Mexico mounts a worldwide campaign against the beatification of John Paul II, they should for they are the people of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Latin is not a mother tongue and therefore cannot be the “official language” of the Vatican. Why must the Vatican Bank be above all banks?
Clericalism: Benedict XVI ask us to "love priests in spite of their weaknesses" -- meaning put priests above the laity and above the law
Penance is not justice; penitence is inequality to the lifetime suffering of victims of the John Paul II Pedophile Priests Army
Eve and Benedict XVI blame the Devil. Analysis of Pope’s homily in Year for Priests -sorcerers of Christ’s flesh and blood
The « 'reverence' for priests » harbours and perpetuates priest pedophilia. 9 Apostolic Visitors to Ireland to re-enforce (fairy tale) Holy Communion
Benedict XVI’s Consecration to Mary cannot protect children from pedophile priests
John Allen promotes monarchy of Catholicism. As Vatican Pied Piper he announces ‘Meet the new Crown Prince of Catholicism’
Vatican Swiss Banks purposes are hiding and trading the proceeds of crimes 1934 to present day
John Paul and his crime syndicate: Part I, Fr. Maciel
INTEGER & Vatican Swiss Banks accounts: Fr. Marcial Maciel and the Legion of Christ secret Vatican wealth
The Vatican Billions and their sources: Holy Mass Tourism for Each Generation. Miracles, Portents and Wonder for Sale
The Hague: Full text Criminal Charges against Dr. Joseph Ratzinger, Pope of the Roman Catholic Church
Is the Vatican a state or country? It is only one building and one public square but it is a country like the vast USA, Russia, China???
Theology and John Paul II are heartless and together they made the immoral Fr. Marcial Maciel thrive
Zenit.org should shut down – it’s operated by the Legion of Christ whose founder, Fr. Marcial Maciel is member of John Paul II Pedophile Priests Army
Heil Satanas JP2 Patron Saint of Pedophiles, Pederasts Rapists-Priests! John Paul II is the same yesterday and today-- he cannot protect children
VATICAN CITY
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
Posted by Barbara Blaine on May 16, 2012
Reuters is reporting that a top Vatican official has kept silent for months about a high profile Catholic priest’s fathering a child.
Will Catholic officials ever start being more honest and prompt about clergy sex crimes and misdeeds?
The Vatican official is Spanish Cardinal Velasio De Paolis, who was appointed two years ago by Pope Benedict to oversee the Legion of Christ. Yesterday, the Legion’s most prominent priest, Fr. Thomas D. Williams, admitted he had an “affair” and fathered a child which neither he nor his Legion supervisors are financially supporting.
It's important to remember that Fr. Williams is also accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with
--college students in Rome, and
--the daughter of a prominent US Catholic figure.
ROME
Legionaries of Christ
To all Legionaries and Regnum Christi consecrated members,
It is with sadness that I send you this note, especially at a time when we are experiencing renewed enthusiasm for our mission within the Church. The last thing I would wish is to add a fresh wound when older wounds may not have healed fully.
Nevertheless, it is my duty to inform you that Father Thomas Williams, LC, after consultation with his superiors, will undergo a period of reflection, prayer and atonement without public ministry, and has just issued the following statement:
“A number of years ago I had a relationship with a woman and fathered her child. I am deeply sorry for this grave transgression and have tried to make amends. My superiors and I have decided it would be best for me to take a year without active public ministry to reflect on the wrong I have done and my commitments as a priest. I am truly sorry to everyone who is hurt by this revelation, and I ask for your prayers as I seek guidance on how to make up for my errors.”
I know that this will be shocking news to you. In the wake of all that we have been through as a Movement in the past several years, it won’t surprise me if you are disappointed, angry or feel your trust shaken once again.
VATICAN CITY
7 News (Australia)
Philip Pullella, Reuters
May 16, 2012,
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The scandal-plagued Legionaries of Christ Roman Catholic religious order suffered another major blow to its image on Tuesday when one of its most prominent members admitted to having fathered a child.
Father Thomas Williams said in a statement he was "truly sorry to everyone who is hurt by this revelation".
Williams, the American author of more than a dozen books on spirituality and dean of moral theology at a papal university in Rome, often appeared on American television to explain Vatican affairs and Catholic teachings.
The Legionaries have been at the centre of controversy since 2009 when they admitted their charismatic Mexican founder, Father Marcial Maciel, had led a double life, secretly fathering children, using drugs and misusing donations.
