A merciless press

The gloating and prurient treatment given in the press and other media to accusations of sexual misconduct by priests and bishops does not do credit to the men and women of the media. It shows them up as merciless, a trait that endears no one to anybody. It also shows them up as ignorant of history and of the workings of divine grace.

This is true of the American press, and of certain sections of the Philippine press. In the case of the Philippine press, the case is much worse: mercy is a Filipino trait. Merciless is anti-Filipino.

Human nature is weak, but divine grace is powerful and has effected great changes in human lives. St. Peter, the "Prince of the Apostles", began by a thoroughly cowardly act. He denied having any connection with Jesus when in fact he had been with him for three years. Peter ended up a martyr – that is to say, a witness unto death – for the man he had denied.

St. Augustine had an illegitimate son. His profligate conduct drove his mother almost to despair. St. Augustine became a great bishop, a saint and doctor of the Church.

St. Paul began as a relentless persecutor of Christians. He ended up as the great teacher of the Christian Faith.

St. Ignatius Loyola admits to having had thoroughly worldly ideals, addicted to the use of sword and dagger, and involved in cosas de mujeres (affairs with women). He underwent a great conversion and became the exemplar of total dedication to Christ and his service.

San Carlos Borromeo began as a worldly priest. Because he was the Pope’s nephew he was made a cardinal at an early age. He became very wealthy and more interested in art than in religion. Appointed Archbishop of Milan he realized he would have to give an account to God for the souls of the men, women and children entrusted to his care. He became a holy and zealous archbishop, the Church’s model for bishops.

St. Vincent de Paul began as a worldly priest more interested in his own advancement than in serving people. The grace of God touched him and he became the apostle of the poor and the needy.

Mary Magdalene became a very devoted disciple of Christ. But the Bible tells us that she began as the woman from whom Jesus had to expel seven demons.

The list is long. Human nature is weak. But divine grace is powerful. Instead of holding up priests and bishops to public mockery because of past sins (real or alleged), we should encourage and strengthen them to continue in the service of God and man.

In America and in Europe, priests and bishops are being brought to court and to public obloquy for delinquencies committed thirty, forty years before, and for which the priest or bishop had already done much to atone.

The men and women of the Philippine press are almost all Christians. Surely one would expect of them the exquisite beauty of Christian mercy.

Not to mention ordinary human justice. Because to publish unproven accusations, particularly in private life, and hold a person up for mockery for them, is totally unjust.