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May 19, 2006
The statement
From Vatican Information Service
Beginning in 1998, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith received accusations, already partly made public, against Fr. Marcial Maciel Degollado, founder of the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ, for crimes that fall under the exclusive competence of the congregation. In 2002, Fr. Maciel published a declaration denying the accusations and expressing his displeasure at the offence done him by certain former Legionaries of Christ. In 2005, by reason of his advanced age, Fr. Maciel retired from the office of superior general of the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ.
"All these elements have been subject to a mature examination by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and - in accordance with the Motu Proprio 'Sacramentorum sanctitatis tutela,' promulgated on April 30 2001 by Servant of God John Paul II - the then prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, authorized an investigation into the accusations. In the meantime, Pope John II died and Cardinal Ratzinger was elected as the new Pontiff.
"After having attentively studied the results of the investigation, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, under the guidance of the new prefect, Cardinal William Joseph Levada, decided - bearing in mind Fr. Maciel's advanced age and his delicate health - to forgo a canonical hearing and to invite the father to a reserved life of penitence and prayer, relinquishing any form of public ministry. The Holy Father approved these decisions.
"Independently of the person of the Founder, the worthy apostolate of the Legionaries of Christ and of the Association 'Regnum Christi' is gratefully recognized."
Original Italian after the jump.
In reference to the news regarding the conclusion of the investigation of the accusations made against Fr. Marcial Maciel, our beloved father founder, the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ offer the following statement:
1. Fr. Marcial Maciel has received during his life a great number of accusations. In the last few years, some of these were presented to the Holy See so that a canonical process would be opened.
2. Facing the accusations made against him, he declared his innocence and, following the example of Jesus Christ, decided not to defend himself in any way.
3. Considering his advanced age and his frail health, the Holy See has decided not to begin a canonical process but to "invite him to a reserved life of prayer and penance, renouncing to any public ministry".
4. Fr. Maciel, with the spirit of obedience to the Church that has always characterized him, he has accepted this communiqué with faith, complete serenity and tranquility of conscience, knowing that it is a new cross that God, the Father of Mercy, has allowed him to suffer and that will obtain many graces for the Legion of Christ and the Regnum Christi Movement.
5. The Legionaries of Christ and the members of the Regnum Christi, following the example of Fr. Maciel and united to him, accept and will accept always the directives of the Holy See with profound spirit of obedience and faith. We renew our commitment to work with great intensity to live our charism of charity and extend the Kingdom of Christ serving the Church.
In riferimento a notizie diffuse circa la persona del Fondatore dei Legionari di Cristo, il Rev.do P. Marcial Maciel Degollado, la Sala Stampa della Santa Sede comunica quanto segue:
A partire dal 1998, la Congregazione per la Dottrina della Fede ricevette accuse, già in parte rese pubbliche, contro il Rev.do Marcial Maciel Degollado, fondatore della Congregazione dei Legionari di Cristo, per delitti riservati all’esclusiva competenza del Dicastero. Nel 2002, il Rev.do Maciel pubblicò una dichiarazione per negare le accuse e per esprimere il suo dispiacere per l’offesa recatagli da alcuni ex Legionari di Cristo. Nel 2005, per motivi di età avanzata, il Rev.do Maciel si ritirò dall’ufficio di Superiore Generale della Congregazione dei Legionari di Cristo.
Tutti questi elementi sono stati oggetto di maturo esame da parte della Congregazione per la Dottrina della Fede, e, a norma del Motu Proprio "Sacramentorum sanctitatis tutela" promulgato il 30 aprile 2001 dal Servo di Dio Giovanni Paolo II, l’allora Prefetto della Congregazione per la Dottrina della Fede, Sua Eminenza il Cardinale Joseph Ratzinger, ha autorizzato una investigazione delle accuse. Nel frattempo avvenne la morte di Papa Giovanni Paolo II e l’elezione del Cardinale Ratzinger a nuovo Pontefice.
Dopo aver sottomesso le risultanze dell’investigazione ad attento studio, la Congregazione per la Dottrina della Fede, sotto la guida del nuovo Prefetto, Sua Eminenza il Cardinale William Levada, ha deciso - tenendo conto sia dell’età avanzata del Rev.do Maciel che della sua salute cagionevole - di rinunciare ad un processo canonico e di invitare il Padre ad una vita riservata di preghiera e di penitenza, rinunciando ad ogni ministero pubblico. Il Santo Padre ha approvato queste decisioni.
