No Silence of the Lambs
Saint Dunstan is our parish and this will be our Town Hall Meeting. We need to use this gathering to tell the Archdiocese of Detroit about the great harm their actions and words have caused our community. Each one of us must stand up for what is right and just - we must press on to preserve our parish by demanding the return of Father Don.
The Holy Father recently showed his courage by personally speaking to victims of abuse. He apologized to them and asked forgiveness for the acts of clergy and the cover-up by the Church hierarchy. Pope Benedict XVI provides the Archdiocese with a clear example of how they must conduct themselves at the Town Hall Meeting.
The Archdiocese needs to abandon their absurd assertion that Father Don is on a “medical leave.” Hundreds saw him at the March Town Hall Meeting. He was an example of a man in good health - vibrant, energetic, thoughtful and humorous. He continues to administer the Sacraments, visits the sick at home and in hospitals, takes office appointments and celebrates beautiful Masses. This is the profile of a man fit for duty and one who should be returned to his Saint Dunstan home.
We hope the Archdiocese comes ready to listen. They would be ill-advised to attempt to strong arm us with their authority, to drone on about the parish finances and debt, and to continue spreading rumors and false allegations. The task before them is simple - be humble, say they are sorry, and give us back what they have taken - Father Don. Anything less is unacceptable.
Please continue to call and write Cardinal Maida and Bishop Reiss:
Adam Cardinal Maida 1234 Washington Blvd. CH- 7th Floor Detroit, MI 48226-1875 (313) 237-5816 Bishop Francis Reiss 1234 Washington Blvd. CH- 6th Floor Detroit, MI 48226-1875 (313) 237-5834 (313) 237-5840