“I
apologize for my comments. I did not intend to blame the victim. A priest (or
anyone else) who abuses a minor is always wrong and is always responsible. My
mind and my way of expressing myself are not as clear as they used to be. I
have spent my life trying to help others the best that I could. I deeply regret
any harm I have caused to anyone.”
– Fr. Benedict Groeschel.
After
reading the Wikipedia entry on Fr. Benedict, I realized that there are at least
9 reasons why we should accept his apology:
1. “In 1960, Groeschel became the chaplain for the Children’s
Village, a Dobbs Ferry, New York based facility for emotionally disturbed
children.”
2. “In 1967, he founded The St. Francis House in Brooklyn, New York, which provides a safe haven for young men
looking for a new start in life.”
3. “In 1985, he co-founded with Christopher Bell the Good Counsel
Homes for homeless pregnant women and children.”
4. “In 1987, Groeschel and seven Capuchin colleagues left their
order to begin the Franciscan Friars of
the Renewal with the mission
of preaching reform and serving the poor.”
5. “Since joining the Institute of Psychological Sciences in
2000, he has taught an annual intensive course focused on how to give practical
assistance to people experiencing trauma, extreme stress, and sorrow - while at
the same time integrating religious values with counseling and psychotherapy.”
6-9. “Other works of charity that Groeschel is involved with are:
·
the Padre Pio Shelter,
·
St. Anthony Residence,
·
St. Francis Youth Center
and
·
St. Benedict Joseph
Medical Center in Honduras.”
