It has been quiet in the news, except for the odd letter to the editor, and also in the diocese.  As I predicted there was venom in ink form spewed in the direction of Mr. Vai, his lawyer, and abuse victims in general by many so-called Catholics.  “…and they will know we are christians by our love, by our love…” 

Much to my delight there have been some letters that writers have submitted that are in agreement with what I have been saying all along.  STOP BLAMING VICTIMS.  One woman pointed out the obvious by saying that the financial difficulties that are now so prevalent in the Church are NOT the fault of the abused, the fault lies with the hierarchy for their inaction.    Another woman wrote that it doesn’t matter if Mr. Via was molested 40 years ago or yesterday what matters is that he was molested at all.  Thank You & God Bless You.

One person, a lay woman who works at the parish I’m in, said; “The settlement was anti-Catholic.”  She said this out loud.  She said this to me.  I pointed out to her that the lawyer for St. Elizabeth’s parish was not likeable.  There was news paper coverage of her attacking Mr. Vai while he was on the stand.  (Not a smart strategy when the accused priest/molester has already admitted the abuse.)  It brings to mind something that women who are rape victims have had to endure.  Instead of the monster being on trial the victim becomes the person on trial.  The priest who also testified wasn’t believable and/or likeable so anti-Catholic sentiment did not play a major factor.  EVIL that is suffered by all abuse victims was the only factor.