Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
This past weekend, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, the former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America, released a lengthy testimony.
The testimony addresses a number of issues – most importantly, the abusive behavior concerning Archbishop Theodore McCarrick. The testimony leaves many questions unanswered, and I believe the claims within should be properly investigated in order to shed light on what appears to be much darkness.
During my nine years as the Bishop of Gallup, I have had the privilege of working with three very fine Apostolic Nuncios. All three have faithfully served the church, and I believe have always had the best interests of the Church and her members in the ministry they perform.
Our Holy Father, while traveling back from the World Meeting of Families in Ireland, instructed journalists to read Archbishop Vigano’s testimony and to draw their own conclusions. Although the information therein may be difficult to read at times, I too encourage the faithful of the Diocese of Gallup to read the testimony. I also ask that you do two things. First, pray for the healing of all survivors of sexual abuse, especially those who suffered at the hands of church workers. Second, please pray for Pope Francis. Ask the Holy Spirit to give him wisdom, guidance, prudence, and the courage to lead the Church through these very dark times.
In Saint Matthew’s Gospel, Our Lord says “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.”
Let us trust in divine providence, and remember that our Lord built his Church on the profession of Saint Peter: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it”.
I entrust you and your families to the maternal love and care of our Lady of Guadalupe.
Sincerely yours,
James S. Wall
Bishop of Gallup