Archbishop Niederauer apologizes for giving Communion to “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” at San Francisco Parish

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Comments: 33

Archbishop George H. Niederauer of San Francisco

San Francisco, Calif., Oct 12, 2007 / 09:15 am (CNA).- In a column to appear on Sunday, October 19 on "Catholic San Francisco," Archbishop George H. Niederauer apologizes for giving communion to two members of the militant anti-Catholic homosexual group "Sister of Perpetual Indulgence".

The Archbishop of San Francisco says in his column that "a recent event that greatly concerns me needs some additional explanation -- and with it an apology."

"On Sunday, October 7, 2007, I celebrated Mass at Most Holy Redeemer Parish here in San Francisco, during my first visit there. The congregation was devout and the liturgy was celebrated with reverence. I noticed no demonstration, no protest, no disruption of the Eucharist."

"At Communion time, toward the end of the line, two strangely dressed persons came to receive Communion. As I recall one of them wore a large flowered hat or garland. I did not recognize either of them as wearing mock religious garb."

"Afterward -the Archbishop explains- it was made clear to me that these two people were members of the organization "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence," who have long made a practice of mocking the Catholic Church in general and religious women in particular."

"Only last year -he writes, - I instructed the Administrator of Most Holy Redeemer Parish to cancel the group's use of the hall on the parish grounds, once I became aware of it."

"In the year and a half since I arrived in San Francisco, there have been several instances of offensive attacks on Catholic faith and devotional life. Only two weeks ago Catholic San Francisco carried my remarks condemning the derisive use of the image of the Last Supper on a poster printed by another local group."

"Although I had often seen photographs of members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, I had never encountered them in person until October 7th. I did not recognize who these people were when they approached me."

"After the event, I realized that they were members of this particular organization and that giving them Holy Communion had been a mistake."

"I apologize to the Catholics of the Archdiocese of San Francisco and to Catholics at large for doing so," Archbishop Niederauer writes.

"Someone who dresses in a mock religious habit to attend Mass does so to make a point. If people dress in a manner clearly intended to mock what we hold sacred, they place themselves in an objective situation in which it is not appropriate for them to receive Holy Communion, much less for a minister of the Church to give the Sacrament to them."

"Therefore I conclude that the presence of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at the Mass on October 7th was intended as a provocative gesture. In that moment I failed to recognize it as such, and for that, as I have said, I must apologize," the Archbishop concludes.

Comments: 33

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Javier
Chile 10/30/2007 03:44 PM EST

I think is very disrespectful of these feminist to mock the most sacred, the mass and the holy sacrament. Let's pray the ROSARY, because it is our sword and shield to fight back against evil and devil. The same thing happens in LatinAmerica, in southAmerica. We are one Catholic Church, one body in Jesus our Lord in the communion of his Church

Published by: Linda
Indianapolis, IN 10/16/2007 12:05 PM EST

My prayers are with our holy church at this time. God will not be mocked. There is no way I would know what the Archbishop was thinking or not thinking. My duty is to pray for our church and as NGJ said, "All things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose." I truly believe the Lord is in control of His church and this may start a purging that is long over due. Pray and fast that our Lord will start with us to make a difference.

Published by: Gabrielle
USA 10/16/2007 09:26 AM EST

"Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.." 1Corinthians 11:27-29

Published by: David
Apalachin/NY/USA 10/16/2007 04:53 AM EST

We must remember that when Jesus walked the earth, he was respectful to prostitutes and lepers, outcasts of the time. The Archbishop's actions display Christian tolerance and require no apology. The apologetics should be the two who mocked God and his followers through their actions. If the roles had been reversed, the Archbishop attending a gay pride event to mock their activities, surely such tolerance would not have been displayed towards him. I hope the gay community learns a lesson about respect and tolerance from this .

Published by: Kris Flowers
Hillsborough, CA.. USA 10/15/2007 11:52 PM EST

How is it possible that the Archbishop did not realize that one of the men who was dressed in a nuns habit was not mocking the Catholic Church? It is a sacrilege to give the eucharist to people who are not reverant and respectful of the sacrament that they are receieving. It is time that Catholics, as well as CHristians, speak up and defend their beliefs. No more silence !!! Please write your Archbishops and the Vatican.Where was the San Francisco Chronicle on this story? The Times? They are as responsible for this Travesty as the participants. Cancel your subscriptions!!

Published by: Mark W Scott
Sparta, NJ, USA 10/15/2007 04:35 PM EST

"...forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us..."

