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	The Heron's Nest: the View from the Pews By Phil Heron Daily Times February 14, 2011 http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2011/02/14/opinion/doc4d59194f26e9b842920337.txt I wasn't quite sure what to expect as I settled into the pew at the 5 o'clock Mass Saturday afternoon. I get the feeling I was not alone. The mood at St. Joseph's Parish in Downingtown was decidedly nervous. Our pastor, the Rev. Monsignor William Lynn, had been charged earlier in the week by the Philadelphia district attorney with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. A grand jury had found, much like another investigative body had five years earlier, that Monsignor Lynn had known about problem priests in his role as secretary of the clergy under then Archbishop Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua and done nothing to stop them. Worse, they alleged that the monsignor had knowingly put children at risk by assigning these priests to new parishes without informing the faithful of their past, and also for playing hardball with those who came forward to file complaints of sexual abuse against priests. I was wondering if the monsignor would be there, as he had five years earlier when he vowed he would "never put a child at risk," and earned a standing ovation for his comments. I wondered then if those offering such support had actually read the grand jury report, and its scathing description of Lynn's work as a high-ranking archdiocesan official. Lynn escaped charges back then. Not this time. And there were no such cheers this time around. Only a quiet tension. Monsignor Joseph Marino celebrated the Mass. He's the vicar for Chester County, as well as the pastor at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Tredyffrin. He set the tone at the outset by informing parishioners he had been sent by Cardinal Justin Rigali. He did not try to dodge or sugar-coat the issue. Instead he asked for prayers for the victims of sexual abuse, as well as Monsignor Lynn. During his homily, Monsignor Marino indicated Monsignor Lynn would be "taking time away from the church." I received an e-mail from a fellow parishioner at St. Joe's over the weekend. He thanked me for writing about the issue last week. Even though my immediate readership is here in Delaware County, I have to remind myself every once in awhile that in this Internet age I am writing for a much-wider audience. Today comes word that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will be named in a lawsuit alleging they failed to take action to prevent the sexual abuse of children, and in fact conspired to cover up criminal acts. I distinctly remember five years ago when I first read the grand jury report detailing the archdiocese's dealings with predator priests, and in particular Monsignor Lynn's alleged role in it. That was exactly the word that came to mind: Cover-up. Almost six years later, it would seem not enough has changed. I happen to believe Monsignor Lynn likely was doing the bidding of those above him. Now he is about to take the fall. Still, I have a hard time reckoning how a man – let alone a priest - could routinely do what he is alleged to have done – and not raised a voice in protest. And I get the feeling that, this time, I was not the only sitting in those pews that felt that way. It is Valentine's Day. Attention, guys. This is a very important day. Ignore it at your own peril. If your spouse/girlfriend/special someone tells you not to worry about gifts this year, ignore her. She's lying through her teeth. Take if from someone with a bit of experience (both good and bad) in this area. Go big. Forget the flowers, nix the chocolate. Jewelry is your best bet, but even that seemingly sure-fire winner is laden with hidden dangers. Make sure you know your lover's tastes. Nothing says "I grabbed the first thing I saw in the store" faster than buying her something she hates, especially if she has told you that every time you go into a jewelry store. In essence you are only confirming to her that you do not pay to her attention to her, especially in jewelry stores. Maybe the flowers aren't such a bad idea after all. Buy yourself some chocolates. Or maybe a six-pack. Good luck. And Happy Valentine's Day. 4 Aces herald arrival of spring Forget what the calendar tells you. Spring arrives today. It has nothing to do with Punxsutawney Phil, nor the fact that our normally snow-addled local TV weather folks are talking about it being in the 60s later this week. Love is in the air, and it has nothing to do with Valentine's Day. At approximately 8:30 a.m., the Four Aces will walk out onto the field at Bright House Field in Clearwater, and the most anticipated Phillies season in a lifetime will commence. Think spring, that time when a young man's fancy turns to baseball. And this year, with good reason. The Phillies, who seemingly forever have entered each season with question marks where their starting pitchers were supposed to be, touting such unremarkable hurlers as Kevin Millwood, enter this year's campaign with perhaps one of the most formidable rotations in baseball history. Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels. And throw in Joe Blanton as your No. 5 starter just for kicks. Never have the Phils had such a "call to arms" entering spring training. Of course, a lot can happen between now and April 1, when they open the season at Citizens Bank Park. For now, it is enough. It is spring. Baseball is back. The Daily Numbers: 4 aces, as in Halladay, Lee, Oswalt and Hamels. Pitchers and catcher start workouts in Clearwater today. 7 foot statue of late famed Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas that is being finished at Laran Bronze in Chester. 3 students at Upper Darby High facing assault charges for an attack on a classmate at 69th Street Station. 4 Delco towns that find themselves embroiled in battles over huge billboards a firm wants to erect on their roads. 1 lawsuit expected to be filed against Archdiocese of Philadelphia today alleging a coverup of priest sexual abuse. 2 people killed when snowmobile smashed into tree in northeastern Pa. 4 women in 2 SUVS injured in collision in Philly Sunday police say was caused by a drunken driver. 22, age of man police say opened fire inside the My Space Lounge in North Philly. 1 dead, 1 injured after shootout in Point Breeze section of Philly Sunday afternoon. 30, age of man whose body was found floating in Brandywine River near Wilmington. 7 percent increase in ridership on Amtrak's Acela trains. That's 15 straight months of increases in ridership. 2,126,429 passengers climbed aboard Acela trains in January. 61 million dollar impact for the region from the Philadelphia Flower Show. 3.20 a gallon, average price of gas in Philly region these days. Last year we were paying $2.76. 0 goals scored by Flyers in shutout loss to Kings yesterday. 5 as in 5th starter. For the Phils, that would be Joe Blanton. Pitching coach Rich Dubee announced Sunday there would be competition for the final spot in the Phils' rotation. That it was Blanton's to lose. 34 days until the first day of spring. Don't forget to take part in the Great Heron's Nest Snow Prognosticating Contest. Guess the number of measurable snows between now and March 20. I say 9. We've had 3, and there is more on the way tonight. Call me a Phanatic: A look at the ups and downs of being a Philadelphia sports fan. Cliff Lee back in red pinstripes. Happy Valentine's Day, Phillies fans. I Don't Get It: Catholics who continue to defend the actions of the church in the priest sexual abuse scandal. I don't get it. Today's Upper: The forecaster says it could hit 65 degrees around here on Friday. When did we move to Clearwater? Quote Box: "We have very high expectations." - Phillies closer Brad Lidge, talking about the Phils' bullpen. He's not the only one. Contact: editor@delcotimes.com
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