CBS 3
April 1, 2010
http://cbs3.com/topstories/Cathedral.Basilica.Saints.2.1605450.html
[with video]
 |
| Cardinal Justin Rigali |
On the Christian calendar, this Holy Thursday, a group formed in response to the priest sex abuse scandal to protest outside the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.
Inside the church, Cardinal Justin Rigali led the faithful in Thursdays Chrism Mass, a Mass where the Cardinal blesses holy oils used throughout the Diocese in celebration of the sacraments.
However, it was during his homily that the Cardinal spoke on an issue that once again is casting a dark cloud over the Catholic Church, the recent sex abuse scandal.
"Recent reports in Europe of sexual abuse by clergy, have reminded all of us of those terrible sins that have caused such immense suffering and victims," said Rigali.
The Cardinal called for renewed commitment to the personal promise of celibacy among priests.
"It is the day when Jesus Christ wants the world to know that he loves his priests and strengthens them," Rigali continued.
Outside the Basilica, members of "Voice of the Faithful" held a prayer vigil demanding changes to the structure of the church so that sex abuse is never covered up again.
"It has to happen, it'll happen," said protestor Marita Green. "I just don't know when."
But, not everyone believes the church has failed the faithful.
"If they are abused, the damage has been done," said Emelita Suarez, a parishioner. "All we can do now is forgive and forget."
Those who came to protest say they do know the Catholic Church has apologized to the faithful as well as to the victims, but they remain in support of a plan for more transparency from top down to avoid future incident.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.