In Step with Change

by John W. Woodward
Executive Director of Serra International and the Serra International Foundation

In the March issue of The Serran, I wrote that, whether we like it or not, we must adapt to a world that is constantly changing around us. At the time of writing, I was blissfully unaware of the storm of controversy that was about to engulf our Church, particularly in the U.S. but also in other parts of the world. How quickly things can change.
Understandably, Serrans are asking: “How should we respond to the hail of criticism of the Church and its leaders arising from allegations and admissions of clerical sexual misconduct?” Based on much research and consultation, I offer you the following suggestions:

Our first response should be to admit that the evidence is clear that some Catholic priests and even bishops have committed grievous offences against God and humanity and failed in their duty of care; that, as a result, there have been far too many innocent victims who have suffered and continue to suffer; that, in some cases, Church authorities have acted inappropriately; and that, as Catholics, we very deeply regret all of this. We join in prayer for the victims and their families.

Our second response should be to affirm our unconditional support for the institution of the ministerial priesthood founded by Jesus Christ as a major force for good in the world, and for the vast number of ordinary men who, throughout the centuries, have answered God's call, received the Sacrament of Holy Orders and lived heroic and virtuous lives in priestly ministry to God’s people.

Our third response should be to express our sincere appreciation for the wonderful work for the salvation of souls by the very great majority of our Catholic hierarchy and clergy and for their unwavering commitment to serving those in their spiritual care.

Our fourth response should be to pray for justice and healing for every priest who is wrongfully accused and whose reputation may well be irreparably damaged as a result.
As Serrans, we should be mindful of the many teachings of Pope John Paul II on the subject of the ministerial priesthood. As an example, the Holy Father speaking to Serrans in 1984 told us that “the priestly vocation is essentially a call to sanctity, in the form that derives from the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Sanctity is intimacy with God; it is the imitation of Christ, poor, chaste and humble; it is unreserved love for souls and self-giving to their true good; it is love for the Church which is holy and wants us to be holy, because such is the mission that Christ entrusted to Her.”

We all know priests who are inspiring examples of the model of priesthood so eloquently portrayed by the Holy Father, priests whom we sense are well and truly worthy to act in persona Christi. Their lives stand in sharp contrast to the lives of those whose failure to live according to their vows has caused grave scandal to the Church.

Recent reports detailing clerical sexual abuse of minors disclose conduct that, in the words of Francis Cardinal George of Chicago, is “disordered, criminal and deeply sinful.” As members of the Church, we feel shamed by such despicable behavior on the part of those called and anointed to such a high position in God’s plan for our salvation.

In our human weakness, we feel anger and resentment toward priests who have caused, in the words of Pope John Paul II, “a dark shadow of suspicion to be cast over all the other fine priests (because they) have betrayed the grace of ordination in succumbing even to the most grievous forms of the mystery of evil at work in the world.” As followers of Christ, we should accept that we have a duty to pray for the sinners as well as those against whom they have sinned.

Understandably, in our concern for the victims and our grief for the Church, we ask, “How could such dreadful things happen? Why are they happening now? What must be done?”
Faced with such a crisis, we look to our Church leaders, as a matter of urgency, to act decisively to eliminate instances of clerical sexual abuse and to protect the high standing of the Catholic priesthood. As concerned Catholics, we urge the implementation of policies and procedures that determine the fitness for ministry of any member of the clergy or hierarchy accused of serious misconduct. And, as we look to the future with the hope that is an essential characteristic of a Serran, we pray that all those who are involved in the selection and formation of seminarians will re-dedicate themselves, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to bringing about “an increase in laborers for God’s Church, fellow laborers with Christ to spend and consume themselves for souls.”

In times of distress for our beloved Catholic Church, when we may feel a little unsure of ourselves and our reason for being Serrans, we could do worse than to reflect on the inspired words of our founders that clearly define what is expected of us as our unique contribution to the life of the Church:

"To foster and promote vocations to the ministerial priesthood of the Catholic Church as a particular vocation to service and to develop appreciation of the ministerial priesthood and of all religious vocations in the Catholic Church." Amen to that!

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