes prayer and fasting are needed for true healing (Mark 9:29). I invite you to consider joining me in prayer and fasting each Friday from now through December 2018.

                Some may ask, “Why should I pray and fast? I am not at fault.” While this is true, we remember the words of St. Paul: “If one member suffers, all the members suffer; if one member is honored, all the members share its joy.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)

                Fasting and prayer on Fridays is a way we can be in solidarity with those who have been abused, to pray for their healing and to ask the Holy Spirit to lead our Church to renewal. Fasting can be abstaining from food or any other sacrifice, for example spending less time on social media or humbly doing something for someone to show charity.

                Once again, in the name of church leaders, I am sorry for the pain of those who have been hurt and for the disappointment of the people of God in our leadership as bishops.

Archbishop Aymond has taken very personally the failure of leadership among some bishops. He has been quoted extensively in the local secular newspaper over the past couple of weeks in interviews and articles about sexual abuse. The tone of his letter has been the tone in which he has responded to the many questions and interviews directed toward him.

In the above quoted article Archbishop Aymond writes “in the midst of this sadness, we cannot forget the people who work very hard for the protection of children and young people. Since the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was established in 2002, safe environment coordinators and victims assistance coordinators throughout the United States have given of themselves in a very professional and generous way. They have worked to support survivors and prevent future abuse.”

In this respect the Salesian community of the West Bank has an active, supportive role. Bro. Jerry Meegan is an archdiocesan training presenter and hosts a West Bank Safe Environment Training session every second Monday of the month from August through May. The number of participants in these trainings ranges from as few as 30 participants to over 100.