On Sept. 7, the Archdiocese of Denver launched archden.org/promise as an online resource for information about how we handle allegations of sexual abuse of minors and other abuse here in the archdiocese. We included a “comments” section because we wanted to hear from you, and we’ve done our best to respond to as many as we can. In our last issue, we printed some of the criticisms, suggestions and questions we’ve received; however, the majority of the feedback we’ve received has been positive and we wanted to share some of those messages of hope and faith with you as well.
Bill: Dear Archbishop Aquila, thank you for your “Solemn Promise” and the hope it gives. My prayers go out to the abused, for their healing, that evil will be cast out of the Church, for restoration of the clergy and that the Holy Spirit will guide you in your service as shepherd of the archdiocese. St. Michael defend us in battle!
Cathy: Dear Archbishop Aquila, I’m sure that I am not alone to ask you to express my gratitude to all of the very many priests and seminarians who are such faithful witnesses to our wonderful Catholic faith. Please let all of them know of our appreciation for their vocation and that we are praying for them during these very trying times.
Elizabeth: Dear Archbishop, thank you for your message, it was very heart warming. As a Catholic since my baptism, I’ve always believed that our Lord Jesus would never let his church be destroyed. This has been my rock to speak. I’ll defend my faith with every opportunity that comes my way. Keep up the good work and I pray this mess will not deter believers to defend the faith.
John: Dear Archbishop Aquila, the latest revelations about priestly sin are disheartening, but it does not obstruct my love for the Mother Church, for its mission, and does not dissuade me from fighting for the eternal truth within her. As Jesus said emphatically: nothing will turn His church asunder. Nothing that Evil tries will bring her down, and I, a life-long practicing Catholic, will raise my voice and mobilize my actions to promote the Church’s truth, with the guidance of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and I shall follow God’s will on earth, especially now.
Amy: I love my Catholic faith, and I love our Church. Thank you so very much for the extraordinary effort (regular communication from early on, research and data, website, etc.) that you and all others in our diocese have put into addressing this tragedy. This information and commitment to transparency gives me hope that our clergy and Church is indeed true to our Lord and His calling to serve as Jesus would.
May God bless you and your efforts with continued courage, faith, gentleness and truth.
Margaret: Thank you for creating this website and giving us all a place to get answers for, and updates on how this problem is being taken care of. As a Catholic I am frequently approached about these issues and how the church is dealing with it, so any information I can gather from a reliable source is appreciated.
Katherine: Thank you, your Excellency! Your promises and prayers for us all are so welcomed and appreciated. May the Lord keep you and all other Holy priests strong in your faith and resolve. We are so grateful having you for our Archbishop!
Kim: Thank you for being a true and faithful servant of the Church. I pray for healing, cleansing, and a new conversion of all priests and religious in the church, and for laity to stand against the modern tides of the world and seek to follow Jesus.