The Vatican Summit: A View from the Pews

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

I have a heavy heart today.

You may or may not be aware, but there has been an unprecedented gathering at the Vatican, of cardinals and bishops from around the world. Also in attendance were survivors of abuse, and 10 women religious. All coming together to address the heartbreaking abuse that is tearing the Catholic Church apart at the seams.

The Vatican Summit on Child Protection, which concluded over the weekend, has left Catholics – and the world at large – particularly shaken to the core at the brokenness of our religious organization that is supposed to be the legacy and bride of Jesus Christ.

Pope Francis – Photo: Mercury News

The Summit has been met with mixed reviews. Their theme of “transparency” feels all but hollow when, over the weekend, German Cardinal Reinhard Marx admitted that decades worth of files were destroyed to prevent the documentation of sexual abuse.

Ugh, my heart is just gutted typing that out.

How can the church stand on a new platform of “transparency” when literally this is coming to light at the Summit itself?

One highlight, however, came in the form of Nigerian nun, Sr. Veronica Openibo, who gave a powerful, powerful speech to her brothers in Christ. She was frank and direct about how this abuse has destroyed the credibility of the Church, and that we need to move forward with humility and zero tolerance.

Sr. Veronica Openibo, Photo: NCR

But enough about the nitty gritty. Because at the end of the day, what’s going on behind the opulent, closed doors of the Vatican has so far, had little to no effect on the hurting, confused person in the pews on Sunday, who is left holding the broken pieces of a beautiful, meaningful faith they once knew.

Because the truth of the matter is that post-scandal Catholicism, is red lining.

That’s not some overly-dramatic “blog speak” meant for click bait. No. We’re talking, after the McCarrick abuse scandal, the Boston Globe story, and as a result: the Spotlight docudrama. The Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report. The findings in the archdioceses of Galveston-Houston, and Illinois. And now, even just two days ago, a Cardinal from Australia was convicted of molestation. The details of the horrific abuse — and the even more repugnant cover-up of it — are detonating a Church that is barely hanging on.

It’s no secret that I am Catholic. And to say that the atrocities coming to light have shaken me, is the understatement of the year.

And if I’m honest, I feel so much shame – so much embarrassment – simply admitting that I identify as so.

And clearly, not just me.

At Mass, I look around and church attendance is frightful. Saying that the church is 1/6 full would be incredibly generous. And mind you, when I first moved to the city, it was standing room only.

The church is deeply wounded, and unable to trust the men who are supposed to be In Persona Christi.

Fatima

What are we to do?

People are leaving in droves, heading to nondenominational churches – which honestly, I don’t blame them.

This summer, I visited RedRocks Church in Denver, and it was honestly such an incredibly moving service. It’s no surprise that people are choosing to abandon the Catholic faith, where recently, Mass feels more like a funeral service, for a rock-concert-caliber worship experience. I get it.

It’s crisis of faith. That’s how it’s been described to me by many Catholic friends.

And I can definitely relate.

The only way I am getting through this is to remember that my faith is not in the men who run the Church. It’s not even in the organization itself. It’s in the foundation of Christ’s ministry on earth. It’s Jesus who I am putting my faith in. It’s my love for the sacraments, and my devotion to Jesus’ body and blood in the Eucharist that brings me back to the pews each and every Sunday.

There’s so much brokenness in the world. If you need any proof, just look at my own story, for crying out loud. No one is immune to it. Not even the priests and clergy who have the responsibility of leading the Catholic Church. We are a fallen people, and clearly, we are witnessing the severity and depth of that truth, in the abominations coming to light.

So what are we to do?

I think the most discouraging and frustrating part, is that as lay people, there’s not much we can do. The Church is run by priests, and the vast majority of them do not want to speak on the matter. The people in the pews are so often left in the dark, with their parish priests simply not addressing this from the pulpit.

But, setting that unfortunate reality aside….

First and foremost, let’s support the victims. They should be the foremost concern here. The unimaginable burden that they’ve had to carry is just soul crushing. Let’s support them and bring them justice.

Secondly, we need to eradicate the problem from the root. No more cover ups, or sanitizing the truth. We really do need transparency. And consequences. Now.

Next, – and this is going to be tough, but here me out – we need courageous Catholics. We need people of faith to stand by the Church during this Armageddon. Yes, attendance is down. Yes, we’re the butt ends of jokes. Yes, it would be a hell of a lot easier emotionally and spiritually to just walk away. But we need to stand in the rubble and say, My Church is broken, but we can rebuild.

Lastly, and this is especially for all of my non-Catholic brothers and sisters: We need your prayers. I know that, especially right now, it is more convenient and popular to jump on the band wagon of criticism. And heck – I’ve found myself criticizing the Church, and Pope Francis’ lack luster address at the culmination of the Summit. It’s easy to be skeptical about its actual impact. And it’s more satisfying to pick apart the faith in – well-deserved – anger or disgust.

