Video: The crime-fighting priest of Youngstown
posted at 10:55 am on December 17, 2010 by Ed Morrissey
I wanted to write about this yesterday, but we had an exceptionally busy news day. The story of Fr. Greg Maturi shouldn’t be missed, however, as two murders almost on the doorstep of his St. Dominic’s Catholic Church pushed him to pursue an unusual but not unprecedented strategy to fight crime: demolition. The population of Youngstown, Ohio has dropped by almost half since the steel industry began its decline over the last few decades. That left a lot of empty, abandoned houses in the poorer areas of Youngstown, which provided a haven for almost every kind of criminal activity and gang activity one could imagine. Fr. Maturi has teamed up with Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams to remove the abandoned houses and chase the thieves, pimps, drug dealers, and murderers out of the neighborhood:
This approach is not unprecedented. Detroit has proposed doing something similar but on a much larger scale, bulldozing entire neighborhoods and encouraging small-scale agriculture in their places. That reduces the footprint needed for law enforcement and pushes the criminals out of their safe havens. In the case of Youngstown, the effort would salvage at-risk neighborhoods where the increasing crime and violence threatens to chase out the law-abiding Youngstown citizens who have remained.
Fr. Maturi has painted a big target on his back for his effort to rid the neighborhood of its plagues, but the criminals aren’t the biggest obstacle to Operation Redemption’s success. That honor belongs to the federal government:
It costs the city about $3,000 to demolish each house, and federal red tape has slowed the process. The Environmental Protection Agency has required the city to conduct asbestos abatement in many of the buildings, which the city says is prohibitively expensive.
“The EPA is worried about lead in paint. We’re worried about lead in bullets,” Maturi said. “What’s more important?”
Meanwhile, Maturi has to fight another daunting foe — hopelessness:
Surprisingly, with crime and murder happening right outside his front door, Maturi says battling the hopelessness among his parishioners and the community is his toughest fight yet.
“My biggest problem is not fear of being attacked by gangs or whatever. My biggest problem is keeping people from falling into despair and becoming cynical,” he said. “That is a tougher fight than a physical fight.”
By putting such a public face on a dangerous battle, some now fear Maturi has also made himself a target. But almost like a superhero in a comic book, Maturi quickly responded, “That may well be the case, but that’s not going to slow me down. …This is why I became a priest. This is what a priest does.”
If you’re a praying person, offer a few for Father Maturi, Mayor Williams, and especially the people of Maturi’s parish.
Update: If you’re a donating person, here’s the website for St Dominic’s. Even if you can’t donate anything (and this is a tough time of the year), “donate” a few supportive words for Fr. Maturi and his parish.
Blowback
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Do you have an address so we can donate money and help this wonderful man?
milwife88 on December 17, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Hey, look, another reason to get rid of the EPA.
strictnein on December 17, 2010 at 11:01 AM
Dude needs theme music.
cjtony97 on December 17, 2010 at 11:06 AM
What a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing it, Ed.
Religious_Zealot on December 17, 2010 at 11:08 AM
The Christian thing to do would be to bring in thousands of Somalis to live in the empty houses.
BL@KBIRD on December 17, 2010 at 11:10 AM
Great… now we can ignore the colossal scandals that have broken recently in Ireland and with the Vatican bank.
Last week: one doesn’t equal the whole.
This week: one does equal the whole.
Anecdotes and obfuscation to the rescue!
mankai on December 17, 2010 at 11:12 AM
-sigh-
I was going to cynically put in my prior post a remark about “Some idiot trying to change the subject by bringing up non-related church “issues” in 3..2..1..”
I guess there are simply some people who can’t stand all the good work churches do in the world and can’t allow any story to leak out without trying to re-establish their own meta-narrative.
Religious_Zealot on December 17, 2010 at 11:15 AM
This priest is a true servant of the people of God. My prayers are with him and with all the people of Youngstown.
Inkblots on December 17, 2010 at 11:16 AM
Here is the address and phone number of the church.
Fallen Sparrow on December 17, 2010 at 11:19 AM
You are a nasty, bigoted person.
Fallen Sparrow on December 17, 2010 at 11:20 AM
Heh. Clever.
amerpundit on December 17, 2010 at 11:23 AM
This is great. Youngstown is one of those towns you have to drive through to get to your destination; and God forbid you get lost. It will take more than just him to get things fixed. To go to a concert in a brand new arena in the middle of nowhere, it is very awkward.