Indipendentemente dalla persona del Fondatore si riconosce con gratitudine il benemerito apostolato dei Legionari di Cristo e dell’Associazione Regnum Christi.
If anyone would like to translate, feel free. We'll have English in a couple of hours, I imagine, once the VIS comes out.
Zadok has a summary and comments
Posted by Amy Welborn | Permalink
Comments
Not a translation, but a summary over at my 'blog.
Apologies - no time to prepare a proper translation!
Posted by: Zadok the Roman at May 19, 2006 7:35:46 AM
Thank you for that summary. This is very sad and to me it still leaves questions, which is very unfortunate for all involved.
Nicole
Posted by: nicole at May 19, 2006 7:44:07 AM
Yes, Nicole, questions still linger. I'm wondering if that may be due to Rome now being seen as applying more of a U.S. protocol for accused priests since Levada has taken over. The sadness may also be caused by the lingering questions within this state of limbo, and the usual "to follow" application of personal biases and interpretations that will most likely be used by the MSM.
Posted by: chris K at May 19, 2006 7:58:40 AM
Such denial, such wonder, such naivite...
Is ANYONE is surprised at ANY of these things anymore?
Shoot, most of the founders of these religious orders are twisted egomaniacs. It seems to be a requirement, or at the very least, one of the traits they have in common.
What IS telling, is the main charge AGAINST JPII was that he turned a blind eye and allowed his flock to be raped, abused, and tossed aside. Ignoring thousands of pleas to "do somthing."
So, here we have Lavendar Levada, and Ratzing/B16 REFUSING again to take the high road and DEAL forthrightly with the perverts in leadership. Instead, offering the perp an easy way out, letting him save face, and ONCE AGAIN, telling all the VICTIMS around the world, that regardless of how blantant the offense, the numbers involved, the crediblity of the accusers...the FIRST, LAST, and FORMOST and *ONLY* concern the church has is for IT's REPUTATION, IT's POWER, IT's INSIDERS....
Oh well, I guess hoping that good men would do good things, and the Vaticanisti Curia are just mutually incompatible.
I will let the timeless words of Saint Paul say what has to be said here...
----- Romans 1:28 (KJ2000) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not proper;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they who commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. -----
I believe it is time to just give up and call it quits in hoping for meaningful reform coming from Rome...
Posted by: Attilla the Nun at May 19, 2006 8:16:37 AM
Yes Chris, as a Regnum Christi member w/a kid in a Legion high school, I am VERY concerned about the apostolates of the Legion. Formost I am concerned about justice and I guess on the brief summary that I read, I don't see a 'yes, he did it' decision, I am still unsure as to what they think, it is left to an implication, which as you said depending on personal biases and interpretations could differ. How's that for a long, rambling sentence?
My concern for the apostolates is not to keep them going at all costs or to sweep anything under the rug so that it is business as usual. It comes down to the very practical, will my daughter's high school make it? If not, where will she go? If it continues, do they still have Founder's Day? Is it still the Maciel National Honor Society?
I hope this is an example of the real life implications and consequences of this announcement to all reading. I know from reading this blog for several years that whenever the Legion is brought up, some very snide and uncharitable things will be said. But remember, there are a lot of real, innocent people that will be affected by this and they don't deserve it. Again, yes, justice is paramount and the truth needs to be out, I would never suggest otherwise. But part of my sadness, in the end, is purely selfish. How will this affect me and my family?
Nicole
Posted by: nicole at May 19, 2006 8:17:51 AM
The simple reality is that one must now assume that Fr. Maciel is guilty, at least beyond a reasonable doubt, of these accusations. I take no joy in this, and see it as a very sad day for the church and for one of the most vibrant organisations within it.
One has to read between the lines on this - there is no way that B16 would urge Fr Maciel to a life of silence and penance, and make this public, unless there was a very strong probability that he believed the accusations. Let's remember, he has read the files and has been familiar with the case for some time.