But, I humbly ask for you to pray for the Catholic Church. For her leadership. For those who are confused and hurting and angry. For the future, and for the courage of those in leadership to do the right thing.

Because at the end of the day, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. And no matter what faith you call home, we have the same ultimate goal: Heaven. And so let’s encourage one another in our path and pursuit of holiness.

What are your thoughts on the Vatican Summit? Had you heard about it? Are you surprised? Disappointed? Encouraged? Please share.


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278 thoughts on “The Vatican Summit: A View from the Pews”

  1. As an ordained pastor and teacher in the United Church of Christ AND as the wife of cradle Catholic who continues to sing in a Catholic choir, my heart also breaks. Prayers of healing and hope, prayers for God’s wisdom, Christ’s love, and the Spirit’s guidance continue day by day for the victims, for the people who love them, for all who struggle with what is being revealed, for lay leaders, for priests, deacons, and other religious, for our broken world. Lord, in your mercy …

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    1. Thank you Teressa for sharing your heart and for offering your prayers during this challenging time for our faith. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Hugs and love xox

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  2. I am not Catholic, but I am Christian and a fan of Pope Francis. This is a really good perspective. Thank you for writing this.

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  3. Seems we have a journey in common with regard to ecclesiastical issues. My heart breaks for you and other faithful Catholics. But Christ is true and He never fails. My prayers are with you, and I’d covet yours for me. Thanks for writing!

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    1. Thank you Jordan, I appreciate your prayers and compassion. I will definitely pray for you as well! Hugs and love xox

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  4. You are a most courageous Catholic lady and for that I salute you! I am trying to rebuild a Presbyterian church up north, even though I have converted to Methodism. I leave its name out because I don’t want to take away from your message. On the average Sunday we have only 12 congregants, even though we have about 30 who love the church. It is a daunting task, but that is what the Lord has directed me to do. Faith in Jesus is the cornerstone of the rebirth of the Catholic church and my church and all the others. I am convinced that one day soon, the pews will be filed in all the churches as they were on 9/11. We must be ready, and not succumb to apathy, lethargy and any of the other vices and sins to which we mortals frequently fall prey. “On Christ the solid rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Carry on.

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    1. Thank you Sandman. You’re so right about that – we have to stand on the solid rock. Will definitely be praying for you as you rebuild. Hugs and love xox

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    2. I’ve been there my friend. Had the extremely small numbers, even at real bad times 2 or 3 people! But you are right to follow God’s calling, and I know that as well. Blessings to you and yours.

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  5. Thanks for your courageous post. I also pray for your church. I’m glad you are Catholic and have the courage to say this.To admit the faults of your church is shameful no doubt. But to confess and receive reconciliation as a church will do the church more good. To never admit any wrong would put the church on a worse trajectory. Hopefully the Church in the west will see the recovery as people trust the church and priests again. My evangelical / Baptist church is not clean either so we all need to confess and come clean. That’s what the gospel is all about.

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    1. Thank you friend, for your prayers and compassion. I think you’re right. I am hopeful in the future of a church, that has eradicated this evil once and for all. Hugs and love xox

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  6. This is an incredibly timely piece I’ve been thinking about writing about as well. There’s a lot to unpack.

    The Church leadership’s response is horrific. But you know what? Worse is better because the Church has been infected with the disease of Church, Inc. The multinational corporation that is harvesting money, not cultivating souls. I’m not surprised that it took a Nigerian Nun to speak truth, God’s grace is surely shining on her. The African diocese are some of the most conservative, and they understand our faith better than we do, simply because they are literally in a fight for their lives to keep it. Hebrews: “You have not resisted sin to the point of shedding blood”. And when all this horror is over, and healed, the Church will be rejuvenated. Christ rewards those who heal themselves. The Church MUST heal itself, must reconcile, must do penance, and be restored. There is a quote/joke I heard a while back. St. Peter turns to Christ in heaven, and says, “It looks pretty bad down there, why do you wait so long?” And Christ responds: “So they’ll know it was me.” I feel that is true.

    The Church is also run by men. Not super-men. Not copies of Christ. The Church is run by men. lower-case-em. The Pope only speaks infallibly when he speaks ex cathedra and the bishops are priests with high responsibility, but still priests. The Church has all the problems that organizations of men have. And Church, Inc magnifies it a thousand fold, adding greed and envy and all those decidedly human vices. So criticizing the Pope is normal, it is OK, and in fact it is good for the Church, in my opinion.

    I converted to Catholicism in Easter of 2018. I started RCIA the previous September. All of this came out the following summer. You know what I think? There has never been a better time to lift up our cross and be Catholic. We are called to speak openly, publicly, intelligently, about our faith. About how we are called to follow Christ, and to trust in God that the gates of Hell will not prevail upon his Church. We are called to witness, loudly and publicly, how God works in our lives and gives us Hope, Faith, and Love. We are called to preach the Gospel, and sometimes to use words to do so.