In fact, before the elections I got to appreciate ACORNians and people (don’t want to bring up any race issues here) who were on the sides of the streets looking for Obama voters.
I wish God protects that church and their churchgoers, more offerings are sent there. He needs to have my Rosa Mystica pilgrim statue there.
PRAYER TO ROSA MYSTICA
Rosa Mystica, Queen of the Apostles, pray that many men and women may hear Christ’s call to priestly and religious vocations, and help them to spread the Kingdom of Jesus Christ throughout the world by the holiness of their lives and their burning zeal for the salvation of souls. Pour out your heavenly grace upon us!
ProudPalinFan on December 17, 2010 at 11:24 AM
What do all third world countries have in common? Corruption.
What’s happening in Youngstown is due to over-regulation and excessive taxes.
Corruption of the government bears the fruit of poverty and hopelessness.
joshlbetts on December 17, 2010 at 11:28 AM
That, and he’s pulling off a “Padre Pio”… wow this priest is really going to need lots of help.
ProudPalinFan on December 17, 2010 at 11:31 AM
I think Detroit had to drop the farmland idea as they couldn’t afford it… they can afford just shutting off essential services (electricity, gas, water, sewer) to portions of the city to get people out in the deserted areas to migrate out of them, and they hope it will be to the city, itself. Just demolition and haulage, though, not rehab to farmland, should be cheaper.
ajacksonian on December 17, 2010 at 11:31 AM
I’m sorry that your upbringing was lacking.
ladyingray on December 17, 2010 at 11:32 AM
OT slightly
If your thinking of giving to the Red
Crossthis season, don’t.BL@KBIRD on December 17, 2010 at 11:32 AM
More like his oxygen during birth.
EnochCain on December 17, 2010 at 11:33 AM
They can not do that. Congress is banning small-scale agriculture.
Slowburn on December 17, 2010 at 11:34 AM
You forgot the /sarc tag, cuz surely you can’t be serious.
ornery_independent on December 17, 2010 at 11:38 AM
You. Have. GOT. to. be. kidding. me.
No more donations, of money or blood. Ever again.
Rebar on December 17, 2010 at 11:39 AM
the asbestos- and lead-saturated soil will be perfect for small-scale agriculture or children playing in the backyard.
sesquipedalian on December 17, 2010 at 11:41 AM
I don’t think they are talking about the “American Red Cross”, but rather the “British Red Cross”, whose parent is the International Red Cross, and no friend of America.
From the article:
AFAIK, the American Red Cross is a completely separate organization, and one who has been there to help my family out while out house was still on fire.
ornery_independent on December 17, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Again, it’s Britain, and somewhat expected. I think Michael Savage is right when he says only the soccer thugs can save the UK now.
ornery_independent on December 17, 2010 at 11:48 AM
Nothing like a little hyperbole to put things in perspective.
cjtony97 on December 17, 2010 at 11:51 AM
Well, no, the American Red Cross is the U.S. affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Nevertheless, the Red Cross operates on the principle of subsidiarity, and each national affiliate is independently run, so there’s really no point in punishing the American Red Cross for something the British Red Cross did.
Although, in the spirit of this article, you could always give to Catholic Charities, instead.
Inkblots on December 17, 2010 at 11:51 AM
personal experience?
Branch Rickey on December 17, 2010 at 11:51 AM
Awesome!
I’ll pray too to St. John Bosco – totally up his alley!
St. Francis de Sales – Ora Pro Nobis
Branch Rickey on December 17, 2010 at 11:53 AM
That is in Britain, not America.
The Red Cross is my emergency contact for my son serving in Korea. I won’t forgo giving to my local RC because of idiots in Britain.
ladyingray on December 17, 2010 at 11:55 AM
Sigh.
Facts, history be damned… again.
btw – I heard some Muslim Imam was collecting alms for the poor. Hurrah for Islam! Just ignore everything else!
mankai on December 17, 2010 at 11:59 AM
That’s good news, let us hope this moonbattery will stay on the wrong side of the Atlantic.
Rebar on December 17, 2010 at 12:01 PM
You do know that Palin willingly left the RCC?
mankai on December 17, 2010 at 12:01 PM
The most awesomest story of the day!
I wonder how long before some Rachel Corrie wanna-be jumps in front of a bulldozer?
