Statement of Opus Bono Sacerdotii about the Role of Cardinal Bernard Law

Some individuals and groups have expressed outrage over the position of Cardinal Bernard Law as the Archpriest of St. Mary Major Basilica. We think this is unjustified and un-Christian.

In resigning as Archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Law said, “To all those who have suffered because of my shortcomings and mistakes I both apologize and from them beg forgiveness.”

Cardinal Law had to suffer intensely for his pastoral failures in Boston. In humility, he left the Archdiocese quietly and without fanfare. For some time he was chaplain to a convent of nuns.

Eventually, Pope John Paul II called him to Rome to hold a titular office at St. Mary Major and to contribute his gifts and talents to the work of the Church through the dicasteries of the Holy See.

The efforts to further humiliate and destroy Cardinal Law are an expression of vengeance.  The Church cannot yield to that sentiment. We are a Church of redemption, mercy, and grace.  Cardinal Law is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect, as is each and every person.