Blessed are they . . .

What an introspective review of the Church can reveal....and what the media choose to report! Newsweek has just published a report which shows that "there is no data to support the claim" that Catholics "have a much bigger problem with child molestation than other denominations and the general population." FINALLY we have facts to support this from Ernie Allen, president of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (taken from "both studies and surveys conducted by different denomination over the past 30 years"). Even the insurance companies that cover sexual misconduct has statistics to support no "vast difference in the incidience rate between one denomination and another... and has been that way for decades", as stated in this report by Newsweek.

Sadly enough, the podium of public opinion spout devastating verbage about our Priests, condemning opening even our Holy Father. The US Council of Catholic Bishops had a study conducted following the horrible scandals in 2002. Less than five percent of priests were accused of sexual misconduct involving children. Yet, the continued battering of our clergy is disturbing and outrageous. Even Bill O'Reilly on Fox News is going after Cardinal Bernard Law.

Granted, no one should be exempt in any organization, corporation or company for accepting the mainstream psycho babble that sexual offenders could be rehabilitated; but, that was exactly the course of treatment for these persons for decades. Rehabilitate then reassign or return to the current posting/assignment. Until the 1990s the psychiatrists and psychologists called that "shots" so to speak, rehabilitating any sexual offender. It is any surprise to the rest of us that this rationale of care did not work. Yet, where is the accountability of these professionals that treated the molesters and sexual offenders? Why are we, the public, not outraged at their poor judgement in this treatment process? All organizations followed this protocol, including the Church.

Maybe, it is time to really hold accountable those individuals responsible for misguiding the corporations, companies, organizations and the Churches. This is where we, the public, really need to investigate and follow through. (One of my friends disclosed that her psychologist encouraged her to masterbait as part of her therapy. Despite my outrage that another person could influence a Catholic woman to defile herself and the Temple of the Holy Spirit, my friend did not understand my concern. Only until recently have psychotherapists recognized the importance of a person's faith.)

So, instead of persecuting our Priests, Bishops, and the Holy Father, let us look in the mirror first and ask ourselves "have I followed the heard mentality of the media, of the general public, of anyone in line to malign or slander the Catholic faith?" Personally, I am asking that we place Pope Benedict, all our Bishops, and all our Priests, Brothers, and Decons under the protection of the Blessed Mother.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.