Tony737 on December 17, 2010 at 12:07 PM
You’re point being that, because Palin is no longer Catholic, ProudPalinFan should not pray for this priest. or something.
cjtony97 on December 17, 2010 at 12:07 PM
you mean suggesting that the federal government is the ‘dozer priest’s greatest obstacle?
in any case, creating a new problem to solve the old makes no sense. (unless you supported the war in iraq, because then you’re likely not into long-term planning.)
sesquipedalian on December 17, 2010 at 12:10 PM
-facepalm-
Right, because one story here somehow…
…well, I don’t know because I don’t understand idiots like you who simply have to let your own hate and ignorance be trumpeted even though you really HAVE NO POINT.
Yes, every religious institute (unfortunately) has scandals.
However, the number of scandals are infinitesimal compared to the regular and consistent number of good works done EACH AND EVERY DAY by Christian churches around the world.
Now, crawl back into your cocoon of bigotry and hatred lest you actually begin to understand that last point.
Religious_Zealot on December 17, 2010 at 12:11 PM
If you wnt to know the truth about the supposed hazard of lead try and get a copy of this book. I read it years ago.
The EPA is an absolute scam!
http://www.pacificresearch.org/press/superfund-tramples-citizens-in-misguided-lead-scare
Firmworm on December 17, 2010 at 12:12 PM
I don’t think anyone here is advocating for increased asbestos and lead levels in the soil.
The point, I believe, is that the EPA’s regulations tend to be much more onerous than they are helpful.
But since we don’t know important contextual things like:
- what exactly are the abatement procedures the EPA is requiring
- how much lead/asbestos is actually in the vacant homes
…then I don’t believe there is really too much to talk about here.
According to the story they are planning on having all the selected homes razed by the end of the month, so it looks like they are adhering with the EPA’s requirements.
Religious_Zealot on December 17, 2010 at 12:17 PM
That is from our profession of faith and is directly from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
I believe Fr. Maturi is wonderful.
Branch Rickey on December 17, 2010 at 12:18 PM
You know damn well that if HA had a neat little story about some local Imam it would be target practice.
The “religious institution” in question doesn’t just have local scandals, it has a central government which it claims is the only vehicle of salvation on the planet which also believes that it is superior to all civil governments… hence what we just found out about the Vatican’s interloping behind the scenes in the Ireland.
The priest here has said (as is common) “We need priest because we need the Eucharist because without the Eucharist we cannot be holy.”
Now, if Pat Robertson came out and said that the Assemblies of God was the only vehicle of salvation on earth, that the AG should be the religion of the state, that forgiveness of sins was only granted through the AG, etc… I don’t think we’d be giving three cheers to Pat or the AG.
Facts are facts and the choice to ignore them is either the choice of willful ignorance or the choice to obfuscate or the choice to refuse to take a stand… none of these is worthy of praise.
mankai on December 17, 2010 at 12:19 PM
Do you want me to start quoting Popes and Councils? By the way, my quote concerning Palin is also in the catechism. They speak out of both sides of their mouth… as the have for centuries.
mankai on December 17, 2010 at 12:20 PM
Presuming that would be true (and I’m certain it would)…
…what then is your point?
We are not allowed to show one small example of the thousands upon thousands of good deeds and good works the Christian church does EACH AND EVERY DAY??
And this just because you have some kind of bigoted meta-narrative that, in your closeted ignorance, you can not allowed to go challenged?
Whether you like it or not, the fact is that despite the various scandals you like to bring up, the Christian church helps millions of people around the world…
…and it’s very important to lift up stories like this priest so that the world can understand what the Christian church is really all about – helping people.
Religious_Zealot on December 17, 2010 at 12:23 PM
Presuming that would be true (and I’m NOT certain it would)…
PIMF!
Religious_Zealot on December 17, 2010 at 12:24 PM
Can you just write your posts in notepad on your computer and then save them to your desktop instead of posting them here?
I know you think you have some sort of point, but you don’t. Your logic falls apart and implodes. Under your guidelines, we are unable to say positive things about the actions of anyone, as they are undoubtedly part of some larger group which has members who do awful and corrupt things. For instance, we would be unable to compliment the recipient of the Medal of Honor, because there is corruption and unwarranted violence perpetrated by other members of the armed forces.
strictnein on December 17, 2010 at 12:27 PM
While ignoring huge, international scandals? Sure, why not.
Yep, pointing to facts is “bigoted.” I expected that. I guess John Adams was bigoted too when he warned of Canon law as an enemy of a Republic.
So the scandals at the very top are then not worthy of exposure?
