Chicago Catholic priests are being encouraged to discuss the priest sex abuse crisis this weekend, according to a letter from a high-ranking member of the Chicago Archdiocese obtained by NBC 5.
The latest letter follows one published by Cardinal Blase Cupich last week, expressing his "anger, shock, grief and shame" following the explosive grand jury report that detailed hundreds of "predator priests."
Vicar General Ron Hicks, a Bishop-elect, sent a second letter to the priests, telling them “I encourage you to publish the Cardinal’s letter in your bulletin and put it on your parish’s website.”
Hicks tells the priests “we should not be afraid to touch these wounds.”
While not every priest addressed the issue last week, it’s now very clear the Archdiocese wants the topic addressed. There are reports that parishioners applauded — and in some cases offered standing ovations — to those priests who did speak last Sunday about the crisis.
"Thank you for your priesthood and pastoral leadership. Let’s continue to pray for each other and for our people, especially for the victims and survivors. May God’s mercy and healing grow in our lives, the Church and the world," Hicks' letter read.
