Law's Cuban 'miracle'

Boston Globe ^ | December 22, 2002 | George Weigel

[Cincinatus' Wife]

AS BOSTON MARKS its first Christmas since 1984 without Bernard Francis Law, a story involving the cardinal, likely unknown in Massachusetts, is worth a few moments' reflection. The story has an almost Dickensian, Christmas-like feeling to it, at least to those of us who lived through it. Telling it now might put the dramatic, wrenching events of the past 12 months into a clearer Christian focus.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Fidel Castro - Cuba

[wretchard]

The article reminds us that Cardinal Law had real virtues. He may have been, in many respects, an exemplary person. But that is not the point. He failed in his pastoral duties. He neglected to protect his flock, and most notably the little lambs who were the targets of sexual predators. And for that he must lose his job and suffer whatever penalties and disgrace that may ensue.

The Church can survive without a single building, cathedral or school. But it cannot survive if its clergy is corrupt. And Cardinal Law cannot clean up the Church.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

I thought it was a nice story. A positive moment in his life. I hope we all have some.

[Prodigal Daughter]

But later he said the Elian "circus should end" and urged sending Elian back to Cuba.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Thanks for letting me know. Too bad he couldn't stand for principle, not to mention right.

[ninonitti]

He neglected to protect his flock, and most notably the little lambs who were the targets of sexual predators.

I'm not sure about the virtues of wining and dining impovrished youth if the end result is to have them in bed with either yourself or one of your perverted entourage.

"Bunny" Law encouraged his homosexual underlings. His are sins of commission not omission as the author would lead you to believe.

[Prodigal Daughter]

I'm sorry. His letter was printed in the Boston Globe, April 19, 2000, entitled "End the circus, let Elian rejoin his father." (as if the Gonzalezes didn't want Elian to be with his father away from Castro).

Here's William Wallace's IMO great post from back then. I think the cardinal really crossed the line when he referred to it as a circus and so he gets no benefit of the doubt from me that he might have been acting on ignorance. ("Hello? Why didn't he ask Father Santana or Father Vallina who were family friends of the Gonzalezes if it was a circus or not?") Just my 2 cents, CW.

[xsmommy]

thanks for posting this, CW. it was a nice story and one does well to reflect that everyone is made up of good and bad stories.

[xsmommy]

oops, didn't know that either. oh well, more to the bad column, i guess ; )