Every night somewhere there is some leftist making the same claim about Muslims. Anecdotes don’t change core facts, doctrines, history or scandals.
mankai on December 17, 2010 at 12:29 PM
It’s the timing.
The reason I make the point here is because HA (and much of the Right) has been ignoring the massive governmental scandal involving the Vatican and Ireland… and the Vatican Bank scandal.
Seems as though some religious entities are treated differently than others.
mankai on December 17, 2010 at 12:31 PM
What connection do those “scandals” (and some of what you’re claiming aren’t even “scandals”) have with those thousands and thousands of good works?
How, exactly, is posting examples of all the good that is done somehow “ignoring” these “scandals”?
What “facts” have you pointed to? All you’ve done is drooled out hate and bigotry just because Ed here had the temerity to post a story about the good work one Catholic priest is doing.
Your main claim here is the illogical, bigoted, hateful and farcical claim that we are not allowed to talk about the good that the Catholic church does because it has claimed things that you disagree with.
I would ask you the inverse of this question – are the good deeds not worthy of exposure?
And you can always start your own blog and write every day about all the horrible, evil things you believe the Catholic church is doing.
In the meantime, the Catholic church will continue to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the lonely and work the betterment of the communities it belongs to.
Now, IMHO, I find the ever day work of the Catholic church a wee bit more important than the blatherings of an ignorant bigot on the web.
Religious_Zealot on December 17, 2010 at 12:37 PM
HA (and much of the Right) are much more concerned about what occurs right here in America.
HA is an American Political blog thus its focus on American politics.
Which is also why this particular news story was posted – it’s about something occurring in America.
Religious_Zealot on December 17, 2010 at 12:40 PM
yes and as usual you will quote out of context, your point?
What I quoted was from our profession of faith.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is roughly 700 pages and when one quotes it out of context and in bits and also distorts, as you do over and over and over and over and over, then some teachings do seem contradictory.
Furthermore, quote Councils and Popes and distort – it is what you do – and at the same time continue to expose to all normal people your lunatic and irrational hate. Go for it.
When you quote the Councils and Popes you never point out what is actually accepted teaching and what is not. But none of that is important to you.
I will continue to pray for you.
Branch Rickey on December 17, 2010 at 12:42 PM
We can always rely on you to cast all things “Catholic” into a negative light.
clarifides on December 17, 2010 at 12:45 PM
See: Ignoring acts by Islamic governments while featuring nice stories about individual Muslims… when you support that sort of selective, anecdotal coverage you can get back to me.
Calling me a bigot without any evidence is weak (but typical).
The catechism and centuries of Popes and Councils are abundantly clear on this topic. I’d quote them, but you’d just obfuscate or accuse me of taking them out of context.
I’ve learned that quoting Popes and Councils is somehow “Catholic-bashing”… if you can figure that one out I’d like to know… and think about that the next time someone quotes the Koran.
mankai on December 17, 2010 at 12:47 PM
And we can count on Ed to ignore Vatican scandals.
mankai on December 17, 2010 at 12:48 PM
perhaps someone should point that out to ed then.
sesquipedalian on December 17, 2010 at 12:49 PM
Is there a laugh button somewhere?
Yeah, HA never covers international stories.
C’mon.
mankai on December 17, 2010 at 12:50 PM
I wish I could replicate this man’s efforts all across the United States. One of the best way to get rid of roaches (including the two-legged sort) is to destroy their cover.
Unfortunately the EPA actually has a legitimate concern – asbestos and lead are nothing to sneeze at.
Dark-Star on December 17, 2010 at 12:52 PM
and thank you for proving my point – comparing the Catechism of the Catholic Church to the Koran…
Wishing you a grace filled Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Branch Rickey on December 17, 2010 at 12:54 PM
You have failed so miserably in the past that you now resort to equating the Catholic Church with Islamic governments. Even greater fail.
clarifides on December 17, 2010 at 12:56 PM
Um, for the record, I was and am very supportive of local Catholic rights in Iraq (and throughout the ME). The majority of my family and friends are Catholic. The point is not about individual Catholics (just as terrorism is not about individual Muslims) it is about the greater corrupt entity.
The Vatican is a leftist organization (except on marriage and abortion). Other than that, as an entity, it is behind open borders, increased social programs, calls for US international debt forgiveness, etc. acting through its bishops (to whom RCs must “bow both will and intellect” in all matters of faith and morals, public policy being couched as moral.).
mankai on December 17, 2010 at 1:00 PM
Sorry if the logic is over your head.
