Reminder to Those in the Toledo Area: Red Mass Tonight at the Cathedral
Just a reminder for those in the Toledo area that Bishop Blair will be presiding over a Red Mass of the Holy Spirit tonight at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral.
I'm planning on being there (and I may take my 3-year-old with me - he's the one who's generally the best-behaved of the 4 kids at Mass).
Labels: Bishops, Catholic Social Teaching, Diocese of Toledo, Judiciary, Law, Mass, Ohio, Social Justice
posted by Pro Ecclesia 8:52 AM
8 comments
8 Comments:
Ironic isn't it . . .
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050731/NEWS08/507310305
What does a 2-year-old article about stuff that happened before the tenure of the current Bishop have to do with tonight's Red Mass?
I guess the irony is lost on me.
Jay,
From the article and regarding the conduct of the current bishop and diocesan staff:
"While Toledo detectives couldn't prove the allegations of sexual abuse, they noticed the name of Father Robinson, remembered he was a suspect in the nun's slaying, and reopened a probe that led to the priest's arrest in April, 2004.
That case also would include another attempt to conceal conduct by the diocese. Alleging obstruction of justice, detectives and prosecutors quietly secured two warrants to search the diocese for additional documents on Father Robinson they claimed were withheld from them."
This was under the tenure of the current bishop.
Here is another article in which Julia Bates (Lucas County Prosecutor) indicates that the current bishop and his co-horts were less than cooperative with the murder investigation.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1141/is_16_42/ai_n16107531
Have a blessed day.
Actually, the link didn't come up correctly.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1141/
is_16_42/ai_n16107531
My own take on the Red Mass:
Well, the 'Red Mass' has come and gone until next year. It passed without incident. So any who might have been concerned - all is well.
In the Cathedral I always sit in the 4th pew on the right side. That choice resulted in being seated three pews back from a whole pew of our respected Judges in their black robes. I didn't recognize them all, but I am familiar with the faces of Judges Lanzinger, Osowik and Goulding - they were right there. Glad to see that Judge Osowik remained in Mass this time - unlike at another Mass - but . . . that was a different time and issue.
There was a fellow in black robes too looking quite youthful among the wizened crowd of respected jurists. He happily returned the sign of peace to me. And I must say - to his credit - Judge Goulding at least turned and nodded in my direction.
I didn't know who the young man was, but I did find out after Mass - I will get to that in later on.
But first just a tiny comment on Bishop Blair's sermon. He had much to say - some of it stock stuff, but he got my attention when he cautioned the legal professionals present about the temptation to give in to positivism in the practice of jurisprudence. Legal positivism is law without ethics; law that can be shaped per one's own will and desires rather than what is based on what is true, right and just.
This is an interesting statement as this is exactly what Bishop Blair and his legal advisor's did when they effectively derailed Senate Bill 17 and provided Ohioans with a law allegedly to protect children from sexual predators in the Church, but which in fact really continues to protect the predators and assures the silence of the abused.
When I heard that my mind went immediately to the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, Chapter 23, verses 2 and 3: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in the Chair of Moses. Therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach." The words 'scribes and 'pharisees could be replaced with 'bishops' and 'priests' and 'Chair of the Apostles' could just as easily be substituted for 'Chair of Moses' here. But I think those who read this will get my meaning.
In fact I almost witnessed this in action when I had an animated conversation in the parking lot with the young man in the black robes. That young man turned out to be James F. Schaller II, Esq. This is the very man who posted his statement in this Blog way back on July 26th.
He was one of the members of St. Rose who in discussion with Bishop Blair about the Fr. Leyland's removal from the parish confronted the Bishop with the information they had on Fr. Nuss and his sexual exploitation of the widowed mother. This information ultimately resulted in the hasty removal of Fr. Nuss as pastor of St. Rose.
Mr. Schaller's wife first approached me as I readying myself to ride off on Vespa LX 150 scooter to let me know she had Vespa scooter too. Then Mr. Schaller came over and we talked briefly about his Piaggio 500 (Piaggio makes Vespas).
