Archdiocese Defends Controversial Sculpture of Abp Weakland

Archdiocese defends controversial sculpture of Archbishop Weakland : Catholic News Agency (CNA)

......In response to this, Julie Wolf, Communications Director for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, told CNA that the bronze relief was commissioned in 2000, which was before the allegations against Weakland began to surface.

“It was commissioned to represent the archdiocese at that point in time, when Archbishop Weakland was archbishop, when Fr. Carl Last was the rector of the Cathedral and he still is,” said Wolf, who continued to tell CNA that the piece is intended “also to represent the people who make up the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, including children and adults and various ethnic groups

The rest of the article goes on to justify the placement of the sculpture. While I do not necessarily agree with SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused) on everything, they are justified in being outraged. Certainly, if it was truly commissioned in 2000, there has been sufficient time to stop its creation, or even to change it, removing Abp Weakland's likeness. If NOT, then it should have been put into the back room, or the Sacristy with a small plaque that would remind EVERYONE who sees it of the EASE that one can fall into Sin, and a caution to avoid the occasion of it. IMHO, it should NEVER have been placed in the main Church, knowing the Truth that came out after it was commissioned.

Another thought: When was this put into place? After Dolan left, before Listecki came? With or without the knowledge and consent of either?

This was a time of SCANDAL, and there should be NO honor given to a man who was involved in homosexuality, cover-up, using Diocesan funds to pay for that cover-up, and who resigned in disgrace.

We are called to repentance, true, and forgiveness, again, true. However, we are not called to act as though nothing happened.

It should be removed as soon as possible, and the spot where it was to stand should remain empty as a reminder of that sad time for EVERYONE, but especially for any of those who had any involvement in that era!

Lord, have Mercy!

God bless!