I was comparing claims that abundantly clear and codified, centuries-old Catholic doctrines are merely “misunderstood” is similar to Muslims claiming the Koran is “misunderstood.”
I could have used anything that anybody says and then tried to deny later by claiming he was misunderstood…. does that make it better?
mankai on December 17, 2010 at 1:03 PM
“Some of my best friends are black.”
Abby Adams on December 17, 2010 at 1:06 PM
I failed because you said so. Nice.
Again, try and follow the logic… the comparison would be like ignoring the formal acts of an Islamic government because some local Imam opened a soup kitchen. It’s simply a comparative. I could have used the French government if that makes you feel any better.
Actually my comparison isn’t accurate… Islam claims no infallible leader or central government which is above civil law.
mankai on December 17, 2010 at 1:06 PM
BS…read this book. It may just change your mind.
Firmworm on December 17, 2010 at 1:08 PM
Theme music could probably help in that endeavor.
cjtony97 on December 17, 2010 at 1:08 PM
This book…
http://www.pacificresearch.org/press/superfund-tramples-citizens-in-misguided-lead-scare
Firmworm on December 17, 2010 at 1:09 PM
Thanks, I knew that was coming.
Now to do what your pals here are doing… are you claiming Catholicism is a race? (I’m playing the stupid card because that’s what they’re doing).
For the record, I didn’t say “some” I wrote “majority.” I’d be a very strange “bigot” if a majority of my family and friends were black. It’d be even stranger if I was raised, educated and taught as a black and then became an ex-black!
mankai on December 17, 2010 at 1:09 PM
This story is about an individual Catholic, you have a knee jerk reaction to the word Catholic and or Catholic priest and immediately start with your antagonism of the Church.
clarifides on December 17, 2010 at 1:10 PM
Oh really? Which KofC chapter do you belong to? When I was there and we were raising money for the Chaldeans, your name never came up, strange. Or maybe you supported the Sisters of Mercy?
I call BS
And you have stated you are not. Virulently.
I call BS
Oh, a big picture guy. So let me get this right individuals don’t commit acts of terrorism, entities do? So people don’t kill people guns do? People have been struck with a piece of Gross National Product?
I call BS
You’re a vile anti-Catholic and you have been since I first noticed your scribbles here at HA and I doubt you ever will be anything else.
LincolntheHun on December 17, 2010 at 1:11 PM
Well if you believe you have succeeded in changing the hearts & minds of Catholics, you work here is done. Move along.
clarifides on December 17, 2010 at 1:16 PM
I have to agree.
We have this thing called history.
Yes, it was hard for me to accept that at first being a former staunch Roman Catholic. Catholicism ruined many countries especially in the third world. A mixture of Christianity and paganism.
It is the system not the people. Just like democrats who are beholden to their leaders or ’cause’ the people just follow Roman Catholism because it is too uncomfortable to change their minds in favor of the God of the bible.
it is not a surprise why majority of Catholics vote democratic.
Having said that, I applaud the priest in fighting crime, as well as the atheist, the muslim, the baptist, or the hindu who will stand against social ills, but not stand with all of them in spiritual matters.
maynila on December 17, 2010 at 1:23 PM
God bless this wonderful man.
molonlabe28 on December 17, 2010 at 1:32 PM
Nothing went over my head. Your “logic” failed because you were too busy choking on your hate.
Yes, Catholics believe Christ gave to humankind the Church in order to administer His Sacraments – it’s not a requirement for you or me or anyone to believe that – but it is what we believe. All Salvation comes from God and we believe through His only Son, Jesus Christ, He died for our sins. If you are not Catholic why do you care?
____
The Vatican is a Sovereign state with a Head of State. If you don’t like that I’m not sure what anyone can do about that. Take it up with the UN.
Yeah, I admit freely, and complain often, that there are a number of Leftists who entered into the Church to advance a political views and not the salvation of souls.
Judas Iscariot(s) is/are not new to followers of Christ.
There are many American Bishops behind open borders and they recently got slapped down by BXVI – haven’t heard about that, um because it destroys the American Media template…
Increased social programs – weird that a Christians would emphasize social programs – however, BXVI has made it clear that secular governments (and yes, he knows that means taxpayers) need to have a “safety net” for those in need but he stresses that to truly have a Christian society all these needs must be met through personal commitment to serve Christ through helping others.
US international debt forgiveness – that’s what some bishops have called for but I am not aware of that being an official Vatican position – please link for me because I am just not up on that. I apologize in advance for not knowing more about that.