    In times like these I remind myself of the time the Apostles were with Christ on a ship during a storm, and they wake him up. Christ rebukes them for not trusting him, and he promptly calms the seas. The sea is stormy, but Christ is asleep because he knows it is not time yet. The storm will pass, either with the aid of Christ or not.

    I pray a decade of the rosary every day for an increase in the faithful and a quick end to the trouble in the Vatican. Thank you for your message, for speaking frankly and openly about this issue. God bless you.

    AMDG

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. Yes – God’s grace was absolutely beaming through St. Openigo. I am so encouraged by your story of conversion. Amen – that is what we are called to do. Thank you for your prayers! Hugs and love xox

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  7. Thank you for writing that. I don’t agree with a lot of what the Catholic church believes and because of how influential the Catholic church is, these things bother me a lot. But when I hear people like you talk like you do, I know that God is taking care of his bride and that we as deciples of Christ will grow closer to him even though we make terrible mistakes. Thanks again reading stuff like that always gives me hope for a brighter future!

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    1. Thanks Dave, for sharing your thoughts and gift your compassion. I do believe that, like you said, God can use this horrific season to bring about goodness and help us grow closer to Him. Hugs and love xox

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  8. Caralyn, I once told someone who was mad at the church about some morality issues that his argument wasn’t with the church; it was with God. By the same token, let me correct you – no one in the pews “…is left holding the broken pieces of a beautiful, meaningful faith they once knew.” If, that is, their faith is in Jesus.

    If faith of the pew people is in Jesus, nothing is broken. Sadness over an institution that was supposed to be Jesus’ ally here on earth failing…and willfully at that…I understand. But here we see the importance of acting well at all times. We are God’s “billboards” here. If we carry the wrong message, we wrong God and drive people from Him.

    But those already in faith need to remember where their faith truly lies as you said; with Jesus.

    My friend/sister/daughter – you are in my prayers as are all of the faithful. I pray that the laity find a way to wrest control from those who currently hold the reigns and emplace people who will be the representatives of Jesus as they should be. I pray that the Spirit ease your pain.

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    1. You’re so right about that, Jeff. Our faith is in Jesus. Thank you so much for this powerful perspective. I truly appreciate your prayers and compassion, Jeff. This is a tough season but God will find a way to heal and bring some sort of goodness to this situation. Big hugs to you xox

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  10. A minister friend once said to me that all the differences in religion are man-made. We do worship differently, and at different times we need a different experience to renew part of our soul (Red Rocks or Hillsong vs the near-empty pew & quiet) but you’re right. We are all brothers & sisters in Christ, & need to uplift each other as such.
    I hope you have a soul-refilling weekend, my friend. x

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  11. Once again, you step up to the plate and address a hot topic with honesty and concern. You have called it sin while giving a plea for prayer. You are a lady of great conviction, and your audience admires that. The Southern Baptist Convention is also addressing the issue of sexual predators in the church. It is high time to stop sweeping sin under the rug and praying for repentance as well as being people who stand in the gap.

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    1. Thank you Matthew, I really appreciate your support and prayers. I will join you in that important prayer. Amen. Hugs and love xox

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  12. There is no need to address it, from a priest point of view. They get everything they ever wanted. Free room and board and all the children they want to molest. There is no down side. It is like people are paying them to molest their child. I’m real life it is not normal for people to go without sex infinitely. The church imposed that law. It is not in the bible. The bible says he fruitful and multiply. So how does that equate to no sex for priest and nuns who what to impose a practice they are not even following. All the same interesting post. For be with you

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    1. Hi there, I appreciate you sharing your views on this. I believe that the celebacy, embraced by the priests and religious is a beautiful act of worship to God. It is part of their sacrifice, which mirrors that which Jesus gave us on the cross. That is my belief. Priests are fallen men, just like the rest of us. Only Jesus is perfect. But that does not excuse the atrocities many have done or covered up. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read. Hugs and love xox

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  13. I love you, as always, sweet friend. Always remember that our trust is in the Lord Jesus our Savior and that all men/women are not to be trusted. Then we remember that no one in the church is more important than anyone else and we are all flawed in some way. Our job is to trust and follow Christ Jesus our Lord. Then it is easier to forgive others and those who are in positions of power are held to a higher standard by God. They will answer for their sins, we are to punish the bad behavior but forgive the sinner for we have been sinners. Apart from that, our faith is lived out as a personal relationship with God and not tied to any one body of believers. Jesus did not stipulate different denominations, that was Satan’s doing. Jesus established followers of the way of Jesus Christ, then called Christians after Pentecost. Just read your Bible, pray and keep following and trusting Jesus. Love you, precious, beautiful friend. Hugs!XO😄❤

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    1. Hi Tonya, thank you for this beautiful support and for your prayers. I think you’re absolutely right – the evil one is surely using this to drive a wedge in God’s family. Now, more than ever we need to come together in prayers. You shared Such powerful food for thought. Thank you thank you. Love you friend xox

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      1. You are so precious to me and God and His kingdom. Please sink in deeper to your relationship with God and remember that confusion and frustration are not of God, truth and clarity are His playground. Stay in that. Love you! X O😄❤

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  14. I am Catholic too, Caralyn, and have a tough time working through this but know the devil is eating it all up. The Church is in serious trouble and the Pope, who I like, fumbled the ball at a crucial moment.

