More Than A Bit At

I don’t surprise easily. Unfortunately, I am a bit of a cynic, still this week’s shocking revelation was devastating.

Living in Nassau County for almost half a century, the accusations weren’t something new.

Many of them had been expected, a relatively few close to home, and sad would hardly be an adequate description of my emotions.

This one, however, was different. He had charisma, the ambiance of an elder statesman along with the cloak of religious humility. He was a native of NYC who had risen to extraordinary heights both nationally and in church hierarchy.

We never met, but I admired and respected from afar. I thought he was different. Not one of those who hid or swept things under the carpet. No, not him.

He appeared with Presidents, both at funerals and national celebrations.

No, not him.

But of course, I was wrong. And I am not only saddened, but yes, horrified.

The others that come to mind were no surprise. An inner voice had warned me more than once. I was naive until I could no longer wrap myself in the embrace of disbelief.

I wrote a short story about it, but I used a non de plume for publication. That was a mistake; one that my spiritual adviser cautioned me about.

So, yes, in the vast tunnel of silence, there were voices speaking out. Perhaps not as loudly as they could or should have. Perhaps too many of us opted to choose being anonymous.

I wonder today with the lurid headlines that are only beginning, if we aren’t all a bit at fault. Because it should not have happened. It could have been prevented and if we listened, there were valid warnings in the wilderness.

Unfortunately, there are many who still refuse to listen or admit the truth. However, there is still time before more damage is inflicted and it is too late to acknowledge reality.

Perhaps it is time to reread Father Andrew Greeley’s “The Cardinal Sins.”