ROME
RP - Online
Rom (RPO). Ein neuer Skandal um ihren bekanntesten Vertreter erschüttert die Legionäre Christi. Thomas Williams, das öffentliche Gesicht der katholischen Ordensgemeinschaft, gestand am Dienstag ein, vor Jahren ein Kind gezeugt zu haben.
Ein prominenter US-amerikanischer Priester der "Legionäre Christi" hat eingeräumt, Vater eines Kindes zu sein. Der als geistlicher Autor und TV-Kommentator bekannte Thomas Williams gab bekannt, er habe "vor einigen Jahren ein Verhältnis mit einer Frau gehabt", aus dem auch ein Kind hervorgegangen sei. Williams bitte um Entschuldigung für sein mit dem Priesteramt unvereinbares Verhalten. Er wolle sich jetzt für die weitere Zukunft orientieren, heißt es in einer Mitteilung der Mitteleuropäischen Ordensprovinz der Legionäre in Düsseldorf.
UNITED STATES
Irish Independent
A PRIEST whose movie star good looks landed him frequent appearances on US TV, has admitted to fathering a child.
Father Thomas Williams who was described by US TV anchor woman Katie Couric as ‘Father What-A-Waste’ is well known for his frequent appearances on US TV, where he talks of theological and ecumenical matters.
Father Williams, who is a Dean of Papal Morality at a university in the Vatican, has admitted to having an affair with a woman who gave birth to his child some years ago. It is unknown if he is supporting or in touch with the child.
In a statement Williams admitted: “A number of years ago I had a relationship with a woman and fathered her child. I am deeply sorry for this transgression and have tried to make amends.”
UNITED STATES
The New York Times
By LAURIE GOODSTEIN
Published: May 15, 2012
A telegenic American priest, widely known for his media commentary from Rome on popes, prayer and personal morality, has publicly acknowledged having an affair and fathering a child — the latest jolt to hit his scandal-torn religious order, the Legionaries of Christ.
The priest, the Rev. Thomas D. Williams, apologized in a statement on Tuesday “for this grave transgression” and “to everyone who is hurt by this revelation.” He said he would take a year off from public ministry to reflect on his transgressions and his “commitments as a priest” — a decision he said he made with his superiors.
Father Williams was the most visible American member of the Legionaries, a powerful and conservative Roman Catholic religious order that has been in turmoil since 2006, when its charismatic founder was banished by the Vatican to a life of prayer and penance.
The order’s founder, a Mexican priest named Marciel Maciel Degollado, died in 2008 amid revelations that he had sexually abused young seminarians, misappropriated money and fathered several children, some of whom say they were also victims of his sexual abuse. Only last Friday, the Legion acknowledged that seven of its priests are being investigated by the Vatican in connection with the sexual abuse of minors.
VATICAN CITY
Chicago Tribune
Reuters
2:45 p.m. CDT, May 16, 2012
* Corrects that cardinal is Italian, not Spanish, in para 4
By Philip Pullella
VATICAN CITY, May 16 (Reuters) - Leaders of the scandal-plagued Legionaries of Christ religious order knew that their most famous priest had fathered a child for many months
before they acknowledged it this week, a top Vatican official told Reuters on Wednesday.
The once influential religious order, still in crisis following revelations that its founder was a sexual abuser with two secret families, suffered another major blow on Tuesday when
American Father Thomas Williams admitted to having fathered a child with a woman in Rome.
The question left hanging was how long the order's leaders knew about Williams's secret life and why they continued to let him preach, teach and appear on television around the world,
particularly in the United States.
VATICAN CITY
Chicago Tribune
Philip Pullella
Reuters
7:02 a.m. CDT, May 16, 2012
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Leaders of the scandal-plagued Legionaries of Christ religious order knew that their most famous priest had fathered a child for many months before they acknowledged it this week, a top Vatican official told Reuters on Wednesday.
The once influential religious order, still in crisis following revelations that its founder was a sexual abuser with two secret families, suffered another major blow on Tuesday when American Father Thomas Williams admitted to having fathered a child with a woman in Rome.
The question left hanging was how long the order's leaders knew about Williams's secret life and why they continued to let him preach, teach and appear on television around the world, particularly in the United States.
"I found out about it this year," Spanish Cardinal Velasio De Paolis, who was appointed by Pope Benedict in July, 2010 to oversee the restructuring of the order, told Reuters in a telephone conversation from his home.
