Our pastor has been very troubled by this, especailly because several men that he knows have been 'put on leave' in recent weeks. When he has mentioned the abuse from the pulpit, I had felt there was a controlled rage under the surface. At Holy Thursday Mass tonight, he mentioned that tonight was kind of like the birthday of the 'priesthood' and suggested the congregation give him, and the two other priests in the Parish a round of applause on their 'birthday'. Not only did we do that, but we all gave a standing O in support of this fine man and his colleagues who are faithful to their vows. He was dumbfounded, and remarked when we all sat down "I certainly didn't expect that!" We were glad to show our support. During this Holy Season of Redemption, please pray for all priests that they'll be faithful to God.
I just hope and pray that good will come of this evil and that Catholics, at least will remember that there are a whole lot more faithful and faith-filled priests serving the Church than there are bad ones. We need to always remember to pray for them.