Conversion, Penance, Prayer

by Letters Editor · March 10, 2011

From: Stephen Carpenter, Botha’s Hill, KZN

I found the recent articles by Fr Patrick Noonan (January 5 and 12) concerning the sexual abuse scandal very helpful. Like many Catholics, I have frequently been asked by non-Catholics how I feel about the scandal. I have been trying to formulate a reasoned, honest response.

Fr Noonan’s candid and comprehensive articles I find to be in marked contrast to Chris Moerdyk’s recent column Defend your Church (January 2).

I was deeply disappointed by Mr Moerdyk’s take on the issue. His attitude seems to be that of a victim feeling unfairly picked on, and responds by pointing to the specks in other offenders’ eyes. I have heard this victim mentality from other Catholics.
Fr Noonan’s article puts this in perspective showing that in fact the media has been of service to the Church, exposing things which otherwise may have remained hidden.

After having spent some time in Ireland over the last few years, I can vouch for the deep anger and disillusionment felt by Irish Catholics towards Church authorities concerning the way the scandal was handled. Ordinary people did not need to be told by cynical journalists to feel outraged once the government-sponsored Murphy report into child abuse was released, the truth was plain to see.

I think Pope Benedict’s call to repentance to the Church should be taken seriously. I found the Holy Father’s words on the subject last year very moving: The Church has a profound need to relearn penance, to accept purification, to learn on the one hand forgiveness but also the necessity of justice. And forgiveness does not substitute justice. We have to relearn these essentials: conversion, prayer, penance.

My response as an ordinary Catholic therefore, is to acknowledge that terrible harm and suffering have been caused by the sinful actions of several thousand priests in various countries. Despite this, the Catholic Church continues to be a major provider of education, health care and welfare services throughout the world. In Southern Africa, through the work of the SACBC Aids Desk, the Church is second only to Government in providing HIV/Aids care and treatment.

There are still thousands of religious pouring their lives out in service to the poor unseen and unheard, often in rural, isolated places. Millions of ordinary Catholics, especially in the poorest areas of the world, continue to live meaningful lives of faith and service, inspired and supported by their local parish. These actions all speak louder than any words.