There are some things that are prudential judgments left up to bishops – administration, etc – but yes, as a universal Church we have doctrines bishops are suppose to follow.
Bishops have a LOT to answer for – I don’t defend bad behavior. I will defend those who didn’t do anything wrong and I will defend those who have repented and I will defend until martyrdom – white in this case – Benedict XVI (nee Josef Ratzinger) and what he tried to do to clean up the “filth” in the Church.
Again, wishing you a grace-filled Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Branch Rickey on December 17, 2010 at 1:42 PM
Dear Mankai,
Fr. Groeschel would respond to your criticisms, “True, true.” Everything you can say about the Catholic Church is true. “Some of the worst people in history were Catholics.” True. “Some of the best people in history were Catholics.” True. The Apostles themselves displayed all the weaknesses of humankind even in the Lord’s presence; selfishness, cowardice, betrayal. The Church doesn’t make men clean, Christ’s sacrifice and mercy accomplishes that.
More to the point is why you choose to respond to a story of a good man striving to do well with vitriol and slander?
You are someone with a wounded soul. Your attacks say much more about you than about the Church or Father Maturi.
rcl on December 17, 2010 at 2:11 PM
Let’s forget about any faux lead or asbestos concerns, or even the crime.
Why don’t we focus on abandoned house being a safehouse for vermin like mice, rats, stray animals in general who carry DISEASES, leaving it in their feces they deposit everywhere, as well as the hazard of residents getting bitten or attacked.
Badger40 on December 17, 2010 at 2:12 PM
OK.
So according to you:
Every muslim is evil
Every Catholic is evil
All Mormons are evil bcs of the Mtn Meadow Masscr.
All Puritans should be evil
Let’s just say that all of mankind is evil as well as any organization involving a human being & leave it at that.
I am no Catholic, but I live in a predominantly Catholic & Lutheran area & the priests I know are not molesters.
The people in this community are not all bad & the churches here do very good works.
You talk about muslims, I personally talk about islam.
If I see a muslim donig good works with no other sick motivation behind it, I give him/her the kudos they deserve.
You are one scary individual.
Badger40 on December 17, 2010 at 2:18 PM
1. What book?
2. Lead and asbestos have been proven to be poisonous. Unlike Glo-Bull Warming, the science really is settled. Any book that argues otherwise may as well include a chapter on the arguments for a flat earth.
Dark-Star on December 17, 2010 at 4:26 PM
The facts are simple. All Christians whether Catholic or Protestant believe that the only way is through Christ. You may not like it. You may disagree with it. But guess what? It is what it is. And no amount of ranting by you will change it. But if for some strange obscure reason it makes you feel better to do so, then go for it.
Meanwhile I commend Father Maturi and the Imam and anyone who tries to do something good no matter what their beliefs or non-beliefs. And I refuse to apologize for what others may do or have done. That is their mea culpa, not mine.
Deanna on December 17, 2010 at 5:40 PM
The level of threat can be overstated, especially when a gov’t entity is involved.
onthego on December 17, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Oh wow. I know Fr. Greg.
He’s a Dominican friar — I knew him when he was at the Catholic Center at NYU in the late 90s. He presided at my husband’s entry to the Church, I believe [before Stu was my husband]. It’s probably been at least 10 years since I’ve seen him.
When he was in NYC, I remember him rollerblading to the local hospitals to visit people there. I often was altar server under him [mainly b/c nobody else wanted to show up for the early Mass on Sundays].
You’re in our prayers, Fr. Greg!
meep on December 18, 2010 at 5:58 PM
No, because you are clearly missing one major portion of your argument:
What the duties and responsibilities of a priest actually ARE.
When a priest does what he is supposed to do, it is a reflection on the whole because ministering to people is a priest’s job.
When a priest abuses a child, it is contrary to his vocation, his vows, and the purpose of the priesthood. It does not reflect on the whole because it falls away from the mission of the whole.
I find the “all priests must be marred by the sex abuse scandal” to be a distasteful, childish way to respond to issues regarding Catholicism. I am endlessly amazed at how people have no problem condemning the whole — including innocent Catholic laity — for the actions carried out by a slim minority of Catholics who…by and large…were actively and vocally heterodox in their views on Catholic teaching and the priesthood.
You seem to have no problem equating the bad eggs with the whole (and vice versa), so why is it suddenly bad for Ed to do it?
englishqueen01 on December 19, 2010 at 8:38 AM