Archbishop

As I write this message to you, I am in Baltimore, Maryland, for the plenary assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. I can tell you I came prepared to work with my fellow bishops to move aggressively forward in dealing with the abuse issues that are confronting our Church right now, and will continue to do so.

In my letter to you of August 17, 2018, I explained that I would consult the Presbyteral Council of the Archdiocese and my Cabinet in order to determine how I would designate an act of reparation be conducted in the Archdiocese for the horrendous crimes of clerical sexual abuse. Since then, revelations have continued to unfold – especially with the publication of stories from the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report – which speak to the depth of the evil that occurred.

Last Sunday [Aug. 29, 2018] witnessed what many are calling a “bombshell” in the Church: the publication of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò’s “Testimony,” alleging corruption and coverup at all levels of the Church based on his long and extensive personal knowledge.

The Catholic Church in the United States traditionally observes Catechetical Sunday each year on the third Sunday of September. This year, on September 16, as the Church calls forth and commissions catechists, the theme for reflection and action will be “Enlisting Witnesses for Jesus Christ.” It will be a joyful occasion to celebrate our participation in the mission of Jesus Christ to teach and call everyone to fullness of life in him.