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Boston reaction to Law’s
resignation
By CHUCK COLBERT
Boston
As dawn broke here Friday Dec. 13 over the nation’s fourth
largest diocese, with news Cardinal Bernard Law’s resignation, many
Greater Boston area Catholics heaved a sigh of relief. Even before the sun
rose, local broadcast media were on the air gathering local sentiments, as well
as announcing a flurry of news conferences. Three major ones had been held by
noon.
The first one was held at 8 a.m. at the chancery in the Brighton
neighborhood of Boston. Law’s two chief spokespersons, Donna Morrissey and
Rev. Christopher Coyne, said they expected Law to return to Boston by the end
of the weekend. But “the Cardinal has no public schedule,” Morrissey
said, adding this is a “difficult day” for everyone.
With the announcement of Auxiliary Bishop Richard G. Lennon as the
apostolic administrator, Coyne and Morrissey said there were “no
changes,” with “all positions as they are.” Morrissey also added
that the archdiocese would continue reaching out to victims and survivors.
“They can’t be lost in this” resignation, she said, adding the
situation here “is not over for a lifetime, for years to come.”
Coyne sounded a hopeful and positive note, saying that Law’s
decision was based “on what is best for the archdiocese.” Coyne said
he looked forward to working with Bishop Lennon, the apostolic administrator,
whom he termed a “man of integrity.” Coyne also said that the Bishop
Lennon is known to be “listener,” who in his days at St. John’s
Seminary “always had an open door.”
Bishop Lennon, a native of the Boston area, was not made available
for the media today, but he is expected to celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of
the Holy Cross on Sunday. In a written statement Lennon said, “I pledge to
do all that I can with the help of bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and
laity of the Archdiocese, to work towards healing as a church and furthering
the mission of Jesus Christ within our community.” Lennon also asked for
prayers for “all victims and families who have been hurt by the sin of
sexual abuse by the clergy,” as well as for Law.
Spokespersons for lay-led church-reform advocacy group Voice of
the Faithful also said they were looking forward to working with the new
bishop. “The Archdiocese of Boston has endured a terrible suffering
brought on by the clergy sexual abuse crisis,” said VOTF president Jim
Post, at a 10 a.m. news conference held at the organization’s headquarters
in Newton, Mass., a suburb west of Boston.
Nonetheless, “We need to emphasize that Cardinal Law’s
resignation is only a first step,” Post said, adding, “sunlight of
truth and reconciliation” is needed “in order to bring about
healing.” Post urged Bishop Lennon to hear Voice of the Faithful and to
“act in a spirit of collaboration and collegiality with the laity,
survivors and clergy,” he said. “We are faithful Catholics who love
our church and are working to restore its moral integrity. We are making a
difference by supporting survivors, priests who are faithfully living out their
vows, and working for structure changes in the culture of secrecy and
authoritarianism that contributed to this crisis.” Post added: “Voice
of the Faithful is a reality in the life of the Catholic church.”
At a third press conference, held at noon at the Boston Sheraton
Hotel, provided an opportunity for survivors, their legal counsel, and
victim/survivor advocacy-group members to speak. Boston attorney Roderick
MacLeish of the law firm Greenberg and Traurig, a firm that has represented
dozens of clients alleging clerical sexual abuse, said he viewed the “Holy
Father’s acceptance of Cardinal Law’s resignation as meaningful and
affirming.” MacLeish also went on to thank all the “brave
priests” who continue “to do good parish work.”
Yet it was the survivors who spoke that captured the sadness and
spirit of the hour. Tom Fulchino, a survivor of sexual abuse by former priest
James Porter, expressed sadness, adding, “but today is a major step in the
right direction.” Fulchino’s wife Susan and their son Christopher --
who, like his father, alleges sexual abuse by John Geoghan, were also present.
“This day is a blessing,” said Christopher Fulchino,
unable to hold back his tears. Still, he said in an appeal to others who allege
sexual abuse: “Be strong, don’t be afraid. It just gets better; every
day gets easier.” He added, “I am glad this day has finally come. I
am glad the Cardinal resigned.”
That same day, Christopher Fulchino celebrated his 26th
birthday.
National Catholic Reporter, posted December 13,
2002
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