Cathedral Basilica of Peter and Paul | Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Over the past few weeks, our Catholic brothers and sisters who call Philadelphia home have literally been going through hell. As I am sure most of you are aware, news has emerged in recent weeks of sexual abuse against minors by priests in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

On February 10, 2011, a Philadelphia Grand Jury released a report after investigating allegations that priests and a teacher sexually abused minors. The report recommended charges be filed against those being investigated. It also called for charges against another priest for allegedly covering up the instances of sexual abuse. Furthermore, the Grand Jury advised the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to review and overhaul its procedures for assisting the victims of sexual abuse by priests and removing accused priests from ministry.

As we celebrate the Eucharist this weekend in our parishes, let us remember the Philadelphia church—Cardinal Rigali, priests, deacons, religious, laity—in our thoughts and prayers. Most especially, pray that the victims of sexual abuse may find peace and comfort. Pray for those priests who have been accused of carrying out these heinous acts, that they may realize the hurt caused by their actions and ask for forgiveness.

We pray to you, Lord,
with honest hearts, in tune with one another,
entreating you with sighs and tears,
as befits our humble position — placed, as we are,
between the spiritually weak who have no concern for you,
and the saints who stand firm and upright before you.

We pray that you may soon come to us,
leading us from darkness to light,
oppression to freedom,
misery to joy,
conflict to peace.

May you drive away the storms and tempests of our lives,
and bring gentle calm. We pray that you will care for us,
as a father cares for his children.

Amen.

–Saint Cyprian of Carthage

Throughout this year, the Church has continued to suffer the consequences of the uncovering of sins committed by priests against children. During the early months of 2010, multiple accusations of sexual abuse by Catholic priests began emerging out of Germany and several other European countries.

In Germany, one case was especially significant because the accusations centered on a priest who had been previously charged with the molestation of children while Benedict XVI was archbishop of Munich. According to many media reports, the accused priest had been given the authorization by then-Archbishop Ratzinger to move to Munich for therapy; after which, the priest was allowed to continue ministry in the church.

The new cases of sexual abuse that erupted this year sparked additional anxiety among many Catholics and non-Catholics in terms of possible cover-ups and mishandling by bishops. Several church officials have commented on these allegations before.

During today’s Mass signifying the close for the Year for Priests, as expected, Pope Benedict XVI touched on the recent outbreak of news detailing years of sexual misconduct and abuse by Catholic priests. In the homily, the Holy Father begged for God’s forgiveness  and forgiveness by those who have been affected by clerical abuse over the years. He has vowed to protect the Church from these kinds of failings in the future, by beginning with young men discerning the priesthood of Jesus Christ. “We will do everything we can to weigh the authenticity of [seminarians' vocations] and make every effort to accompany priests along their journey, so that the Lord will protect them and watch over them in troubled situations and amid life’s dangers.” Below is the full text of the Pope’s homily.

Pope Benedict arriving at the prayer vigil for the close of the Year for Priests | Source: AP

Dear Brothers in the Priestly Ministry,

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Year for Priests which we have celebrated on the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the death of the holy Curè of Ars, the model of priestly ministry in our world, is now coming to an end. We have let the Curé of Ars guide us to a renewed appreciation of the grandeur and beauty of the priestly ministry. The priest is not a mere office-holder, like those which every society needs in order to carry out certain functions. Instead, he does something which no human being can do of his own power: in Christ’s name he speaks the words which absolve us of our sins and in this way he changes, starting with God, our entire life. Over the offerings of bread and wine he speaks Christ’s words of thanksgiving, which are words of transubstantiation – words which make Christ himself present, the Risen One, his Body and Blood – words which thus transform the elements of the world, which open the world to God and unite it to him. The priesthood, then, is not simply “office” but sacrament: God makes use of us poor men in order to be, through us, present to all