Crisis: Clergy Abuse in the Catholic Church

I’m in this episode of Crisis, from ⁦@CatholicProj⁩.

I talked about the revelations about Jean Vanier’s abusive behavior. https://t.co/AbVZGedOvX

— JD Flynn (@jdflynn) November 26, 2020

A Contrast Between a Saint and a Scoundrel

CLJ: The Unhidden Lives of Jean Vanier and Franz Jägerstätter by John O'Callaghan

The Unhidden Lives of Jean Vanier and Franz Jägerstätter https://t.co/Ddr2XJTIHV#wednesdaywisdom #CatholicTwitter #WednesdayMorning #Catholic #WednesdayMotivation #religion #WednesdayThoughts #theology #WednesdayVibes

— Church Life Journal (@ChurchLifeND) May 20, 2020

In the midst of our anguish over Vanier’s abusive behavior, we need to keep in mind that nonetheless Vanier stated a profound truth: persons with disabilities are not objects of our charity but should be treated as friends among whom we live and share a common life. The irony of the L’Arche communities is that they exist at all, for if we all took that profound truth to heart, if we lived it, there would be no L’Arche, or rather we would all be L’Arche in our homes, neighborhoods, towns, and cities. Jean Vanier’s hidden life cannot destroy that truth.

But how many of the rich or those looking to create paid work for themselves use philanthropy to cover up for their private lives, or to exploit philanthropy for their private sins?

How many people live this truth quietly, by taking care of their disabled children or relatives? If mass population centers at large do not live according to this principle, then those mass population centers need to be evangelized and reformed, and not have its conscience assuaged by con-men using "charity" for their own ends.

An Institution in Crisis

Daniel Vanier, and what comes next by JD Flynn (via Rod Dreher)

I know this is why God gives us the Church. I know that the Church, in her wisdom, and through the test of time, carefully discerns men and women of heroic virtue — saints worth imitating and venerating. But the Vatican’s saint-making department is an office full of sinners, some of them facing criminal investigations. Believing that God works through those guys to help people know who was really holy takes faith. I know it’s true, but in the days after the Vanier news, I found myself plagued by doubt.

The Narcissist Female on Display

Who does she think she is, threatening to leave the Church? She has already left it.

CNA/CWR: Mary McAleese writes to Pope Francis over Jean Varnier

Like the LC?

CWR Dispatch: Canadian bishops lament Vanier’s misconduct, while affirming value of L’Arche

Vanier was not involved in the formation of other men and did not put others participating in that perverse form of "spiritual accompaniment" into positions of leadership, as far as I know.

Christopher R. Altieri on the Vanier Scandal

CWR: Letter from Rome, February 22, 2020: Jean Vanier by Christopher R. Altieri
We must remember that God’s mercy — the response of self-subsistent Charity to sinful creatures — is severe; stern as death, and not less terrible than His wrath.

A comment: Institutions can no longer masquerade as being communities or of the community — they are instead tied to mass population centers where anonymity and the lack of accountability reign. If there is to be reform, there must be accountability, and everyone must vet each other properly, and where this is not possible, distance must be maintained. This is the only way forward. Trust can no longer be assumed or given freely — it must be earned.

A Shocking Development

Is the report anything more than a summary of credible allegations? After all, a criminal investigation or conviction is not possible. How can there be a conclusive investigation if the accused cannot defend himself or provide evidence that could clear him?

CNA/CWR: L’Arche reports sexual misconduct by founder Jean Vanier

L'Arche founder Jean Vanier sexually abused women

It seems that no Christian institution, no matter the reputation for being charitable, can be trusted. Rather, the care of the "less abled" must be relocalized and facilitated for families or in non-familial settings where accountability is enforced.



From last year:


Jean Vanier:




‘The Beauty of Compassion’ Jean Vanier in the Holy Land
In Search of the Human Face: Identity and the Challenge of Disability
In Search of the Human Face: Identity and the Challenge of Disability

Jean Vanier Has Passed

The Archdiocese of Toronto joins in offering our prayers for the loss of Jean Vanier, called home to God on May 7, 2019. We give thanks for his example to the world, reminding us of the dignity of every individual. May we continue to be inspired by his humble witness. #catholicTO pic.twitter.com/HaXnZflPAU

— Archdiocese of Toronto (@archtoronto) May 7, 2019

CNA
Washington Times


CWR Dispatch: Francis expresses gratitude for Jean Vanier’s “great witness”
The Pope said of the beloved humanitarian, “He was a man who knew how to read the Christian existence…from the mystery of those who are despised and rejected in the world.”

Any Update on Jean Vanier?

From 2016:
Catholic Insight: THE SAD INTERVIEW WITH JEAN VANIER SUPPORTING MEDICAL AID IN DYING by John Paul Meenan, Editor


A letter from Jean Vanier January 2018

The Francis Effect?

Jean Vanier supports legalizing assisted suicide in CBC interview
Catholic Insight
Catholic Culture

L'Arche Chicco

Advice for Spiritual Seekers from an Orthodox Priest

For Spiritual Seekers by Priest Richard Rene
Source: Saint Aidan Orthodox Church, Cranbrook, BC, Canada

Anglicans...

Anglican leaders from around the world on Tuesday conclude the second day of a meeting in Canterbury focused on healing divisions within the global communion.

Posted by Vatican Radio - English Section on Tuesday, January 12, 2016

The Templeton Award Winner

Post by Vatican Radio - English Section.

Nick Olszyk Reviews The Drop Box

CWR: “War in Heaven”: A review of "The Drop Box" by Nick Olszyk
“I adopt others because God adopted me,” says pastor Lee Jong-rak, whose work on behalf of abandoned babies in Seoul is depicted in this powerful film

(via Insight Scoop)

Related:
Jean Vanier on Loving Human Beings

"Why the Strong Need the Weak"

Another Jean Vanier interview

'The Long Road to Freedom' - Lecture by Jean Vanier

Blackfirars Hall:

'The Long Road to Freedom' - Lecture by Jean Vanier from Blackfriars Hall on Vimeo.

L'Arche profile
bio

More:
Interview with Jean Vanier
Interviewed by Lydia Talbot

The Wisdom of Tenderness