The Easter of Cardinal Pell. With Comments From Ruini and Müller
“What I am really looking forward to is celebrating a Mass,” Cardinal
George Pell said just after his return to freedom following more than
400 days of incarceration, in an exclusive interview with Catholic News Agency.
“Holy Week is obviously the most important time in our Church, so I am
especially pleased this decision came when it did. The Easter Triduum,
so central to our faith, will be even more special for me this year.”
The cardinal (in the photo by Quinn Rooney for Getty Images, while leaving prison in Barwon) said he had received an “overwhelming” number of messages from Australia and around the world.
In fact, on the day of April 7, Tuesday of Holy Week, several cardinals also publicly congratulated him on his acquittal.
From Italy, Cardinal Camillo Ruini told ANSA:
“I am extremely happy with the acquittal of Cardinal George Pell from the accusation of pedophilia. I am bound to him by deep friendship and the greatest esteem. I never doubted his innocence, now finally recognized. Pell is an authentic witness of Jesus Christ who has paid a very hard price for his loyalty to the Lord and to the Church. His example of courage and generosity is a light for the whole Church.”
From South Africa, Cardinal Wilfrid Napier tweeted a “Deo gratias!”
From Germany, Cardinal Gerhard Müller told LifeSite News:
“Cardinal Pell is free again, and now, in this Holy Week, we remember Christ, ‘who with his suffering set an example for us: when he was reviled, he did not revile… but left His cause to the Just Judge’ (1 Pet. 2:21–23).”
He continued: “Even if the enemies of the Church of Christ had triumphed here – with their bending of the law before everyone’s eyes – Cardinal Pell and all those persecuted for their faith could still have appealed to God’s justice. Even if the persecutors of the Church of all times scoff at our hope for heavenly justice, they will not be able to escape responsibility at the Last Judgment.”
And he concluded: “Many are now praying that Cardinal Pell will now also receive justice before the ecclesiastical court. Although there are only human beings at work there, as well, they are nevertheless those who are or should be closer to divine justice.”
To CNA Cardinal Pell said he had gotten the news of his acquittal from TV, in the confinement of his cell. “Of course, there was no one to talk to about it. However, I did hear a great cheer from somewhere within the jail and then the three other inmates near me made it clear they were delighted for me.”
He lived his time in prison as “a long retreat,” for reflection, writing, and above all prayer:
"Prayer has been the great source of strength to me throughout these times, including the prayers of others, and I am incredibly grateful to all those people who have prayed for me and helped me during this really challenging time."
The cardinal (in the photo by Quinn Rooney for Getty Images, while leaving prison in Barwon) said he had received an “overwhelming” number of messages from Australia and around the world.
In fact, on the day of April 7, Tuesday of Holy Week, several cardinals also publicly congratulated him on his acquittal.
From Italy, Cardinal Camillo Ruini told ANSA:
“I am extremely happy with the acquittal of Cardinal George Pell from the accusation of pedophilia. I am bound to him by deep friendship and the greatest esteem. I never doubted his innocence, now finally recognized. Pell is an authentic witness of Jesus Christ who has paid a very hard price for his loyalty to the Lord and to the Church. His example of courage and generosity is a light for the whole Church.”
From South Africa, Cardinal Wilfrid Napier tweeted a “Deo gratias!”
From Germany, Cardinal Gerhard Müller told LifeSite News:
“Cardinal Pell is free again, and now, in this Holy Week, we remember Christ, ‘who with his suffering set an example for us: when he was reviled, he did not revile… but left His cause to the Just Judge’ (1 Pet. 2:21–23).”
He continued: “Even if the enemies of the Church of Christ had triumphed here – with their bending of the law before everyone’s eyes – Cardinal Pell and all those persecuted for their faith could still have appealed to God’s justice. Even if the persecutors of the Church of all times scoff at our hope for heavenly justice, they will not be able to escape responsibility at the Last Judgment.”
And he concluded: “Many are now praying that Cardinal Pell will now also receive justice before the ecclesiastical court. Although there are only human beings at work there, as well, they are nevertheless those who are or should be closer to divine justice.”
To CNA Cardinal Pell said he had gotten the news of his acquittal from TV, in the confinement of his cell. “Of course, there was no one to talk to about it. However, I did hear a great cheer from somewhere within the jail and then the three other inmates near me made it clear they were delighted for me.”
He lived his time in prison as “a long retreat,” for reflection, writing, and above all prayer:
"Prayer has been the great source of strength to me throughout these times, including the prayers of others, and I am incredibly grateful to all those people who have prayed for me and helped me during this really challenging time."
3 comments:
Cardinal Pell is a great man and a witness for the Faith.
Has PF said anythIng?
Let us not forget that 'enemy of the Church" and the papacy for the past 50 years is a distinction without a difference. The entire purpose of Cardinal Pell's trial was to remove him from office. Let's see if the "Pope" restores him
Father McDonald,
I know this is a busy time for you but there is an excellent article, written by an Australian priest, over at Rorate Caeli on the Cardinal Pell matter. Although I do not think the priest intended it, there are statements by a few members of Australia's Catholic hierarchy which evidence a certain amount of rot in those quarters. Of course, there are also some splendid defenses of Cardinal Pell as well. I hope you find the time to read it.
Happy Easter
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