    I have watched attendance drop as well and there is no end in sight. However, it was at least good to see a packed house at St. Mary of the Assumption in Park City last Saturday night. Very vibrant!

    This terrible situation has hit home as my headmaster in high school is now defrocked and on one of the lists of Jesuits that recently came out. And to make matters worse, he married my wife and I.

    The Catholic Church has hit rough spots before (eg, the Reformation) but this will be quite the test of faith. However, your generation is in the minority of filling up the pews. Not good!

    Nice thoughts as always. You have some wisdom beyond your years!

    Ted

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this emotional issue. I agree – the evil one is using this to drive a wedge between Gods family of believers. Yes!! It’s a vibrant parish in PC! Thanks Ted for your encouragement. Hugs and love xox

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  15. I am a Catholic by birth and love the Catholic doctrine.It is unfortunate about what is going on in the Catholic Churches. But it will not shake my faith rather I will be skeptical in dealing with the priest ,until there are permanant solutions in place.
    It should be collaborative efforts,if you see something say Something.Do not Relegate others to the background.
    Do not assume that it is not YOUR problem, if it has nothing to do with you.
    If you are pope Francis how far can you go?.He needs help.He cannot be in the pants of all the priests.If you see it say it.
    I don’t think that the ideas of Revene Fathers not getting married is a good idea.
    If it is good idea what about their hormone that are ragging in them as young men?.Do they need something to calm these hormone down?These are human beings that thought that they could maintain their celibacy but have unfortunately failed.
    What solutions do we have about these?.Prayers will not solve it but practical solutions.
    The Catholic Churches should be Honest
    with themselves and do the right thing because “TRANSPARENCY without Solid or concrete SOLUTIONS is Hallucination. Find solutions announce the solutions and execute the solutions.Bring back the Congregation.

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    1. Thanks so much friend, for your encouragement and support. You’re right – practical solutions are definitely needed. I’ll pray for those! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

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  16. The big picture is we are in God’s hands and He is still in control of His creation. Prayer is powerful and God’s love trumps the troubles. Trust in Him. I agree that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and when one of us suffers we all feel the pain. But Jesus gives us joy and when we focus on Him our peace is restored. Prayer is the answer. God wants to be with us always – we are called to bring everything, everyone, all our concerns to Him. Pray for the priests and the church and don’t worry. God has our backs!

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  18. What a wonderful, courageous and heartfelt post – it breaks my heart to think what some have done to the Church and to the faith. I was raised Catholic, very Catholic and the memories I have of the Church is one where Christ walked amongst the parishioners and the priests and nuns were the Earthly messengers of Christ’s teachings.
    This dark spectre that hangs over the Church now is not from some minor transgressions – a result of some wayward thinking – no, it’s from the darkest depths of the ugliest parts of the people who facilitate the work of evil. The cloud that obscures the Church is from the most horrible of sins that can be committed to the most innocent among us – the children.
    How can it be left to continue? How can the Holy Father allow even for one second more, these sins to go unpunished is beyond me? The faithful have to root out every criminal priest from every parish even if it means that church goes unserved. Let the faithful and pure at heart lead the others until the Church finds its way. I pray for you and for all of the others that have been hurt by this and I pray that the injured can be healed and their faith restored.
    You and others like you will save the Church during this time of darkness. Your spirit and faith are strong. Peace my friend.
    Chris

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    1. Hi Chris, thank you so much for your prayers and words of encouragement. it really means so much. i appreciate you sharing your story. Yes – may the injured be healed and find hope! amen! hugs xo

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  19. I had not heard of the Vatican summit, but for occasional reference in the Australian MSM.
    (The Australian cardinal has been front page news repeatedly, though).

    …

    I will pray for the Catholic Church

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  20. I understand how people are shocked. Spending my childhood in a Catholic school and participating in so many activities at the Church and even Bingo with my Grandma. I love the Mass, and I have been to other Sunday services but it’s not the same for me. My memories of the Sisters who taught me are so warm and I am thankful for their goodness and believe along with my parents it made my life great. It’s in God’s hands, prayers for the survivors and the survival of the Church and the faithful servants who are trying to work through the mess.

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    1. Hi Alice, thank you so much for sharing your heart on this emotional issue. Amen to that – it’s in Gods hands. I will join you in this important prayer for the survivors. hugs xo

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  21. Well written post, Caralyn, I feel your pain through your words. Reading this made me think about a report about a victim at the Vatican Abuse Summit — (the late) Cardinal Francis George is model of leadership needed today: “One of my finest memories of Francis Cardinal George is when he spoke about the difficulties of fellow priests who have abused, and I considered those words …… coming from a man in his position, even though they must be really hard for him to say, they were the right and proper thing to say. I thought that was leadership at the time, and I think it’s leadership now.”

