BUFFALO (NY)
Diocese of Buffalo
March 27, 2018
By Bishop Richard J. Malone
[Includes streaming audio of the sermon.]
Reprinted with permission, the text of Bishop Richard J. Malone’s Chrism Mass homily, delivered at St. Joseph Cathedral in Buffalo on March 27, 2018.
We gather for the Chrism Mass this year at a moment in our diocesan history when our Catholic community is in the throes of a crisis. Together, we are struggling to navigate through a storm – dark, unnerving, shocking, angering, faith-shaking. As much as we hate to think about it, the fact is that the past aberrant behavior of some of our priests – a few, in the big picture – long shrouded in darkness, has come into the light – thanks to the courage of one victim, Michael, who came forward and publicly disclosed his victimization. This revelation has triggered a series of other sad stories of trust betrayed and young people harmed.
After consultation with our Presbyteral Council and Diocesan Pastoral Council – and with their strong endorsement – I disclosed the names of 42 priests who are known to have abused children and young people. I made that decision for 3 reasons: for transparency; for the empowerment the truth gives victims to come forth so that we can help them; and for mitigation of risk of future incidents when past abuses are identified.
Our Catholic people are reeling, as are we priests, and understandably so. At the same time, I’ve received more support from both laity and brother priests than I can ever remember in 18 years as a bishop. I’m sure you have, as well, my brothers. We’re in this together – all of us – lay, clergy and religious – who are the Church of Western New York. And especially we who are priests. I know from meetings with the victims – I met with two victims just yesterday – and from conversations with brother priests, who are angry and ashamed – I know the truth of Blessed – soon to be Saint – Oscar Romero’s words: “There are many things that can only be seen through eyes that have cried.” Many of us know those tears. I do.
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