Thursday, October 19, 2006
Another Priest Who Just Doesn't Get It
Priest acknowledges Foley relationship - Politics - MSNBC.com: "Mercieca said he taught Foley 'some wrong things' related to sex, though he wouldn't specify what he meant, the newspaper said. It reported the priest said that at the time, he considered the relationship innocent, but he now says he could see how his actions could be called inappropriate.
Mercieca said although Foley plans to 'expose him to the world,' he still has 'great memories of our trips,' the newspaper reported.
'I wish him well,' Mercieca said. 'Let bygones be bygones.'
No accusations elsewhere
Mercieca was adamant that his encounter with Foley was an aberration, and that the Catholic Church never had to send him for counseling during his 38 years in the priesthood in Florida, according to the newspaper.
'I have been in many parishes, and I have never been' accused, he said.
A Web site for the Diocese of Gozo lists Mercieca as one of its priests. Joseph Calleja, a priest with the diocese, said Mercieca is still an active priest but that he lives at his own home. Gozo, a Mediterranean island, is part of the Republic of Malta."
Oh what to say about this one..
Let bygones be bygones? Is this some kind of sick joke? We say that if a white lie was told, not when you abuse little boys while in a position of power. I don't even know what would cause a person to say that. He does not understand the gravity of his behavior, clearly. Did he think this was a way of apologizing, because in any language, it sounds like an "oh well"!
And to say that the Catholic Church never sent him to counseling in his 38 years is not a very good defense either. The Catholic Church is well known for not handling this well, and all but supporting the behavior.
Innocent...He thought the relationship was innocent? Massaging a naked 13 year old is innocent? What planet is this idiot on?
Taught him some wrong things about sex? Some wrong things? I mean, this is just a disaster. A priest doing any hands-on teaching about sex is not something that could be called inappropriate. It is sick, disgusting and criminal! It is really important that the new Pope stand up, say we handled this incorrectly, that he handled it incorrectly, and that it is far more than inappropriate. He also needs to say that the Church will now begin turning in any priest accused of abuse to the authorities for full investigation and, if needed, prosecution. Anything less than that policy and its follow-through should be criminal for the Church leadership.
Mercieca said although Foley plans to 'expose him to the world,' he still has 'great memories of our trips,' the newspaper reported.
'I wish him well,' Mercieca said. 'Let bygones be bygones.'
No accusations elsewhere
Mercieca was adamant that his encounter with Foley was an aberration, and that the Catholic Church never had to send him for counseling during his 38 years in the priesthood in Florida, according to the newspaper.
'I have been in many parishes, and I have never been' accused, he said.
A Web site for the Diocese of Gozo lists Mercieca as one of its priests. Joseph Calleja, a priest with the diocese, said Mercieca is still an active priest but that he lives at his own home. Gozo, a Mediterranean island, is part of the Republic of Malta."
Oh what to say about this one..
Let bygones be bygones? Is this some kind of sick joke? We say that if a white lie was told, not when you abuse little boys while in a position of power. I don't even know what would cause a person to say that. He does not understand the gravity of his behavior, clearly. Did he think this was a way of apologizing, because in any language, it sounds like an "oh well"!
And to say that the Catholic Church never sent him to counseling in his 38 years is not a very good defense either. The Catholic Church is well known for not handling this well, and all but supporting the behavior.
Innocent...He thought the relationship was innocent? Massaging a naked 13 year old is innocent? What planet is this idiot on?
Taught him some wrong things about sex? Some wrong things? I mean, this is just a disaster. A priest doing any hands-on teaching about sex is not something that could be called inappropriate. It is sick, disgusting and criminal! It is really important that the new Pope stand up, say we handled this incorrectly, that he handled it incorrectly, and that it is far more than inappropriate. He also needs to say that the Church will now begin turning in any priest accused of abuse to the authorities for full investigation and, if needed, prosecution. Anything less than that policy and its follow-through should be criminal for the Church leadership.
