Posted April 8, 2010

The following comments were excerpted from Cardinal Justin Rigali’s homily during the Chrism Mass April 1 at the Cathedral. Click here for the full homily.

We are spiritually close, in prayer and with fraternal affection, to all who bear the Cross of Christ and share its weight. Recent reports in Europe of sexual abuse by clergy have reminded all of us of those terrible sins that have caused such immense suffering in victims and have contributed to the Passion of Christ. We recall how St. Paul reminds us that if one part of Christ’s Body, the Church, suffers, all of us suffer (cf. 1 Cor. 12:26). Together then in the presbyterate as bishops and priests, we recommit ourselves to the Bishops’ Charter in diligence and vigilance, so as to ensure the future protection of young people everywhere.