The mass began and after the opening prayer, Clesio announced that on Friday evening he opened a letter from Cardinal Pell, informing him of the above news. He also said that Gerry was on retreat. Then he looked at us with unimaginable pride and a beaming smile …….. and the congregation of half and half (CM: Neocats and others) neither said anything nor applauded. Silence. So he congratulated himself with "let us give thanks to the Lord!" and went on with the Mass.
… the sermon. I only heard about 20% – for once I was really listening but couldn’t understand more than occasional phrases or random words. I found it unintelligble and perversely stupid. By the end he ingratiated himself into a tortured tale of closeness to God, and assured us that his becoming pp was the will of God (having previously said that it was George Pell’s handiwork).
May we keep our courage in this hour of darkness.
E.
Nevertheless, the Church Mouse prays that the Fr Clesio may expand into his new role as parish priest and be granted the wisdom to see beyond the errors of the past, to enter into dialogue with the community and begin the difficult process of developing mutual trust and respect.