Despite what anyone says, the manner in which priests accused of some sort of sexual abuse are treated, is unjust. Despite statements to the contrary, that the accusation itself - though 'credible' implies no presumption of guilt, the impression is given that there is a sort of presumption of guilt. That is unfair. The priest is presented publicly as being under suspicion, while the accuser remains anonymous and the alleged abuse remains unknown. The priest is suspended for the duration of the investigation. That is unfair. Especially in decades old cases and the accused has never had any other allegations against him during his ministry. In fact, the accused has been a faithful, humble, obedient priest, serving generously and tirelessly all of his priestly life - a true son of the Church.
Please pray for the falsely accused - pray for all priests. Today there appears to be a convenient way to knock a priest out of ministry, increasing the shortage, disrupting pastoral care, distancing the faithful, discrediting the priesthood, casting suspicion upon the Church and her ministers. It is a great evil.
St. Teresa of Jesus, pray to
Mary, Mother of Divine Grace,
and the Infant Jesus,
for this priest so falsely accused.
St. Teresa, pray for us.
St. John, pray for us.
St. Therese, pray for us.
St. Miriam, pray for us.
St. Teresa of the Andes, pray for us.
St. Teresa Benedicta, pray for us.
St. Raphael of St. Joseph, pray for us.
Bl. Elizabeth, pray for us.
Holy Martyrs of Guadalajara, pray for us.
St. John Paul, pray for us.
St. Joseph, Protector of Carmel, pray for us.
Carmelites and those devoted to the Infant Jesus are in the midst of the monthly novena to the Divine Infant Jesus. Please add to your prayers the priest so unjustly accused. Implore the Mother of Divine Grace to obtain from her Son grace in abundance for her priest-son. Pray for a speedy exoneration and declaration of innocence through the intercession of St. Teresa of Avila, whose fifth centenary we observe this year.
