I thought you’d want to know that Priests in Crisis just published my article, “From Crisis to Hope” on the occasion of their first anniversary. You can read it here:
From Crisis to Hope by Fr. Gordon J. MacRae
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
From Feb 4 2009 to August 15 2009, my life was a nightmare. A certain man I have baptized more than 25 years ago, charged me with minors’ molestation.
The accusation was flimsy, no date, no precise location…yet I have been deprived of my priestly faculties automatically in compliance with the 2002 Dallas Charter. Later the Chancery felt sorry for me, but kept investigation for six months. Finally the accuser several times cajoled by the Chancellor for more incriminating details gave the diocese a very graphic accusation…and promised a compromising photograph and so on.
All the developments were kept behind my back. Finally after several requests, I am able to put my hands on the dossier on me compiled by the Chancellor. I sent immediately a letter to the Bishop showing him all the most conspicuous holes in the files, and honestly accused the Chancellor for having been my prosecutor instead of my defender.
A few days later the incriminating picture came to be proven a fraud. My priestly faculties have been restored. But I am puzzled to see my accuser walk away Scott free, and my Chancellor send me a merry note, “Rejoice!” No responsibility whatsoever regarding my name’s rehabilitation and therapy for a badly trampled 88 years old innocent .
I praise God for having preserved me from heart attack and insanity. Only thing I can do now is asking you all to have mercy on priests falsely accused.
A beautifully written tribute to: Suzanne’s work and the Blessed Mother.
It also is a reminder that we don’t lose our friends in death they are merely out of sight and like true friends ever willing to lend a hand if we but ask. I still turn to my own Father dead since 1985 when I am troubled He too had a deep devotion to Our Blessed Lady.
I have no doubt that your love for the Blessed Mother has helped you endure your suffering and not despair. God bless Suzanne and all her work for priests in crisis.
As laity I feel we fell asleep on the job like the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemene and stopped praying for our religious. One good thing that is emerging from this awful business is that people are reawakening to the importance of prayer and vigilance.
Redemptive suffering is something the modern world with its focus on self gratification finds hard to fathom. Yet it is only the soul that unites with Christ in redemptive love who is truly free. Some people are physically free but chained by sin and possessed by their demons.
Dear Father,
I just wanted to re-post my comment on Suzanne’s blog after reading your article there… and to say thank you here on your blog.
“I can only echo what Elizabeth has said. I remember how disappointed I felt in the priests, how let down by those who had truly done heinous crimes but I did not stop to take the time to pray for the good priests, pray for the priests falsely accused… in fact, I had no idea there were priests behind bars that were actually innocent.
Please forgive me, Father, and help me to see things anew.
I will link to you and to Priests in Crisis on my blog and start reading- reading and learning.
Take care Father- may God bless you richly- and I know that there is always meaning behind suffering, even if we can’t see it right now.”
I will be a faithful reader from now on…