    I’m searching to find out what it is he said, but, this is the leadership our bishops need and I think are lacking.

    The why of this is well articulated by Bishop Olmstead who is eloquent in his thinking and sharing about this matter. Reference https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/bishop-olmsted-finds-roots-of-abuse-scandal-in-poor-priestly-formation-91777

    Peace,
    Frank

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    1. Thank you so much Frank for passing along that article. i look forward to reading it. thanks for your encouraging words. hugs xo

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  22. What a disaster this has become! Devastating! The only thing I can think of though is that God is attempting to cleanse the Church.
    Everyone, including the Pope that is guilty of a coverup, should resign. This is the only way to begin to heal, to rebuild and restore trust. It has to start here. Everyone that has done wrong – get out!
    Sister Veronica is right on target!
    Thanks for taking on this very difficult topic.

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  23. One step forward and three steps back. On Saturday, we are having the South Carolina Catholic Men’s Conference in Columbia and I’m sure that will be an unofficial topic of discussion. I too feel mad and betrayed by the the leadership of our Church. Mr. McCarrick (that sounds weird) was a family friend when he was Bishop of Metuchen and spent many evening at our home for dinner whan I was a teenager in NJ. I’ve gone to Catholic grade school, some Catholic HS, 4 years of Catholic College and 2 at Catholic grad school program. I have been around priests my entire life and have never had an “issue”. I have many priest friends and have often been part of discussions about the “Lavender Priests” and the hierarchy that protected them. It will be painful, but a purge is needed and luckily, many of the new priests are very traditional and holy. All we can do is pray for the future of The Church.

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    1. Hey Ray, thank you so much for sharing your heart on this emtional issue. I agree — so so so many of the new seminarians have an incredible energy to renew the church, and that gives me so much hope, exitement and joy. let’s pray for them and the church, indeed! hugs to you xox

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    1. thank you so much Gail, for your prayers. Amen to that, i will join you in that most important prayer. hugs xo

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  25. As it is no secret you are Catholic, I’ve made no secret that I am an ordained permanent deacon, therefore a member of the Catholic clergy. Outsiders don’t realize how angry people like you and I are.

    Pope Benedict XVI, many years before he became pope, predicted that a time would come in which the Church would be a shell of its former self in terms of membership and ability to serve the world. We may be nearing that time. But he felt that, from that small remnant, the Church would arise.

    I made a conscious decision, and I urge believers to make the same one. I am going to stay and fight, because I believe in what the Church is supposed to be, and can be again. Painful days are still ahead, but beyond, if we do our part, the sun will shine again. What was it that Samwise Gamgee told Frodo: “There is still good in the world, and it’s worth fighting for.” Hugs and love– Deacon Mike

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    1. Hi Deacon Mike, thank you so much for your thoughts on this emotional issue. I completely agree. stay and fight for the bride! And you’re so right – the sun will shine again soon. Thanks for the encouragment. hugs xo

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  26. “The only way I am getting through this is to remember that my faith is not in the men who run the Church. It’s not even in the organization itself. It’s in the foundation of Christ’s ministry on earth. It’s Jesus who I am putting my faith in”. You said it so clearly yet it is so easy to miss. “men run the Church…” This is the problem today. Men are “running the church”. Actually, not the church but religion. You see, Christ built the church, a relationship between a Holy God who longed to be reunited with fallen man. Man, on the other hand, created religion, his own way of making rules and ways to find God. This is where we got messed up. I’m not saying that the structure of a church organization, traditions, schools, Christian writing outside of the Bible, or anything not found in sacred text is wrong, but when we start to make up a religion to find God on our terms, we create a god, (notice the lower case “g”), to be what we want. This is what has happened over the years not only in the Roman Catholic Church but with many others as well.
    I most closely identify as being Baptist and attend a Baptist church, went to a Baptist Bible College and if asked, would tell someone that I am Baptist. However, in the eyes of God, I am a man who, like any other, was a fallen sinning person in need of a saviour who believes in the need of the precious blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse me and therefore, I am a Christian. Nothing more, nothing less.
    The scandal(s) of any particular group should not bring shame to you as one who identifies closely with a faith that you cling to and hold dear. It is the one that has been your salvation through the most difficult and trying times of your life, your illness, your struggle with your anorexic, your challenge to remain pure to the husband you have yet to meet, and a host of other things. You are a daughter to the King of kings, making you a princess. For that you should be thankful, not ashamed.
    So, Princess Caralyn, pray for the church family you love. Pray for the men and women on both sides of the scandal that rocked the faith. Pray for those who questioned their own faith as a result, and keep motivating those of us who love you and wait for your next post with the anticipation of a four-year-old on Christmas morning!
    Love and Blessings,
    Jim

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  27. I will pray for the Catholic Church.

