12/13/02

This is a sad day in so many ways and my sincere prayers are with all the people of the Archdiocese of Boston in this time of transition.

I hope and pray that Cardinal Law's decision to resign as Archbishop of Boston will be the catalyst for the healing that so many are searching for. May it also move all more collaboratively toward the long-term solution of the sexual abuse crisis in the Church - protecting children, comforting victims and their families, and freeing the Church to carry on more readily its mission of preaching the Gospel.

The road to healing for all people in the Archdiocese will continue to be long, yet I pray that many will find that road brightened by a sense of hope. I ask all of our clergy, religious and lay people to pray for healing and compassion in our Church and in a particular way for our neighboring Archdiocese of Boston on this upcoming third Sunday of Advent. Let us also offer prayerful support to Bishop Richard Lennon in his new and challenging role of administering the Archdiocese.

Many media outlets took the opportunity this morning to point out all the good that Cardinal Law has done over the years for the people of the Archdiocese and this Commonwealth, especially for the poor, the needy and the marginalized. I want to add my words of thanks and appreciation for his outreach to the ecumenical and interreligious communities and his advocacy for social justice initiatives in our Commonwealth. I also thank him for his leadership on many important public policy issues through the Massachusetts Catholic Conference and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Finally, I ask that we all take a moment to renew our commitment to the protection of children in our care. As we continue to implement local programs in cooperation with others committed to the welfare of children and minors, we can all consider how we can help in tangible ways through programs for child protection in our parishes and schools, as well as in the communities in which we live.