Now, it can be spun in such a way as to make it look like Fr Maciel has been exonerated and is a victim of the Vatican - there's no trial, so he's exonerated to a point, but he's still a victim as his name hasn't been cleared. This lacks all credibility, and I hope that the LC and RC don't maintain this spin.
What will annoy me most about all of this though is the gloating of some of the ex-LC and ex-RC members, typical of what one finds over at Regain and of their posts when they come here. They win no friends for their cause by their tone and do themselves little credit. The same goes for those who have been crowing about Weigel, Neuhaus etc having to retract their support for Fr Maciel.
This doens't invalidate the LC and RC and there is no case for their suppression.
What it does do, however, is show us a very important spiritual lesson. Even though we may start out in life on the right path, we must continue in a spiritual battle throughout all our life. None of us, even charismatic founders, are immune from the threat of serious mortal sins, and we must fight and pray for final perseverance.
Our prayers should go with LC, RC and Fr Maciel (as well as the victims). In particular we should pray for the sanctification of Fr Maciel as he approaches the end of his life, for his forgiveness if he is guilty, and that the humiliation this imposes on him if he is innocent will win him a great reward in heaven.
Posted by: sk at May 19, 2006 8:19:52 AM
I would encourage people to review my prior posts here where I document a number of questionable rules of the group. The entire LC/RC core IS built by/around/according to Maciel. How can it be sound? It failed to deal with him. It defended him (and I predict still will defend him).
Tom Hoopes - I assume you are personally suffering and I am praying for you. What happened to "Maciel EXHONERATED - there will be NO ACTION taken" of last year? It was a LIE then, and I hope you can see that now.
Posted by: exLC at May 19, 2006 8:22:34 AM
I posted a comment 10 minutes ago about snide and nasty tones, and two have already appeared.
Enough already!!!
Attila the Nun: you are wrong. This is a VERY serious sentence and punishment. The man can no longer say Mass anymore in public. He is discredited and marginalsied in the Church. Pope benedict has urged him to penance and to save his soul. That is the main issue now.
ExLC, give Tom Hoopes a break. You say he's suffering? Well, leave him alone then and don't make this day worse.
Charity, people, charity. We have to love all, even those we don't like.
Posted by: sk at May 19, 2006 8:28:09 AM
The Vatican states that Ratzinger had authorized an investigation. The Legion consistently denied there was an investigation, and even had an ally at the Secretary of State fax a letter that no investigation existed. This action by the Legion demonstrated duplicity and manipulativeness, not simply a conviction that Maciel was innocent.
Although the Vatican is not pursuing a canonical case because of Maciel’s age and health (not because of lack of evidence), it invites (i.e. commands) Maciel to retire from public life to a life only of prayer and penance. Penance indicates that the Vatican thinks Maciel is guilty.
When Cardinal Schönborn was confronted with accusations of sexual abuse against his predecessor Cardinal Groër, accusations that Schönborn believed, he said that the sins of a bishop are not a private matter, because they affect the whole church, and require public acknowledgment and repentance. The same is true, a fortiori, of a founder of a religious order.
Posted by: Lee Podles at May 19, 2006 8:34:57 AM
There is need for reform, not suppression, of the LC/RC movement to recognize the problem and distance itself away from its founder. They do much good work and would do much better if they looked to the Office of the Holy Father as their "superior general."
Posted by: Patrick at May 19, 2006 8:41:53 AM
“Dopo aver sottomesso le risultanze dell’investigazione ad attento studio, la Congregazione per la Dottrina della Fede, sotto la guida del nuovo Prefetto, Sua Eminenza il Cardinale William Levada, ha deciso - tenendo conto sia dell’età avanzata del Rev.do Maciel che della sua salute cagionevole - di rinunciare ad un processo canonico e di invitare il Padre ad una vita riservata di preghiera e di penitenza, rinunciando ad ogni ministero pubblico. Il Santo Padre ha approvato queste decisioni.”
After having submitted the results of the investigation to attentive study, the CDF, under the guidance of its new prefect, SER Levada, has decided – taking into account the advanced age of Rev. Maciel and of his frail health – to forgo a canonical process and instead invite Father to a life confined to prayer and penance, renouncing all public ministry. The Holy Father has approved this decision.