UNITED STATES
KGO
(NEW YORK) -- A prominent American priest in the Legion of Christ, a troubled Catholic order whose founder was denounced by the Vatican for sexual improprieties, has admitted having a sexual relationship with a woman and fathering her child.
Father Thomas Williams, who has appeared on CBS and NBC and was interviewed by ABC News for a 2010 report on the Legion, made the acknowledgement after an activist who had sought reform in the order contacted the Vatican with his suspicions.
"I am truly sorry to everyone who is hurt by this revelation," said Williams in a statement. He said that he would be taking a year's leave from his public duties "to reflect on my commitments as a priest."
According to the National Catholic Reporter, the Legion has confirmed that seven other priests are now being investigated for the alleged abuse of minors. The Legion has more than 800 priests.
ROME
Catholic News Agency
By David Kerr
Rome, Italy, May 15, 2012 / 12:58 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Father Thomas Williams, one of the most high-profile American members of the Legion of Christ, is leaving public ministry after admitting he fathered a child.
“A number of years ago I had a relationship with a woman and fathered her child. I am deeply sorry for this grave transgression and have tried to make amends,” Fr. Williams said in a May 15 statement.
“My superiors and I have decided it would be best for me to take a year without active public ministry to reflect on the wrong I have done and my commitments as a priest. I am truly sorry to everyone who is hurt by this revelation, and I ask for your prayers as I seek guidance on how to make up for my errors.”
He also apologized to members of the Legion and the Church, “since this scandalous news will damage them as well, at the worst possible moment.”
VATICAN CITY
Newser
By NICOLE WINFIELD | Associated Press
The Legion of Christ religious order was hit Tuesday by its second scandal in a week after its most well-known priest _ a prominent author, lecturer and television personality _ admitted he had fathered a child.
The Rev. Thomas Williams, an American moral theologian, said in a statement he was "deeply sorry for this grave transgression" against his vows of celibacy and that he would be taking a year off to reflect on what he had done and his commitment to the priesthood.
The statement was issued after The Associated Press presented the Legion with the allegation against Williams, which was lodged by a Spanish association of Legion victims. The association's accusations, sent to the Legion and Vatican several weeks ago, also named other Legion priests accused of sexually abusing minors.
Williams, who was not accused of abuse, said that "a number of years ago" he had a relationship with a woman and fathered her child. He didn't identify the mother and didn't say whether the relationship was over. He also did not identify the gender of the child nor say if he was involved in supporting the child.
The Legion has been beset by scandal following revelations that its late founder, the Rev. Marciel Maciel, fathered three children and sexually abused his seminarians. Maciel died in 2008 and in 2009 the Legion admitted to his crimes.
VATICAN CITY
Washington Post
Legion of Christ hit by second scandal in a week, prominent priest admits he fathered a child
By Associated Press,
VATICAN CITY — Legion of Christ hit by second scandal in a week, prominent priest admits he fathered a child.
UNITED STATES
Irish Independent
A PRIEST whose movie star good looks landed him frequent appearances on US TV, has admitted to fathering a child.
Father Thomas Williams who was described by US TV anchor woman Katie Couric as ‘Father What-A-Waste’ is well known for his frequent appearances on US TV, where he talks of theological and ecumenical matters.
Father Williams, who is a Dean of Papal Morality at a university in the Vatican, has admitted to having an affair with a woman who gave birth to his child some years ago. It is unknown if he is supporting or in touch with the child.
In a statement Williams admitted: “A number of years ago I had a relationship with a woman and fathered her child. I am deeply sorry for this transgression and have tried to make amends.”
VATICAN CITY
Philip Pullella, Reuters
May 16, 2012,
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The scandal-plagued Legionaries of Christ Roman Catholic religious order suffered another major blow to its image on Tuesday when one of its most prominent members admitted to having fathered a child.
Father Thomas Williams said in a statement he was "truly sorry to everyone who is hurt by this revelation".
Williams, the American author of more than a dozen books on spirituality and dean of moral theology at a papal university in Rome, often appeared on American television to explain Vatican affairs and Catholic teachings.
The Legionaries have been at the centre of controversy since 2009 when they admitted their charismatic Mexican founder, Father Marcial Maciel, had led a double life, secretly fathering children, using drugs and misusing donations.
