Ouellet said there was “no proof” only “rumours.” But there were “provisions, conditions and restrictions” on McCarrick, exhorting him “not to travel and not to appear in public.” These are steps that no one undertakes based on “rumours.”

Also, not specified but indirectly mentioned was documentation on the allegations against McCarrick. If they were only “rumours,” why were they documented?

Since McCarrick was a trusted confidante and advisor to the Pope, why does the Pope need a “thorough study of the documentation” when he can get the facts directly from the person involved?

Noli A. Mababangloob,

Scarborough, Ont.

One kind of Catholic

Re: Identifying writers (Letters to the Editor) Oct 2:

Mr. Killackey reveals a true division in the Church between the political left and the political right. The division is manmade and does not reflect the Church instituted by Christ. There is really only one kind of Catholic: one that is pro-life, pro-environment, anti-poverty and anti-corruption. May we all strive to follow Catholic teachings and values together.

Tom Kremer,

Bradford Ont.

Sanctify society

 Re: Discouraging statistics (Letters to the Editor, Nov. 4):

Mr. Walsh’s letter on the disturbing results of a statistical study in his community deserve widespread awareness. Most Catholics know, to a greater or lesser degree, about the current and serious reduced religious participation. Putting in place individual and collective plans to do something about it is another matter.

The three Synoptic gospels all end with Jesus’ call to, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” This was not a command only to the apostles, but was an instruction to all of us.

One way of acceding to this command is for a parish to form a group dedicated to this important activity, as one parish in Toronto has already done. The group meets bi-weekly, studies appropriately oriented texts, discusses the reading to improve knowledge of our faith and then individual members report on their contacts.

How far this will go only God knows, but it is a start. If we do not sanctify society, society will secularize us.

David A. Hogg,

Scarborough, Ont.

Cardinal’s painting

Re: Cardinal’s painting reveals the art of the deal (Nov. 4):

The Edward Williams painting among the possessions of the late Cardinal Aloysius Ambrozic belonged previously to the family of Archbishop Philip Pocock. This picture and a similar English landscape hung in his family home in London, Ont. When his sister died, he sold the house and moved a number of furnishings and paintings to his residence in Toronto. I remember seeing it when I lived there 1974-1980.

When Archbishop Pocock retired in 1978 and moved to St. Mary’s Rectory in Brampton, Archbishop (later Cardinal) G. Emmett Carter moved into the Toronto residence with those furnishings and paintings remaining.

When the archdiocese sold the house after the death of Cardinal Carter, some of its paintings were moved to Cardinal Ambrozic’s home. A similar transferal of goods took place in 1974 when, upon the death of Cardinal MacGuigan, his residence was sold and items of value or ecclesiastical significance were moved for the use of Archbishop Pocock.

Bishop John Boissonneau,

Toronto

Investigate charges

One of your letter writers thinks the mess the Church is currently in should be handled by Pope Francis and the bishops. I disagree.

First, the fact that this scandal happened in the first place must be thoroughly investigated. And not by the clergy. This would be like the police policing the police. Outside investigation is what is required: from the laity who have experience in these kinds of forensic investigations.

I have read Archbishop Viganò’s three letters, and I believe the archbishop is telling the truth. If  true, a thorough investigation will reveal that. And if Vigano’s allegations are not true, a proper investigation would reveal that fact as well. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

The Body of Christ is made up of all people, clergy and laity alike. Like Jesus, the clergy is here to serve the people. We are the people. We have a right to know what is going on in our Church. Let us investigate. Let us correct. Let us beg forgiveness from the victims. Only then can we move on to better times for our Church.

Patricia Maloney, 

Ottawa, Ont.