BOSTON (MA)
Boston Herald
By Jennifer Rosinski
Tuesday, April 12, 2005 - Updated: 07:50 AM EST
Local clergy sexual-abuse victims say they are insulted Bernard Cardinal Law was bestowed the honor of celebrating a Mass for the late Pope John Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica yesterday - and are also enraged a protester was barred from the Vatican.
``It's absolutely outrageous that he's over there in this plush position at the Vatican after what he did here in Boston. Now he's one of the chosen ones to say one of nine Masses,'' said Kathy Dwyer, a clergy abuse survivor from Braintree. ``I think it's a slap in the face to all people of faith.''
Law celebrated the Mass without disruption, saying the nearly 3 million mourners who flooded Rome for the pontiff's funeral last week were an inspiration.
``In these incredible days, the pope continues to teach us what it means . . . to be a follower of Christ,'' Law said in Italian. ``Our faith has been reinforced.''
After the service, several worshipers from Europe said they had never heard of Law. American parishioners said they recognized him but questioned whether the protest was appropriate right after the pope died.