MANCHESTER (CT)
Journal Inquirer
March 8, 2019
When I saw Richard Cardarelli listed amongst abusive priests my heart sank. I knew it was untrue. I must speak on his behalf.
I had known Cardarelli since 1983. I shared a close friendship with him — vacationing with him in Las Vegas at the home of his mom Ginger and stepdad Izzie; I danced at his brother Stevie and Jane’s wedding. We confided worries, hopes, and disappointments.
I held him when he wept like a wounded animal having received Vatican papers stripping him of his priestly faculties for perceived disobedience. Bearing witness as a priest and caring for others meant everything to him. In turn, he shared my dark hours.
Cardarelli was unlike any priest I know — except the Great High Priest. He extended an experience of the human Jesus: joyful, patient, loving, forgiving. His favorite Scripture was from John’s Gospel: “No greater love hath a man than to lay down his life for his friends,” And he did that, giving his time, talent, and treasure to any and everyone.
When his father Bud died, Cardarelli surrendered his inheritance to his alma mater’s scholarship fund only to become persona non grata when defrocked and later, like Galileo, excommunicated.
Yet, nothing can separate us from the love of God, St. Paul reminds. Cardarelli, like Jesus, was falsely accused and suffered indignity; his life was a journey toward the cross.
Despite all, Cardarelli loved the Roman Catholic Church. He challenged her to live out the Second Vatican Council’s vision to be a universal/welcoming community engaged in dialogue — the people of God on a journey — rather than a corporate institution
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