Then he told me he handed a letter to Bishop Blair as he was leaving Mass. I am not sure of the contents of the letter - but most likely it expressed his concerns for his parish and for Fr. Leyland. Mr. Schaller then told that me that a few moments after he left the Bishop he turned around and saw that the Bishop simply dropped the letter on a nearby table - like so much trash. Tsk, tsk.
We talked more about the situation including hearing that St. Rose with its huge population that really needs two priests to do say all the Masses. They have Fr. Borger and the current vocations director for the Diocese. Trouble is the vocations director is often gone due to his duties leaving the parish with one priest. Yet right there in Perrysburg is Fr. Leyland literally within sight of the Church and who would gladly come over to help. And yet - there he sits at home - his services apparently not wanted.
Looks like Fr. Borger carried out his threat, one confirmed in my conversation with Mr. Schaller, that if anyone from St. Rose ever went to the media - they could forget about seeing Fr. Leyland helping to celebrate Masses ever again at St. Rose. Well I guess this Blog counts as ' going to the media'. (smile)
Further I became disconcerted when Mr. Schaller shared with me that he is the now victim of persecution. He told me he has received several very nasty letters (and I think phone calls too) about his action in the Leyand matter and its companion - the Nuss matter and direct statements were made that he'd better stop it if he knows whats good for him.
This has even gone as far as somebody (or somebodies) out there threatening to report him to the Ohio Supreme Court with the object of having his license suspended - on what grounds I couldn't imagine, but most likely these persons - being practicer's of legal positivism - can contrive something to get their way. I do wonder if that person or persons was present at the Mass and heard what our Bishop just taught us on the subject. But of course the contradiction in their behavior is explained as quoted extensively from Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales' on an earlier dated post - " . . . if gold rusts what of poor iron?"
Mr. Schaller also shared his hurt and pain and disillusionment with all this. He has barely been a Catholic Christian for three years - having been received into the Church via the RCIA program. He is appalled for the very things he was told about the Catholic clergy before he became Catholic he is now seeing in stark relief as a Catholic. Fr. Borger has helped to add to that - all smiles on the Church steps after Mass, but mean behavior in private.
It pained me to hear that going to Mass has become very difficult for him. Indeed this very Red Mass became kind of an affront as everyone else he knew got an invitation - except for him. That means he came on his own - robes and all and presented himself. So, I guess they let him sit among his fellow jurists to save face?
Good golly, it seems like clergy and laity are closing in circle just like a herd of musk ox. And I guess my guardian angel, the presence of the Lord in the Eucharist and the Dear Blessed Virgin and the prayerful petitions of friends must have been with me - for it looks like I may have unwittingly walked into a lions' den - and in the one place one would think one is safe from all that - the Church.
I promised to stay in contact with Mr. Schaller and to pray for him and I encouraged him not to let the behavior of Bishop Blair or Fr. Borger or others to turn him away from the faith. I also encouraged him to come to some SNAP meetings too so he can hear, first hand, the pain and hurt of victims and survivors.
One final note: there were two deputy Lucas County Sheriffs in the parking lot when I arrived who seemed to give me a 'there he is' look when I arrived. But with all those Judges present I think the reason for their presence was to ensure the safety of our respected jurists.
Well, I suppose I should give my impression of the Red Mass. It was Mass. The Bishop confected the Body and Blood of Our Lord, just like at any other Mass.
Aidan and I sat in the pew immediately behind the jurists in the front rows. My Aidan was as good as gold. You couldn't have asked for better behavior from a 3-and-a-half year old.
Aidan was thrilled to meet the Bishop and receive a blessing. I was thrilled to once again meet the Bishop, and I kneeled and kissed his ring, as is the respect due to a Bishop of the Church.
I arrived with no agenda, read nothing into the Bishop's homily, and left without incident.
That is all.
See no evil; Hear no evil; Speak no evil.
Good for you Jay!
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