As noted in previous posts, I am forbidden to write my own bishop, J. Kevin Boland of Savannah.
However, that has not stopped others from writing on my behalf.
Before my hearing even took place, several people, most of them priests, wrote letters testifying to my good character for the court. Some of those letters have been sealed by the terms of my restraining order.
After my hearing took place in 2007, several people, again, many of them priests, wrote to Bishop Boland to ask him to permit me to attend Mass at my parish again.
Not one of those letters has been answered.
One of those priests even went so far as to offer to advise me and consult with the bishop for a sort of "probationary period" to prove I am no danger to the parish.
His letter was never answered.
Several friends from all over the country have written Bishop Boland on my behalf.
None of those letters has been answered. Not one. Zip.
In the secular world, one would refer to that style of management as "closed", but Bishop Boland is not a secular manager. He is an annointed Bishop of the Catholic Church. As a Catholic, I am bound to respect his office. As a Catholic, I am also bound to stand up for what is right, or, to quote St. Thomas Aquinas:
"There being an imminent danger for the faith, prelates must be questioned, even publicly, by their subjects."
Now, I must admit, I cannot possibly mind-read Bishop Boland's motives for shunning me and barring me from my parish Church, but I can certainly affirm that there is imminent danger to the faith of my children and many other Catholics in Valdosta who see what's going on just by the hostile example he is setting.
Some people have written the bishop twice (or even more) on my behalf, and received no reply.
This is particularly sad, since Canon 212 §2 reads: Christ's faithful are at liberty to make known their needs, especially their spiritual needs, and their wishes to the Pastors of the Church.
212 §3: They have the right, indeed at times the duty, in keeping with their knowledge, competence and position, to manifest to the sacred Pastors their views on matters which concern the good of the Church. They have the right also to make their views known to others of Christ's faithful, but in doing so they must always respect the integrity of faith and morals, show due reverence to the Pastors and take into account both the common good and the dignity of individuals.
I cannot vouch for every letter sent on my behalf, but I have asked anyone who has offered to write to please keep their letters respectful in tone. But, as I said, no one has received so much as a reply to date. And this has been going on for two years. Even a curt "No, now stop bothering me!" would at least show some responsiveness.
Instead, there is silence.
1 comments:
One has to assume Bishop has a trait. In his lexicon there is no room for errors. So a poor parishoner must suffer.
Simply put if he says wrong, it's wrong. But in the USA a man should never be denied entrance to his Church. A lifetime is a long time to carry a grudge. USA" a Man should never be chastised from his Church by anyone even the clergy or higher.
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