Posted by: jerome at May 19, 2006 8:42:13 AM
This from the LC website:
"In reference to the news regarding the conclusion of the investigation of the accusations made against Fr. Marcial Maciel, our beloved father founder, the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ offer the following statement:
"1. Fr. Marcial Maciel has received during his life a great number of accusations. In the last few years, some of these were presented to the Holy See so that a canonical process would be opened.
"2. Facing the accusations made against him, he declared his innocence and, following the example of Jesus Christ, decided not to defend himself in any way.
"3. Considering his advanced age and his frail health, the Holy See has decided not to begin a canonical process but to 'invite him to a reserved life of prayer and penance, renouncing to any public ministry'.
"4. Fr. Maciel, with the spirit of obedience to the Church that has always characterized him, he has accepted this communiqué with faith, complete serenity and tranquility of conscience, knowing that it is a new cross that God, the Father of Mercy, has allowed him to suffer and that will obtain many graces for the Legion of Christ and the Regnum Christi Movement.
"5. The Legionaries of Christ and the members of the Regnum Christi, following the example of Fr. Maciel and united to him, accept and will accept always the directives of the Holy See with profound spirit of obedience and faith. We renew our commitment to work with great intensity to live our charism of charity and extend the Kingdom of Christ serving the Church."
http://www.legionariesofchrist.org/eng/articulos/articulo.phtml?se=279&ca=765&te=193&id=15077
The Vatican statement left much between the lines. So does this. It seems pretty reasonable to suppose that what the Vatican statement left between the lines is something like "there's an awfully good chance that at least some of the allegations are substantially true." So my question is, "What is between the lines of LC statement?" It can be read at least two different ways....
Posted by: MG at May 19, 2006 8:44:17 AM
Wise and genuinely Christian posts from sk.
Posted by: thomas tucker at May 19, 2006 8:46:36 AM
#2 in the LC statement seems to compare Maciel to Christ in his suffering. This represents either massive denial or damnable mendacity -- Neither of which inspires much confidence in the LC.
Posted by: F C Bauerschmidt at May 19, 2006 8:49:30 AM
One of the many troubling things about the Maciel case is that it is not simply about sexual perversion.
There is a stream of Catholicism that exalts obedience above all else, including charity. The exaltation of obedience contains an implicit nominalism and voluntarism: that actions are good and bad not in themselves, but because God commands or forbids them. Therefore God (or his agents) can grant exceptions to the moral law. Victims said that Maciel told them of course homosexuality was wrong, but that the Pope had granted him an exception because of Maciel’s physical needs – and that the victims were bound by obedience to do whatever Maciel asked. This is only one step beyond the corpse obedience that Ignatius of Loyola demanded of the Jesuits.
Charity, not obedience, is the supreme virtue and the source of the unity of the Church. The moral law is simply a statement of reality, of how things are, not an expression of the arbitrary will of God. Catholics have not consistently internalized these truths,
Posted by: Lee Podles at May 19, 2006 8:51:51 AM
Lee is right. Maciel is a man who received many favors from John Paul II. The Legionaries grew in stature and importance under the last Pope, who enabled their mission and ministry. Now there are many questions. This may be the blackest mark on John Paul's papacy and it will give rise to other questions. Despite all the rush to canonize him immediately after his death, when the historians review this matter and others during his papacy there will be a different view.
It is pretty clear from the wording of the statement that the charges are credible. And so all those ex LC's who were maligned in the process are deserving of an apology and some kind of compensation for what they have suffered. The declaration as it is stated will likely prevent them from receiving it.
Benedict was courageous in handling this the way he did and I believe he is sending a message about the status of the LC in the Vatican. Still, there is a justice issue here that remains unresolved not only for the victims but also for priests who have been accused and have undergone trials or processes which led to their being defrocked. Maciel is really getting a pass on this, which is fundamentally unjust.
The LC has a lot of discerning to do about their future and about the ways in the past that they have tried to suppress these charges, not the least of which are the propaganda web sites where they enlisted some very notable people to do their bidding for them.
Posted by: Charlie at May 19, 2006 8:51:56 AM
Awwww, poor baby....
I wish someone would retire ME to a life of contemplation and prayer ALL EXPENSES PAID in some luxury location.