The Archbishop was placed in an untenable position which the church's ushers should have never allowed to happen.

God will deal with the sacrilidge of the faux "sisters of perpetual indulgences". As Catholics we should not judge the Archbishop harshly, but instead pray that God strengthen him for the moral hazards he - is facing - and will continue to face in his latest San Francisco assignment.

Published by: kephas
Rio Rancho, NM 10/15/2007 02:45 PM EST

If the bishop is sincere in his apology, he should point out (as good shepherd should) that to receive the Holy Eucharist unworthily is a SIN, that they risk condemnation, unless they repent and make amends.

Published by: Joe
Washington, DC 10/15/2007 01:42 PM EST

Very few of these comments show the love of Christ. He is not mocked, only we sinners are upset. Perhaps we should concentrate on the beams in our own eyes before demanding removal of the motes from others' eyes. Pray wisdom and grace for the bishop, not judgment and pleasure at a mistake.

Published by: Beth
Phoenix, AZ 10/14/2007 11:41 PM EST

Either the bishop is stupid or he believes we are. Even if he didn't know specifically who these two were, shouldn't their outlandish costumes have raised a red flag for the Bishop of SAN FRANSISCO??? After all, "only last year" he dealt with them at this very parish.

Published by: Anita
Florida,USA 10/14/2007 11:05 PM EST

Hopefully this statement by the Archbishop is the truth and he is not just trying to get himself out of admitting to being wrong. If by some chance, he did what he did deliberately,(I hope not) the Archbishop will definitely have to answer to Jesus.That would be a serious offense.

Published by: M Pollard
Rolling Meadows. Illinois 10/14/2007 09:57 PM EST

I would have to agree with the prior comment. Unless he thought a circus was in town and members of the clown actors came in costume, what else would he think these folks were there for?? The Christians in Corinth and Paul's pastoral directions to them should be re-read by the Archbishop as well as a genuine act of public penance for his disgraceful behavior would be appropriate rather than this pathetic apology! Show courage in defending and guiding the flock your Emminence.

Published by: Juan Oskar
Phoenix, AZ U.S.A. 10/14/2007 09:38 PM EST

I am relieved to know that it was not intentional. I can understand that a Eucharist minister is probably not paying attention to one's wardrobe and for that I (as a Catholic) would accept the sincerity of his apology.

Published by: Peter DiNunzio
Lindenhurst, NY USA 10/14/2007 08:46 PM EST

I saw this on the O'Reilly factor, where Bill went ballistic and wondered why the Archbishop would do such a thing. After reading the Archbishop's apology, he seems sincere and we should take him at his word. Hopefully he'll be more vigilant from now on. As O'Reilly suggested, they've got it on video, the Diocese should press charges. Since those trespassers can't muster up the grain of wisdom to respect the religious service of others, the law should follow through to teach them with some strong correctional clarity. In their case, it's an act of charity and more than one of the Spiritual Works of Mercy. I would even venture to guess that this was one of the cases for the type of prayer that Jesus referred to in the context of combining with fasting. They are seriously "lost". Besides, those types often tend to feed on anger, so don't give it to them. Fast & Pray.

Published by: Joe
San Francisco 10/14/2007 07:43 PM EST

The bishop knew what he was doing when he did it. He only issued the apology to placate the tons of letters he received after the film was published. He was previously quoted as saying that it was not up to him to decide who should receive communion.
Jesus would never give communion to sinners he needs to stand up and so the same.

What would Jesus do?

Published by: JohnG
Branford, CT, USA 10/14/2007 07:38 PM EST

Did I miss something in the Bishop's message? Did he apologize to or ask forgiveness from Our Lord? Did he mention any thought of sorrow for enabling or being a part of such blasphemy?

Published by: Ted
Parsippany New Jersey 10/14/2007 03:20 PM EST

I strongly agree with the Bishop that these people are not to be given the Holy Eucharist. Their mocking behavior is clearly wrong and they should not be given our dear Lord only to insult or worse. I hope the Bishop now begins to speak out more publicly against any and all people who mock and spew hatred through their words and actions and thus we need to pray for them and offer them our Love but never the Blessed Sacrament or access to church property for their meetings to scheme against the Catholic church. Praised be Jesus Christ forever! Amen

Published by: Rosa
NZ 10/14/2007 02:26 PM EST

Yet the Arhbishop says he had seen photographs of them many times...then says he didn't recognise them.

