Catholic Family News - 20.6.2010
Parishioners of the Birmingham Oratory and members email :
'Despite sending two letters to Father Ignatius Harrison, on the advice of the Provost of Birmingham Oratory, we have received no reply. Clearly it is felt that as mere parents and parishioners we are owed no explanation, almost as if it is none of our business. There seems to be no particular concern for us as parents, trying to bring up our children in a world ferociously hostile to our Catholic values, deprived of two priests and a Brother who were like manna in the desert in terms of their courageous support. We simply cannot afford to lose their brave voices and their tireless pastoral support. Our family and many others are devastated at the breath-taking injustice of serving a sentence of indefinite banishment on three good and holy men who are guilty of no transgression, save perhaps that of speaking up a little too zealously in defence of life, of our families and of our parental rights.
This scandal to our children is profound and will not be remedied until Father Dermot Fenlon, Father Philip Cleevely and Brother Lewis Berry are restored to our Oratory, Cardinal Newman's Oratory'.
A blogger's comment
In a comment published on the Reluctant Sinner blogspot 'Petrus' writes : 'Whether or not these TWO priests and ONE brother are 'guilty' of what you call 'conservative Catholic values' [whatever that actually means] given their evident and publicly appreciated and acknowledged fidelity to the Catechism on faith and morals, the fact remains the laity are left in the dark as to whether or not their rights in Canon law have been duly respected. Simple things such as - the right to have been notified in writing first as to the 'order' to go on indefinite 'retreat'. The right to have a witness present when the 'order' was given. That according to expert canonists, nothing in such meetings is considered legally confidential. And here's an interesting statement: 'Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by bishops, provincials or diocesan officials. They have as much power over you as you give them.' Canonical Justice Organization USA'. 1650.21
