Source: The West Chester Institute for Ethics and the Human Person
Please note the bolding is my emphasis.
Fr. Thomas Berg’s statement about Fr. Maciel
Asking for Your Prayers
Deepest sorrow for the pain and scandal caused by our founder
February 6, 2009
Last Thursday evening I was informed that, after an internal investigation of the charges lodged against him, it had been discovered that my religious congregation’s founder, Fr. Marcial Maciel Degollado fathered a child, who is now in her early 20s. Fr. Maciel founded the Legion in 1941. He died on January 30, 2008. On May 19, 2006, the Vatican released a communiqué requiring him to retire to a private life of penitence and prayer in light of numerous allegations brought before the Holy See, including accusations of sexual abuse of some of the first members of the congregation. At that time the Legion began its own internal investigation.
Given the near impossibility of ascertaining what happened over so many years (the earliest accusations would have been dated to the 1950’s), and because I am not privy to the findings of any of these investigations, I do not know which of those earlier accusations might be true. Sadly, however, it seems evident that some of them must indeed be true.
In shock, sorrow, and with a humbled spirit, I want to express my deepest sorrow for anyone who, in any way, has been hurt by the moral failings of Fr. Maciel. Of my readers, I ask your prayers for each of them. They count not only on my prayers, but also on the personal acts of reparation that I intend to do to implore for each of them the grace, healing, and comfort that only God can give. I am so sorry for each of them, and for the scandal this has caused to the entire Church.
For the members of my religious family, the Legionaries of Christ, I humbly ask for your prayers as we discern the road ahead and strive, each in our way and apostolic work, to continue to serve Christ and his Church.
H/T to Patrick Madrid
5 comments:
i have several friends who are in the Regnum Christi movement, but for some reason i have not felt "called" to join.
i do participate in some of their apostolates, like Familia.
this is a little disheartening.
I find this very disheartening, especially in light of the way it was explained to us (I had already posted on it so I definitely had a heads up).
I am not RC either.
It's so sad. The devil is everywhere... I hope that having had their faith in a misguided man destroyed doesn't discourage people to the point of losing Faith in those Eternal things which can be trusted.
Hi Soutenus - trying to touch base with you! Could you send me an email - when you get a chance.
Blessings
Christi mum2twelve (at) gmail.com
I am struggling with this. The accusations against Maciel date to 1953! People have chosen to ignore the growing chorus of people who have accused him of abusing them. THE only reason Maciel officially got caught is because he has a child.
It makes me sad that this movement was EVER allowed to flourish like it did. Very very sad. I have known so many wonderful, dedicated, good Catholics who have gotten caught in LC/RC's snares.
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