    I was abused by 3 priests between age 6 and 12 as well as 5 other relatives and a therapist. Many years later after an overdose my parents called for a priest to do last rites in the ICU. I was in a coma. Apparently I came out of the coma and yelled at the priest and returned to the coma for another 2 and a half days. I didn’t remember anything, my girlfriend told me. I didn’t remember the abuse until I was 40 through flashbacks. My heart was broken and on the mend since then through spiritual practices and therapy. I have little faith that the Catholic Church will make a real effort to stop the abuse, but I am more that willing to be wrong about it. The silver lining to the abuse was that it opened me to the world of Spirit and has allowed me to help people heal. In 1990 I asked God what I was suppose to do with me life. I received an answer while awake and this lead me to help a woman from deciding to live instead of kill herself. I feel very blessed and lucky that my prayer was answered. My life was transformed significantly. So the power of prayer and meditation can work miracles when aligned with Spirit, right livelihood, and exquisite timing.

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    1. Oh my gosh, Kai, I am so sorry to hear that you went through that. Oh my gosh, my heart just breaks for you. I wish I could be giving you the biggest hug right now in person. Oh friend, I am just so sorry. Thank you for having the courage to share your story. And thank you for using your story to help others. Wow, what a blessing you are to those people. Gosh, thank you for your prayer and for just being you. I am honored to call you a friend. sending you the biggest hugs in the world. xox

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      1. Thanks. I believe I have 3 lives. 1. The life of my contiguous memories has had its ups and downs like anyone. 2. The fragmented memories are bits and pieces out of order memories that’s are hellacious. 3. The alternative universe I went to to protect myself and keep the light of my core intact. #3 makes everything wonderful and transcendence all the stuff of #2.

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      2. I see. What an interesting and enlightening thought. All I know is that I am moved by your courage.

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    1. Thank you so much for passing that info along. i will definitely check it out. love definitely is. hugs xo

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  29. “Ever since God created the world, God’s everlasting power and deity—however invisible—have been there for the mind to see in the things God has made. —Romans 1:20
    I think what Paul means here is that whatever we need to know about God can be found in nature. Nature itself is the primary Bible. The world is the locus of the sacred and provides all the metaphors that the soul needs for its growth.” – Richard Rohr

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  30. Amen, amen. Our Church (because I am Catholic too) needs prayers. Prayers for supporting the victims, prayers for repentance of priests who abused or covered up, prayers for how to not let this happen again, prayers for how to move forward…just lots of prayers.

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  31. Well this former Playboy model, NATACHA JAITT ( https://twitter.com/natachajaitt ), was about to expose DIRECT TIES between THE ROMAN CATHOLIC POPE (+ Vatican priests) and the ELITES’ MANY PEDOPHILE RINGS (read: SATANIC RITUAL ABUSE / CHILD SEX RAPE and ABUSE and MURDER cults) that circulate the globe and the circles of the lite … UNTIL she was FOUND DEAD this morning:

    https://pointofnoreturnthetruth.altervista.org/2019/02/playboy-model-who-had-evidence-of-elite-pedophile-ring-found-dead/

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  33. It’s so refreshing to hear you say it straight. I went to my women’s church group this morning and all the women were feeling sorry for George Pell, unconvinced that he molested the boys, despite the jury’s conviction. And it just made me so sad—thinking about what courage it took for the victim to testify—being surrounded by Christians who are unwilling to face the reality of sex crimes in the church. Thanks for having a realistic perspective. It’s refreshing. Crimes and coverups need to be owned, not further denied.

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    1. Hi Jenny, thank you so much for sharing your thoguhts on this heartbreaking issue. It really is so sad. Yeah, I cannot imagine the immense courage it takes to come forward like that. I appreciate you stopping by and joining the conversation.

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  34. As a believer in Jesus and God’s word , not a Catholic, I am saddened but not surprised. I don’t want to get into details here but I hope you’ll seek the truth about the problems with the doctrines of Catholicism and find it . I don’t mean to sound rude . I hope you don’t take it that way . Your faith seems so genuine , I hope you’ll consider a non-catholic denomination and study the Bible in depth without the confusing and incorrect doctrines you’ve grown up with . I have so many former Catholic friends who had no idea what the Bible actually teaches about sanctification, justification and salvation ! This is a good time to find out . I think God is revealing the false teachers and false doctrines and wolves in the Catholic Church .

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this emotional issue. I don’t take it negatively at all. I definitely think that there is a cleansing going on for sure. hugs xo

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    2. I agree with all you said pkadams. God is so merciful that He doesn’t want anyone to perish but come to repentance. He always provides a way of escape from deception. God said if anyone lacks wisdom we can ask him in my prayer. God is revealing the wolves in sheep clothing who claim to represent Christ but do not. Sexually immoral behavior is not of God and has no place in Christ’s body.

