"Many Catholics have struggled to find a voice that has been nearly washed out of us by our training. We remember a time when it was unthinkable to criticize a priest; those who did were quickly rebuked, with little opportunity for explanation. Bishops and especially the Pope were not to be questioned let alone criticized. We have now seen the sometimes-horrifying toll of unhealthy deference, of setting a class of men apart from critique or accountability.
"Respect surely has its place; we should not correct with unneeded harshness, personal attacks, or demeaning words. However, we must regain a healthy sense of the need to hold our clergy accountable and to insist on what is right. Canon law states the right, duty, and modality of this among God's Faithful . . ."
In a recent commentary based on the writings of Saint Catherine of Siena, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish,
Washington, DC) reflected on the importance of speaking in love and with respect, but also insistently and with clarity,
To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:
Community in Mission: "This Is All I Can Do Now" - Applying a Practice of St. Catherine of Siena to Our Current Crisis (27 SEP 22)
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