Newser
By NICOLE WINFIELD | Associated Press
The Legion of Christ religious order was hit Tuesday by its second scandal in a week after its most well-known priest _ a prominent author, lecturer and television personality _ admitted he had fathered a child.
The Rev. Thomas Williams, an American moral theologian, said in a statement he was "deeply sorry for this grave transgression" against his vows of celibacy and that he would be taking a year off to reflect on what he had done and his commitment to the priesthood.
The statement was issued after The Associated Press presented the Legion with the allegation against Williams, which was lodged by a Spanish association of Legion victims. The association's accusations, sent to the Legion and Vatican several weeks ago, also named other Legion priests accused of sexually abusing minors.
Williams, who was not accused of abuse, said that "a number of years ago" he had a relationship with a woman and fathered her child. He didn't identify the mother and didn't say whether the relationship was over. He also did not identify the gender of the child nor say if he was involved in supporting the child.
The Legion has been beset by scandal following revelations that its late founder, the Rev. Marciel Maciel, fathered three children and sexually abused his seminarians. Maciel died in 2008 and in 2009 the Legion admitted to his crimes.
Catholic News Agency
By David Kerr
Rome, Italy, May 15, 2012 / 12:58 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Father Thomas Williams, one of the most high-profile American members of the Legion of Christ, is leaving public ministry after admitting he fathered a child.
“A number of years ago I had a relationship with a woman and fathered her child. I am deeply sorry for this grave transgression and have tried to make amends,” Fr. Williams said in a May 15 statement.
“My superiors and I have decided it would be best for me to take a year without active public ministry to reflect on the wrong I have done and my commitments as a priest. I am truly sorry to everyone who is hurt by this revelation, and I ask for your prayers as I seek guidance on how to make up for my errors.”
He also apologized to members of the Legion and the Church, “since this scandalous news will damage them as well, at the worst possible moment.”
The Rev. Thomas Williams, an American moral theologian, said in a statement he was "deeply sorry for this grave transgression" against his vows of celibacy and that he would be taking a year off to reflect on what he had done and his commitment to the priesthood.
The statement was issued after The Associated Press presented the Legion with the allegation against Williams, which was lodged by a Spanish association of Legion victims. The association's accusations, sent to the Legion and Vatican several weeks ago, also named other Legion priests accused of sexually abusing minors.
Williams, who was not accused of abuse, said that "a number of years ago" he had a relationship with a woman and fathered her child. He didn't identify the mother and didn't say whether the relationship was over. He also did not identify the gender of the child nor say if he was involved in supporting the child.
The Legion has been beset by scandal following revelations that its late founder, the Rev. Marciel Maciel, fathered three children and sexually abused his seminarians. Maciel died in 2008 and in 2009 the Legion admitted to his crimes.
Williams, the most prominent priest in the 800-strong order, spoke about Maciel's double life in a February 2009 interview with the Catholic ETWN program, saying the revelations were a "very, very hard blow to all of us."
Williams, the author of such books as 2008's "Knowing Right From Wrong: A Christian Guide to Conscience," was the superior of the Legion's general directorate in Rome in the late 1990s and early 2000s. More recently, he has taught theology, promoted his books and lectured.
His personal website, which lists his numerous books, speaking engagements, articles and appearances as a CBS commentator, was taken down on Tuesday.
The accusation against Williams was first lodged by the Association for Help of Those Affected by the LC, a Spanish association for victims of the Legion. The group several weeks ago sent a list of accused Legion priests to the superior in Rome, Fr. Alvaro Corcuera and the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
The Legion admitted Friday that it had referred to the Vatican seven priests accused of sexually abusing minors. Most of the cases dated from decades ago and some were well-known among Legion watchers, raising questions about how long ago the Legion leadership knew about them.
The Vatican in 2010 took over the Legion after conducting an investigation into the order and the double life of Maciel. It is now being run by a papal delegate, though the leadership remains largely in place. It is not known how long ago the Legion leadership knew of Williams' child.
In his statement, Williams said he and his superiors had decided he should to take a year off of active ministry to reflect on his commitments as a priest.
In an email sent to all Legion priests that accompanied Williams' announcement, Fr. Luis Garza, who heads the Legion in the U.S., said he was relaying the news with great sadness given the Legion's recent turmoil.
"The last thing I would wish is to add a fresh wound when older wounds may not have healed fully," he wrote.