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  35. Thank you very much Caralyn for this wonderful piece. You are such a brave, brave soul. A brave Catholic to admit the pains of these wounds. I am a priest and so deeply pained too. But to read your piece is so uplifting. Thank you and God bless you with more beauty beyond bones!

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    1. Thank you so much for your encouraging words. Wow, I cannot imagine the pain you are facing in your position as a priest. I will definitely be keeping you in my prayers. One of the things that breaks my heart the most is all of the good priests out there who have literally given their lives to the Church. It is such a beautiful gift, and I just hate that a bunch of “bad apples” have colored the opinion on the beauty of the priesthood, if that makes sense. I know I am not putting this elloquently, so please forgive me. But all this to say, thank you for the incredible gift you’ve given in serving the church, and I am so sorry that you’ve had to shoulder the opinions of others based on the horrible behaviors of some. God bless you, father. xox

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  36. Any church that can produce a Christ follower of your passion for the things of God and the courage to stand up for them as you do, is certainly worthy of all our prayers. This Foursquare church pastor is standing in the gap for my Catholic brothers and sisters and their shepherds.

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    1. Hi Dan, thank you so much for such kind words. I am humbled at your generous remarks. And I appreciate your prayers. Amen! That is so needed right now! hugs xo

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    2. I join you in your anger, hurt and despair. I have a son who will making final vows to a religious order this summer and will likely be ordained a priest two years later. My heart aches for the good and true young men like him who love Christ, that they will have the strength to withstand the buzz saw they will be walking into.
      Thank you for your words on this tragic situation.

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      1. Thank you to your son who is offering that gift to the church. I will definitely keep him in my prayers. Thank you for sharing this powerful perspective, JP. Hugs and love xox

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  37. I think here is the point. We Christians.. Whether Catholic or out there Pentecostals, we are trying to follow Jesus. It is not okay if religious leaders have too much clout. Jesus debunked them too and called them hypocrites. It’s not about religion. It’s about finding God and finding Jesus and putting our everything in him. He is God and he made us and he is good and he loves us. Amazing! So amazing.

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    1. You’re so right, we’re trying to follow Christ. THank you so much for this reflection. Yes! amen to that. hugs xo

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  38. As a victim, I recognize people hurt me, not Christ. I recognize they spoke and acted on their own authority, not the authority of God. Your words are such a healing balm. Victims need to hear more believers speaking up and mourning with us. Thank you for being a light, and yes, I pray that in this chaos the Church will be healed.

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    1. Hi Karisa, gosh I am so sorry to hear that you went through that. Gosh, my heart breaks to think that you have had to deal with that emotional, physical, spiritual and mental toll. I wish i could give you the biggest hug in the world. Praying for you, my dear friend. love you oxx

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  39. My Roman Catholic brothers and sisters are in my prayers. Thank you for loving your church and hanging in there to be Christ’s witnesses.

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    1. Thank you so much for your prayers and encouraging words during this trying times. It really means so much. hugs xo

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  40. I feel bad for the nondenominational churches that are viewed as “less than”, not as good as the Catholic faith. They are praising God, following His teachings, embracing a lost flock, but they are viewed with a jaundiced eye. Why is that?

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    1. Hi Lisa, thank you so much for your thoughts on this issue. I personally don’t believe that they are “less than.” Not at all. I believe that we are all on the marathon towards Heaven! 🙂 And that we should be encouraging and supporting one another 🙂 that’s my thought process. What’s yours? So glad you stopped by. big hugs xo

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  41. James McDonald, C.J. Mahaney, Mark Driscoll – evangelicals who were brought down by either scandal or covering up scandal.

    The United Methodist Church voted this week to align with Scripture on sexual ethics, yet they’ve got an immensely poor history of actually implementing their decisions (i.e. bringing their clergy into alignment).

    It’s everywhere. It’s the end-times apostasy, and it breaks the heart.

    Thanks for having the courage to call this out. It can’t be easy, but you’ve been remarkably tenacious about it.

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    1. Hi Brandon, thank you so much for sharing this info. You’re right – sadly, it is everywhere. The world needs prayers right now, big time. thanks for your support. hugs xo

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  42. I love when you say “It’s Jesus who I am putting my faith in,” for that is exactly what we all should do. And yes, as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray for all my brothers and sisters in the Catholic church, that the Lord would comfort them and show them the path they must follow; and for you, that your faith in Christ Himself would be strengthened in these troubling times. It is not only the Catholic church that is troubled in this way: I recently read that Southern Batist youth pastors are also facing similar sins. Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-8. Even the early churches were troubled by unspeakable sins… the key, however, is not to hide them, but to denunciate them and to put away from the church those who commit them.

