Bishop Offers Reassurances at Trying Time for Catholics

By Day Staff Writer
The Day [New London CT]
March 27, 2002

Norwich - It's not the easiest time to be a Roman Catholic priest, or even to be Roman Catholic. But that doesn't mean it's a bad time, the Bishop of Norwich assured the faithful Tuesday morning during the annual Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Patrick.

Quoting the late Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, the Most Rev. Daniel A. Hart said he would "rather be a priest in the suffering church than in the triumphant church."

Bishop Daniel A. Hart

Heralded by trumpets, a procession of priests and deacons of the Norwich diocese more than 100 strong paraded down the aisle as some 1,000 worshipers watched, smiled and sometimes waved from the pews.

The cloud that has hovered over all priests because of recent revelations concerning those accused of sexual abuse seemed to lift when parishioners spontaneously gave their own priests a standing ovation. It was a first for this traditional Holy Week Mass affirming the church as one body.

"Usually when they applaud, it's kind of routine," said the Rev. Joseph Tito of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Baltic, a 13-year veteran of the priesthood. The standing ovation was particularly meaningful, he said, "because it was led by the people."

It felt like an unsolicited "vote of confidence," he said.

Tito also was moved by Hart's homily, based on Sheen's words, in which the Norwich bishop told priests and parishioners that "it takes a real man and a real woman to stand up against the flood of evil and the course of counterculture forces."

"Even a dead person can float downstream," Hart said, quoting Sheen, praising those who "stand up for Christ and his church against the difficulties we're experiencing today."

Those difficulties have been acute, not because sexual abuse is rampant, but because it has called up some of the toughest issues the church faces, such as a shortage of priests and pressure for priests to be allowed to marry.

Though it was clear what Hart was referring to when he spoke of difficulties, he didn't actually mention the current scandal, which has focused on cases in Boston and Bridgeport and is so far-reaching that the pope has been called upon to take a firmer stand.

Hart did address the issue directly, however, in a March 13 letter to parishioners in the 78 parishes of his diocese.

Citing his own feelings of "sadness, shame, anger, revulsion and discouragement as a result of the publicity about allegations of sexual misconduct by bishops and priests," he apologized "in the name of the Church" to "anyone who has been sexually abused by someone representing the Church."

He assured parishioners that the Norwich diocese has strict procedures requiring any allegation that is criminal in nature to be reported to the state's attorney, and that "nothing is done to hinder this state investigation."

In a subsequent interview, Hart blamed the media for exaggerating the problem. Many Catholics at Tuesday's Mass, most of whom didn't want to be quoted, shared that view.

"Enough is enough," said one, urging that Catholics should be left alone during this, their holiest of all weeks. Once again, said another, the media is allowing critics to "slam the Catholics."

The cathedral was filled almost to capacity for the Chrism Mass, in which the bishop blesses the sacramental oils. Chrism is a mixture of balsam and oil that is consecrated by a bishop for use in rites such as baptism, confirmation and ordination.

It was an especially meaningful occasion for Hart, who is retiring in August after 50 years in the priesthood.

Among the participants were 20 Jubilarian priests, those ordained at least 25 years ago. The grandfather of them all was the Rev. Rapolas Krasauskas, a 65-year veteran who is now chaplain at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam.

The Chrism service has always emphasized the bond between priests and parishioners. Jacqueline Keller, communications director for the Diocese of Norwich, said that years ago parishioners used to applaud for each Jubilarian. There was a lot of "hooting and hollering," she said, as each parish supported their own.

Mindful, perhaps, of the extra emotion in force this year, Hart asked people to refrain from applauding until all 20 had been recognized.

Parishioners traditionally come to this service with their priests, said Keller, often going out for lunch together afterward.

The Rev. Arthur Archer of St. Agnes Church in Niantic downplayed the scandal's effects on the majority of priests. "Things go on," he said. "You can't let things upset you."

But Keller said several priests have told her stories that indicate otherwise.

One priest, she said, told how a parishioner had informed him that he no longer wanted him around his children.

Another told how he met a parish family in the grocery store, and when the little girl ran up to give him a hug, an onlooker said, "Oh, I guess you're going after little girls now."

When the actions of a few cast suspicion on all, "it's very hard, I think," said Keller. Tuesday's service, with its outpouring of support and affection, was therefore a real Easter blessing.

"That," she said, "kind of made up for a whole lot of stuff."

b.dufresne@theday.com.