THATS HARD PUNISHMENT! sniff sniff...
Please!!
What is wrong with you people? The way you simper over and excuse the abusers is appalling. So wonder these men always get away with it, with a slap on the wrist...
Posted by: RealityHits at May 19, 2006 8:56:23 AM
Folks, after a little head-scratching and a lot of prayer, I see that this statement is brilliant. Benedict is a genius (or perhaps the Holy Spirit who guides... :-) The Legionaries have lost the wind in their sails, and every person, every apostolate is purified. Now, all action can ONLY be for the benefit of Holy Mother Church, not the glory of the Legion. All "cult of personality" is stripped, and yet the authentic fruit remains. Now all will see over the coming five years or so what fruit was authentic. The schools are built, the seminaries are full, and the channels of evangelisation exist (no matter what the initial incentive). Now they will flourish for Christ, or they will lose their driving force: and all will know. Bully for Benedict.
Posted by: giselle at May 19, 2006 8:59:01 AM
I have a translation over at my place, if you are interested. I am sure there will be others as well.
o{]:¬)
Posted by: Fr. John T. Zuhlsdorf - o{]:¬) at May 19, 2006 8:59:04 AM
I wonder whether it's really true that Maciel is getting a "pass" here. If his present mental capacity is seriously diminished, then there can't be a trial, right? And if there can't be a trial, then he can't be formally laicized or anything like that, perhaps?
I think the question is: if he were just Fr. Joe Schmoe from St. Mary of the Swamps Parish, very old and in weak health etc., would he get treated the same way, or more harshly, or less?
It does seem to many of us that he's getting let off easy, but it's possible that that's not really true. Canon lawyers, please help us out!
Posted by: MG at May 19, 2006 8:59:31 AM
Well the Catamite Clan's retirement plan seems to be in place, first Law, now Marciel. Not a bad deal, you get caught red handed, and your "punishement" is a cushy retirement, with no duties, at full pay.
How do you sign up for this program?
Posted by: Arnold at May 19, 2006 9:06:56 AM
I would hope that elderly Father Schmoe would get the same punishment as Father Maciel. Imprisoning or throwing Father Maciel out onto the street would be an act of cruelty - not justice. The judgment against Father Maciel seems just to me.
Posted by: Patrick Rothwell at May 19, 2006 9:08:21 AM
MG:
There is nothing in the statement about diminished mental capacity. It mentions only his advanced age and compromised health. John Paul II suffered from both without diminished mental capacity. I don't think the document is referring to a canonical ground for not going forth with a trial; the CDF is doing him and the LC a favor by sparing them the logical outcome of a trial that would result in harsher penalties. Remember the most serious charge is that he absolved his accomplices. Vatican documents are very carefully worded; they say no more or no less than what they want to say. If he had diminished mental capacity it would have been mentioned.
In my opinion that is an urban legend that appeared on a blog post as a possible way to understand why the CDF did not recommend a canonical trial. From the wording of the document it looks like they are simply letting him withdraw from public ministry, which is a rather benign punihsment for what the man has done.
Posted by: Charlie at May 19, 2006 9:13:53 AM
Two things to keep in mind: 1) the Roman penchant for "bella figura" -- trying to 'save face" in almost all circumstances, especially for those in positions of prominence (think Cardinal Law), and 2) the LC is a religious order, founded as such by Fr Maciel. The CDF's declaration makes it amply clear that they believe the substance of the charges against the Founder and that, as a religious, he must be taken care of for the rest of his days here on earth by the community he belongs to, but he will no longer have any public ministry nor any more opportunity to harm anyone else.
Posted by: frbrianop at May 19, 2006 9:14:09 AM
Wow, look how many pleased as punch Catholics there are, that this guy just got a slap on the wrist and sent off to his cushy retirement. Amazing isnt it? Lets set all the child molesters free, after all its "cruel", that they are in prison... sniff sniff....
Again I ask WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?
Was anything DONE? Not really. Just more WORDS, with no ACTION. More platitudes to please the rubes to think something was done, when it wasnt, just like the promise to clean up the seminaries.
Everything is now perfect in the land of OZ, The Wizard has done his magic.
Posted by: RealityHits at May 19, 2006 9:15:28 AM
