LOS ANGELES (CA)
Los Angeles Times
Built in the 18th century, Our Lady Queen of Angels Church on Olvera Street is a historic landmark that Cardinal Roger Mahony would frequently visit for various events including the popular blessing of the animals.
But on Thursday, the mood at the Spanish Colonial chapel was decidedly more somber as parishioners quietly discussed Archbishop Jose Gomez’s dramatic decision to strip Mahony of any public and administrative church duties in the wake of the priest abuse scandal.
There were only a few people at the church Thursday evening. But when Mahony’s name was mentioned, other came to join the discussion.
“They seem to be taking drastic measures,” said Ralph Ochoa, a food volunteer. “They have to for the church to survive. A lot of people were hurt, they feel they were betrayed. It hurt parishioners and everyone too.”
Gomez acted after the release of church records showing that Mahony and another church leader tried to hide child abuse by priests from police.
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