The Papal Visit in NYC

Let's just say that I feel like I'm back in the Philippines (ie: a Catholic country)... but I'm not. I'm in New York City.

Irreverent New York - which stops at nothing - has taken more moments to slow down for Pope Benedict's visit than it has for anything else since I've moved here. TV stations are offering round-the-clock coverage about everything from the Pope's birthday cake, his fancy red shoes, the preparations by the Jewish community, or the deaf choir performing for him. People are walking around with Pope t-shirts.

Right now I am watching the live coverage of the Kelly Clarkson concert at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers. Apparently the powers-that-be are trying to make Catholicism more hip and cool, and increase seminary enrollment.

I've seen several news anchors come close to tears describing the joyous feelings in their hearts, how spiritual the atmosphere is, or how moved they are by the importance of the occasion. Several monks and nuns have been interviewed about the profound experiences they've had seeing the Pope drive by in the Pope-mobile.

My friends and heroes at SNAP have appeared on TV also, offering an alternate view on the Pope's visit. They also helped arrange the meeting the Pope had with 5 victims of clergy abuse from Boston.

My opinion? While I am glad the Pope finally acknowledged the sexual abuse in his church, it was too little, too late. So many people have suffered already, and a culture of abuse doesn't disappear overnight. I really hope that the issues continues to be acknowledged because a few days of excitement and fun in New York don't erase centuries of abuse and betrayal, and a continued blind eye to abuse among the leadership. The problem of clergy taking advantage of their power is something that needs to be dealt with on a systemic level over a long period of time... by EVERY Faith!

We need to protect the children. I'm just sayin'.