“Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God; all will be well.” – St. Joan of Arc
Hundreds of priests and several bishops, archbishops and cardinals have been named as perpetrators in an epidemic of abuse and cover-ups that have been going on for decades and continue to go on today. The light has been shone to reveal that we aren’t dealing with isolated events, but extensive abuse and cover-up of criminal and outrageous behavior launched not only against children and teens, but against adult men and seminarians.
It’s horrific to picture ABUSE and sexual assault against minor children, whose knowledge of sexuality has not been formed. Abuse can traumatize victims and have long-lasting effects. Sexual assault demolishes a young victim’s view of trust and sexuality, and could damage their psychosexual development. Abuse begets abuse and is generational. Mothers have the power to protect and stop the cycle of abuse.
NEGLIGENCE in confronting dangerous behavior is unbecoming of a Christian. When someone has been wronged, they need to count on someone to give them a fair hearing or protection. Mothers cannot wait for justice and must do everything possible to ensure the safety of their children and ensure an environment where the opportunity for abuse is nonexistent and not tolerated.
COVER-UP. Protecting criminals, not confronting sexual assaults and abuse, shuffling priests around to other parishes and job assignments, and continuing to lie – I don’t have words for this. Records need to be seized before they are tossed to the shredder. Lies cover lies, so we cannot expect cooperation from people who’ve already gone to extremes. Some truth will surface, but we can rest in the comfort that God knows.
WHAT’S A MOTHER TO DO?
(1) MOM AS PROTECTOR. Impress upon your children the necessity of telling an adult whom they feel they can trust. Urge them to immediately report a verbal or physical incident that was uncomfortable or unwelcome. Children are not guilty, nor should they feel ashamed or be deceived into protecting a perpetrator; they were victimized.
(2) THIRTY-SECOND RULE. Mothers can insist and ensure that a child under age 12 isn’t alone with an authority figure for more than 30 seconds. This protects the authority figure from false accusations.
(3) TRAVEL IN THREES. Having at least three people present can prevent victimization and false accusations.
(4) SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION. Select a separate door confessional rather than same-room confessional.
(5) GUARD AGAINST IDOLATRY. Be careful about placing complete faith in a priest, bishop or pope. Do not make assumptions, but err on the side of ensuring safety for your family.
(6) SHIFT YOUR DONATIONS. You might like to decrease your contributions to your parish and withhold contributions to your Bishop’s annual fundraiser. Where is the money going? How will the Diocese pay for legal fees and settlements? Donate to community organizations.
(7) PROTECT YOUNG ADULTS. Various internet sources have alleged that “homosexual predation” exists and claim that hundreds of priests and seminarians have been victimized. Men who enter the priesthood must understand the possible environment they’re entering and pray that they can resist evil and be an instrument of change. No human being should endure rape silently or conform to a sinful environment.
Offenders target weak families. They’re highly skilled and know how to go undetected. Parents need to protect their children.
(8) PERSUADE VICTIMS TO COME FORWARD. The best thing that could happen is for independent organizations to probe for the truth. It’s time to supersede internal truth-seeking and reporting within the Catholic Church. Justice and truth have not, and most likely will not be found in the current system. Outside agencies in all 50 states need to open investigations, and this requires brave individuals to come forward with their stories so that some type of order can replace the chaos.
When I lived in South Carolina, the palmetto bug (fancy term for huge cockroach) would scurry to a dark place when the light was turned on. Roaches love the dark. The roaches in the Catholic Church have been hiding for a long time in the dark. The light has been turned on. We need to find each and every roach. We do not have a safe environment until we do so.
(9) SHOW YOUR STRENGTH. Show your displeasure by carefully directing your donations. Show your presence by accompanying a minor child so that he or she will not be alone with an authority figure. Show your concern by becoming involved or asking questions. Demonstrate your personal power as a family mom.
(10) EMBRACE OUR BEAUTIFUL CATHOLIC FAITH. It’s truly a gift to be Catholic. Live a virtuous and holy life so you can continue to experience God’s grace and blessings. Pray that good priests will not become discouraged.
No one stood up for St. Joan of Arc. She was a righteous, brave, wise young woman. “One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying.” – St. Joan of Arc
Lynn M. Griesemer
Concerned Mother
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