Catholic Transcript Online

Archbishop Henry J. Mansell

The season of Advent leading up to the wondrous feast of Christmas provides a curious interplay of darkness and light. The days are shorter, the nights are longer. The famous painter Leonardo da Vinci captures this theme in the sfumato style he brings to so many paintings of the Madonna which grace the Christmas cards we exchange.

Our reflections on the past year carry a similar rhythm. Almost a year ago a tsunami hit the countries bordering the Indian Ocean with devastating impact. It was much worse than darkness. Lights began to come on, however, not so much with the restoration of power in that region as with generous hearts around the world, responding to assist the victims and their families. The people of our Archdiocese contributed $947,581 to assist in the relief efforts. The Archdiocese passed along every dollar of that collection to Catholic Relief Services – no administration fee was deducted. CRS was in the area before the tsunami and has been there ever since.

More recently we saw the havoc wreaked on the Gulf Area of our country by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Horrifying darkness enveloped the land. Then lights of compassion illumined the beginnings of the relief efforts, work that will have to continue for many years. The collection in our parishes to assist this endeavor raised $1.25 million. Again, every dollar was sent to the dioceses most severely affected by the storms and their aftermaths. I spoke with the bishops of the individual dioceses in the region prior to sending our contributions to assess what the relative amounts might be. It was an edifying experience. The needs, of course, are enormous. Interestingly, some bishops indicated that while they were facing major problems, their needs were not as grave as some others. A few recommended that we not make a contribution to them, but rather add to the amounts for the others more seriously afflicted. We followed their advice.

Individual parishes in our Archdiocese have forwarded assistance directly to the Gulf Area. Our Catholic hospitals have sent doctors, other medical personnel, medicines, medical supplies, and cash to the area. Our Catholic colleges have been involved in a number of assistance programs, as have our high schools and elementary schools. Our Catholic Charities offices were receiving 100 telephone calls a day from volunteers offering to help. Their names and abilities were included in a database available to the afflicted areas to be called upon as necessary work was organized.

I continue to be profoundly grateful to you, the wonderful people of the Archdiocese, for your tremendous generosity in the 2005 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. The Appeal goes on until the end of the year, and a full report will be forthcoming early in 2006. As of this writing, the Appeal totals upwards of $8.7 million, $1.2 million over goal. The services supported by your magnanimity certainly illuminate all the three counties we serve and enable us to see ever more clearly, "The Face of Christ – Everywhere."

The theme of darkness and light goes on. On Oct. 31, the Archdiocese of Hartford reached a settlement agreement on 43 claims of sexual abuse of minors against 14 priests for a total of $22 million. On that day I wrote a letter on the issue to all the parishes of the Archdiocese, asking that it be published in the parish bulletins, so I will not go into great detail on the matter here. [Editor’s note: See page 4]

As I have said many times before, sexual abuse of minors, especially by members of the clergy, is despicable, repugnant, heinous, heart sickening, a grievous sin, and a crime. I apologize to all victims for the harm they have suffered and for the ways these matters were handled at times in the past. Sexual abuse of minors involves a very small percentage of the clergy, but one case is one too many, and we must do all in our power to make sure to the extent possible that it never happens again. I described in the letter to the parishes examples of the significant steps, policies, programs, and procedures the Archdiocese has undertaken to assure the safety and security of all people, especially minors. We move forward with firm resolve and strong commitment.

It should be made clear that the payment of the $22 million was made from outside insurance, from the Archdiocese’s self-insurance plan, and from long term savings and reserves of the Archdiocese. Not a penny from the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal or from parishes was used to pay the settlement.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born at Christmas to heal a broken world. He is the Light of the World. The season of Advent calls us to reflect on darkness, but through it all to look to the light of Christ. In the 9th century Advent hymn, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," we sing:

"O Come, thou Dayspring from on high,

And cheer us by the drawing nigh;

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death’s dark shadow put to flight."

Your prayers, your work, your generosity radiate the light of Jesus Christ. Because of you, and God’s grace at work in you, the words at the beginning of the Gospel of St. John resonate all the more profoundly in our souls:

"The light shines on in darkness,

a darkness that did not overcome it." (John 1:5)

Merry Christmas!