VATICAN CITY
Legion of Christ hit by second scandal in a week, prominent priest admits he fathered a child
By Associated Press,
VATICAN CITY — Legion of Christ hit by second scandal in a week, prominent priest admits he fathered a child.
UNITED STATES
Irish Independent
A PRIEST whose movie star good looks landed him frequent appearances on US TV, has admitted to fathering a child.
Father Thomas Williams who was described by US TV anchor woman Katie Couric as ‘Father What-A-Waste’ is well known for his frequent appearances on US TV, where he talks of theological and ecumenical matters.
Father Williams, who is a Dean of Papal Morality at a university in the Vatican, has admitted to having an affair with a woman who gave birth to his child some years ago. It is unknown if he is supporting or in touch with the child.
In a statement Williams admitted: “A number of years ago I had a relationship with a woman and fathered her child. I am deeply sorry for this transgression and have tried to make amends.”
The priest who has served as a Vatican and religious affairs commentator for Sky News, for NBC and CBS and has published 14 books on Catholic dogma, including ‘Becoming the Christian You Want to Be’ said: “My superiors and I have decided it would be best for me to take a year away without active public ministry to reflect on my commitments as a priest.
“I am truly sorry to everyone who is hurt by this revelation, and I ask for your prayers as I seek guidance on how to best move forward.”
Williams admitted to fathering the child after a former Legionary priest reported rumors of the affair to senior Vatican officials.
However there has been anger expressed in Catholic circles in the States as it has since emerged that the order to which Williams belonged The Legion of Christ, had known about the child, but failed to take any measures to remove Father Williams him from his duties or to curb his appearances on TV.
This is the second scandal to hit the religious order in the past week. Last week the Legion admitted that seven of its priests are under investigation for suspected sex abuse of minors.
The Legion of Christ has been embroiled in controversies before. It emerged that its founder, now deceased, was a pedophile.
Marciel Marciel had fathered three children with two different women and frequently sexually abused seminarians. He died in 2008 and the following year the Legion admitted to his crimes.
Marciel, had when alive, been praised by Pope John Paul II as a model for the faithful and his ability to attract new seminarians. However in 2006 Pope Benedict banned Marciel from practicing as a priest, and ordered him to spend his retirement in "prayer and penitence."
The news of Father Williams fathering a child has caused much debate on Catholic forums on the internet with many offering support for Fr Williams.
One commentator Stefano posted: “This is very sad news that reminds us all, believers and non-believers, that as humans we are fragile and can and do make mistakes. Not always are we faithful to the promises and vows we freely take.”
UNITED STATES
The New York Times
By LAURIE GOODSTEIN
Published: May 15, 2012
A telegenic American priest, widely known for his media commentary from Rome on popes, prayer and personal morality, has publicly acknowledged having an affair and fathering a child — the latest jolt to hit his scandal-torn religious order, the Legionaries of Christ.
The priest, the Rev. Thomas D. Williams, apologized in a statement on Tuesday “for this grave transgression” and “to everyone who is hurt by this revelation.” He said he would take a year off from public ministry to reflect on his transgressions and his “commitments as a priest” — a decision he said he made with his superiors.
Father Williams was the most visible American member of the Legionaries, a powerful and conservative Roman Catholic religious order that has been in turmoil since 2006, when its charismatic founder was banished by the Vatican to a life of prayer and penance.
The order’s founder, a Mexican priest named Marciel Maciel Degollado, died in 2008 amid revelations that he had sexually abused young seminarians, misappropriated money and fathered several children, some of whom say they were also victims of his sexual abuse. Only last Friday, the Legion acknowledged that seven of its priests are being investigated by the Vatican in connection with the sexual abuse of minors.
UNITED STATES
KGO
(NEW YORK) -- A prominent American priest in the Legion of Christ, a troubled Catholic order whose founder was denounced by the Vatican for sexual improprieties, has admitted having a sexual relationship with a woman and fathering her child.
Father Thomas Williams, who has appeared on CBS and NBC and was interviewed by ABC News for a 2010 report on the Legion, made the acknowledgement after an activist who had sought reform in the order contacted the Vatican with his suspicions.
"I am truly sorry to everyone who is hurt by this revelation," said Williams in a statement. He said that he would be taking a year's leave from his public duties "to reflect on my commitments as a priest."
According to the National Catholic Reporter, the Legion has confirmed that seven other priests are now being investigated for the alleged abuse of minors. The Legion has more than 800 priests
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