Restorative Justice for Bishops

Cardinal Philippe Barbarin of Lyon, France, is seen praying in this 2007 file photo.
 (Credit: CNS photo/Mohamed Messare, EPA.)

When I was told that a Novena of Penance and Prayer for the physical and spiritual healing of our diocese, over the sexual abuse and coverup by bishops was going to take place, I exclaimed incredulously, "But we didn't do anything!"

An answer was ready.  "We are a community.  We support each other."

That shut me up but it didn't satisfy my feelings.  So here are my thoughts.

The buck stops at the bishop's crosier.  The abusing priest is sick.  He was the start of the problem.  But instead of fixing the problem, the bishops enabled the problem.  I don't buy that doctors' said that the priests were healed.  For the past 50 years????? 

One priest in my parish was drunk and exposed himself to a woman.  He was taken out of the parish and assigned someone else.  Where?  He became chaplain to an all-female college. 

Is that not the bishop fault?  Even if a million doctors said the priest was OK, why would you take the chance?

BTW, that priest got into trouble at the college.  (I bet you're not surprised.)

Anyway, I lay the blame on the bishops. 

I also don't think we sheep should be doing penance for our shepherds.  We didn't even know about any abuse.  Those who did (Bishops) need to do penance and make reparation. 

Families are a good example.  They certainly are a community.  When one member misbehaves he is given a time-out.  Not everybody--to support him.  That one member alone is standing in a corner where everyone can see him doing his "time."  When a citizen commits a crime, he is sent to prison where the public takes note that he is doing his "time."  Society doesn't accompany the perpetrator to prison.  So why should we do "time"?

I propose that the bishops in the USA do public penance by teaching.  It would be nice if the bishops taught the faith and concretely translated it into action by teaching at least one hour a day.  I envision the bishop teaching a CCD class every day and another RCIA class, additionally. 

Both would benefit.  The bishop would get to know vital sheep in his flock, i.e., children and discerning adults. 

For their penance, bishops should teach a CCD class, every day, for a year.  Additionally, they should teach RCIA for a year, also because RCIA should be year long, anyway.

And in this way, the sheep will get to see and know that their shepherd is humble and contrite.  May God, Who sends the Holy Spirit to spread grace through forgiveness, give pardon and peace to His Holy Church.  Grant this Father, through Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.  Amen.