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    1. Thank you so much Marcelo. Amen to that – it’s Jesus. Thank you for your prayers and encouraging words. It means the world. hugs x

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    1. Thank you Rajiv for sharing your thoughts on this emotional issue. I am unfamiliar with the situation in India. Care to explain? thanks! hiugs x

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      1. Ah.. it started with the British in 1857 driving a wedge… a deep one. Some say that the seeds of Islamic terrorism were sown then. It went up to 1947 when India was partitioned and became independent. 1 million people killed and 15 million displaced .. My own family lost everything and came to India. And the current government has taken this one step further. We have a priest, a criminal priest, administering one state. Religion is not bad. We make it so

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      3. Well.. that is the proverbial tip of the iceberg! This is why I am agnostic/pagan. Pagan in that I believe in the nature Gods of old

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  44. I feel deeply for you Caralyn my prayers are with you.
    I was Catholic before I converted to Protestantism when I was 14. I think that was the right decision to make.
    I am sorry but I have to ask not just you but every Roman Catholic if you think the Roman Catholic priesthood itself really does follow the biblical pattern?

    I have a background in theology although that is not my point. My point is that unless I was married and unless my wife was involved in my ministry conducting pastoral counselling; I would not even consider being a Pastor or Minster let alone a Priest.
    I have a degree in social welfare counselling which I no longer practice simply because I am not comfortable counselling women and children without a supervisor or a second person assisting.

    As to the church, the risk and temptation for both single men and women and the risk of being falsely accused are simply too great.

    A survey of church history reveals that early on Roman Catholic Priests were allowed to marry. I acknowledge as a former missionary that being single in that environment allows one to dedicate themselves more fully to ministry.

    However, the office of Priest is not so sacrosanct in the sense that singleness is an obligation or even biblical nor should it be. I have no idea how or why the church would or thinks it should cover up the kind of atrocities we are witnessing more and more today.

    Priests are men like I am a man and none of us is impervious to any temptation that is common or even uncommon to humanity we and they have no more special ability to resists temptation under the right or wrong circumstances… Christ was tempted but he prevailed because He was not born of sin as were are and he is monogenes (only begotten) the one and only Son of God. Jesus was both fully human and fully God born without sin.

    The rest of us… shouldn’t think of ourselves too highly.

    Maybe its time the Roman Catholic Church revisited the whole celibacy issue. I am not saying that is the cause or the answer but I wonder if it may help.

    Finally, maybe the church needs to more closely scrutinise its novices. I don’t know how that might work because it’s not just the Catholic church that has this problem, it’s in every denomination.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I do believe in apostolic succession. I also believe that priests are men, just like all of us and are fallen, just like all of us. Christ is the only perfect being. As far as celibacy goes, I think it is a beautiful sacrifice and gift that reflects Christ’s gift on the Cross. And you’re right – every denomination has their issues. With power comes the vast responsibility, that sadly, as fallen people, we are prone to abuse. Thanks so much for joining the conversation. Hugs and love xox

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  47. You are correct.
    They kept hidden warning of Fatima but clearly we are seeing its content now.
    Be in no doubt, our blessed Mother is with each ad every one of us and She is with the Pope too.
    Prayers are absolutely vital.
    She gave us the rosary and it truly is powerful.
    God bless you.

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  48. To be truthful, I am not discouraged, rather I am encouraged because I believe the timing of Jesus returning is almost on us. The summit does not affect just the Catholic Church, it affects every Christian in the world. We have a bigger field to cover, people need to hear and know about Jesus so we are not guilty of what happens to them. Have you heard about the ‘fake news’ movement? Soon the gospel will be termed as ‘fake’… We had better hurry… The time is short.

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    1. ThAnk you for this powerful perspective. It does have a far reaching impact for sure. Hugs and love xox

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  49. Like you said your faith is in Jesus himself not in the church. I know that God would reveal himself to the church. Our Faith in him would never fail because he would stand in the gap for us and for his church. Be encouraged dear! Stay rooted! The best would come.

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  50. As a Christian who is not denominational or even religious, I have been more open to admitting that in everything, human will still be human. The Church is full of imperfect people and unfortunately we think that series of theological trainings will form certain character in those who we feel called. It is okay to have imperfect people in Church, none of us are but it is important that people understand that Priests are humans too and anybody (including the Pope) wearing this flesh is fallible.
    :
    The character of Christ being formed in every believer is tied to our personal experiences with Christ! That character can’t be formed by following different rules or by even trying to be moral! The Church should be the light and until we move beyond traditions and develop a more personal relationship with God, we can be fighting to protect a culture, a tradition, an institution but not to defend the word of God. I was raised an Anglican and even served to a diocesan capacity as the President of YOUNG ANGLICAN CRUSADERS a place I still hold so dear to my heart but I’ve moved beyond giving my allegiance to a denomination to giving my allegiance to a denomination. Catholic, Anglican or Pentecostal… Whatever it is, in Christ only one thing exist… Which is THE CHURCH (The Body of Christ.)
    :
    BeautyBeyondBones I respect you so much and your views… Reading this alone tells me you are a believer who though Catholic think beyond the borders of stereotypes. Blessings!
    #GracefulGeorge

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