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	Archbishop: 'I Regret What Happened' By Eric Bradley Cincinnati Enquirer December 20, 2009 http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20091220/NEWS01/912210332/Archbishop+++I+regret+what+happened+ Cincinnati - Each person needs to learn five words as they grow up, Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk said Sunday during his homily on the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a Catholic priest. "The five words are these: please, thank you, I'm sorry," said Pilarczyk. "We'll begin with 'I'm sorry,' " he continued. Then, in clear terms, the outgoing Archbishop of Cincinnati addressed the clergy abuse scandal in which the church admitted the archdiocese knowingly failed to report allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests decades ago. The case was settled in 2003, and a $3 million fund established for the victims. "Before the Lord and His people I want to say that I regret what happened," Pilarczyk said. "I made some inadequate decisions and people got hurt and I'm sorry." The Cathedral of Saint Peter in Chains on Eighth Street was brimming with the faithful for the homily, expected to be one of Pilarczyk's last large-scale public appearances as archbishop, a post he has filled since 1982. Church law required the archbishop to submit his resignation to Pope Benedict XVI on his 75th birthday in August. Pilarczyk's brief message was reflective, thankful for the blessings in life and in the end, pastoral for a man considered by some to be overly academic. "It's good to be sorry for the wrong we have done. It's good to be grateful for the multitudinous good gifts we have received. It's good to look forward in hope for God's ongoing plans for us," Pilarczyk said. When his resignation is accepted, Pilarczyk will be succeeded by Coadjutor Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr, who will become the 10th presiding bishop of the 19-county Archdiocese of Cincinnati, home to almost 500,000 Catholics. Church members spoke favorably of Pilarczyk's homily at a reception at Duke Energy Convention Center following the event. "He gave a thoughtful look at everything we should be considering this time of year," said White Oak resident Ray Heyob, 41. The homily was balanced, said 68-year-old Sister Marilyn Kerber, of Reading. "I always really liked his directness. I will certainly remember this," Kerber said. "I'm sorry, please and thank you." E-mail: ebradley@enquirer.com
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