Let’s remember who most Catholics really are

Finally, we’re seeing justice for those who so badly need it, writes Pauline McKinnon. Now it’s time to recognise not just those from the Catholic Church who have caused harm, but also those who have done incredible good.

For many months now the shadow surrounding the trial of Cardinal Pell has hung over the Australian community.

The media, commentators of all sorts, photographers and cartoonists have had their field days. Anger has erupted, with nasty scenes taking place near the County Court in Melbourne. Victims in this case have had their say on numerous occasions and have been well supported by empathetic and like-minded others as part of past and present suffering.

So Cardinal Pell has been sentenced, awaiting appeal. His temporal authority, Chief Judge Kidd has made this detailed proclamation within a sensitive balance of reprimand and empathy. For it was his challenging duty to pass judgment on one of the most highly ranking cardinals of the Catholic Church.

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It seems that numerous people have disagreed with Judge Kidd, many of whom declare the sentence passed was too lenient. Yes, victims in this case have suffered and so the flames of anger within some people’s hearts continue to flourish, along with the lingering desire to continue or prolong castigation.

The future of the Church lies with its parishioners and the many good leaders within the clergy. Picture: AP Photo/Rod McGuirk

Anger, of course, has a habit of becoming extremely cruel. People brood and minds twist with the urge to retaliate in some way as vitriolic words and actions of emotional or fiscal release aim to make further demands. However, such judgments and punishments of another kind ultimately fuel the already explosive fire — and misery thrives.

So there comes a time when certain reactions to such matters may best be let go. The past cannot be undone for anyone within this sad and tragic story and justice has been served. Yes, pain may linger, but pain can be healed. Surely it is important now — indeed necessary — to recognise that for the majority, the future lies ahead, safe and free to live the rest of their lives as well as possible. Rather than holding and expressing negative outrage, this could now be a time for community solidarity where the gift of freedom offers true strength.

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Obviously, this case has brought an outpouring of shock and desolation within the Catholic Church and to a large extent, Church leaders remain too silent. Yet over recent years, it is well known that respected leaders of other notable institutions have similarly failed — a reminder that no human being is without fault.

The past cannot be undone for anyone within the case against Cardinal George Pell, but some of the pain can be healed. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty

It is now time to recognise the many magnificent priests of Catholic denomination who have given and continue to give their lives with wholesome adherence to their vows — often at great personal sacrifice. This is the time also to remember the vast and positive work contributed for decades throughout the world by Catholic men and women in pastoral or community environs. All these noble people deserve acknowledgment and respect especially in this period of uncomfortable revelation and emotional trial.

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And so acknowledgment should also be made to the followers of Catholicism within Australia and indeed throughout the world. While for many this trial has evoked disenchantment, betrayal, loss, sorrow and anxiety, now is the time to find ways to rise above such negativity. No one remains a Catholic without a strong faith in their God as proclaimed by Christ. Such faith is far stronger than human error can erode. It would seem then, that this is a time of renewal when the Catholic Church can move forward, master adversity and let some light into the darkness. It is opportune now for its leaders to speak in support of the truth. It is most opportune now to restore the peoples’ confidence in the thousands of trustworthy members of the clergy whose courage and wisdom remains to support their flock through this bleak and historic era.

Pauline McKinnon is an author and psychotherapist and founding patron of the Meditation Association of Australia.