Perhaps like me, you thought our beloved Church fully investigated, resolved, and disclosed abuse cases to the best of its ability. We hoped this horrific period was behind us. We have learned otherwise.

The number of people victimized by entrusted Church leaders either first-hand or through the protection of predators has astounded, disheartened, and embarrassed all members of the Church including the thousands of good priests. And we can anticipate significantly more cases to surface in the near future.

Evil is greatest when it strives to destroy hope and faith. When a person in position of authority, such as clergy, teachers, coaches, and parents, harm anyone, particularly a child, they can cripple their victims emotionally, physically, and spiritually for the remainder of their life.

Such evil can destroy not only its initial victims but everyone around them. In the case of the Church, our whole belief system, our Catholic faith, is at risk.

We Catholics must counter this attack with prayer. Read Scripture. Talk with the Lord throughout the day. Guard against saying or repeating hurtful words. Let our actions reflect our beliefs. And let us not allow anyone to destroy our Catholic faith.

Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:14-18).