Published by: Teresa
Brookfield, WI U.S.A. 10/14/2007 11:55 AM EST

The archbishop stated that he has "often seen photographs of the SPI", but has never seen them in person. Well, if he saw their pictures, then he absolutely, undoubtedly, definitely knew who and what they were when he have them Holy Communion. There is no mistaking them!

Published by: James Gurn
Montrose,PA 10/14/2007 11:37 AM EST

ENOUGH "CHEEK-TURNING"
It's time to protect our treasures of faith ...eucharist..priests..faithfull....
Perhaps, in situations
such as Holy Redeemer(SF) we should employ
the Knights of Columbus just as the
Swiss Guard are employed around ou Pope/??? I've been to
San Francisco & was mortified what I witnessed in broad daylight...To me the entire city is a replica of SODOM/gomorrha. Our fellow Catholics & priest & religious need our prayers for they are truly on the front-lines in spiritual battle DAILY. IT'S TIME TO
STAND-UP TO OUR Satanic enemy with the CROSS OF CHRIST,
the ROSARY.

Published by: Jeff Johnson
Collegeville, Mn. 10/14/2007 10:25 AM EST

The Bishop admits seeing many photographs of these followers of the father of all lies; how could he have failed to recognize this attack on our Church? The pictures of this are all over the internet for goodness sakes.

What is going on out there in California? How could these people have been admitted inside the Church in the first place? And then they are allowed to approach, receive, and thus degrade the Body of Christ?

Lord Jesus Crucified, have mercy on us and all the world.

Published by: David Brenner
Toronto Canada 10/14/2007 09:59 AM EST

This confirms the awful state of the Church and it's local leadership. The ugly remnants of Vatican II are still with us!
No discernment, no piety...cafeteria Catholicism! The Orthodox Church may have serious second thoughts about so-called "eucumenism"!

Published by: John
Blackwood NJ 10/14/2007 09:28 AM EST

I agree with Kelly Ann. He should have known. I believe if not for the outcry from Catholics and the attention given by Bill O'Reilly, we would not have heard much from the Archbishop. Our church leaders continue to stand by and do little, unless provoked.

Published by: Chris
NC 10/14/2007 08:32 AM EST

He needs to shut down this parish. He didn't answer why the Priest outside was kissing a man on the lips in front of him.

Published by: Gloria Sample
Lake Oswego,OR,USA 10/14/2007 04:38 AM EST

Your Excellency: Who are we to say that our Precious Lord did not fll their hearts with grace and they will be His strong defenders one day.

Published by: Another Voice
Media, PA 10/13/2007 12:05 PM EST

Aren't good Catholics supposed to give their bishops, their overseers, their pastors, the benefit of the doubt?

What better explanation to you have Ms. Morrison?

Published by: Gail Armstrong
Leavenworth, KS USA 10/12/2007 08:59 PM EST

Will it come to the point that we need guards at our Catholic Church doors and membership cards? I do not understand why the press would ignore this horrible event in our Catholic Church, but would have deplored it had it happened in a Jewish Temple., or islamic area!

Published by: Bettie
Tampa, FL 10/12/2007 07:56 PM EST

It seems to me that presenting oneself for Holy Communion in inappropriate dress of any kind should indicate that the person receiving is not approaching the Body of Christ with reverence. Given the goings on during that weekend, I find it hard to believe that the Archbishop would think those two were simply on there way to an innocent costume party.

Published by: Fernanda
San Francisco 10/12/2007 05:44 PM EST

Thanks Archbishop! Watching the video we can see clearly that he was giving a blessing and the person asked him and he says WHAT??the person says something and he stops, thinks(maybe prays) and gives....They were not dressing like nuns...and it is really normal in SF odd people like that....I believe in his words and he remains in my prayers....

Published by: conchita
s.f. ca usa 10/12/2007 05:21 PM EST

I agree with you Ms. Morrison, our archbihsop is first of all ok with married priests, what else, we will not know. only when he dies and answers for his own anti-catholic practices and beliefs. only the blind will lead the blind and this archbishop is leading the blind, being himself blind. but blind to the most notorious homosexaul church, balooney. i want him to continue his sacrileges, maybe our Lord and His Mother, will intervene, like sodom & gomorrah, tower of babel, ahab and zesebel, etc. God have mercy upon us.

Published by: Evelyn
Bismarck, 10/12/2007 02:05 PM EST

Even if he did not recognize the group, Communion should have been refused in view of the fact that the clothes mocked the sacredness of the Mass and the posibility that the host would be used for a black mass. An apology doesn't cut it

Published by: Debbie
New York, NY 10/12/2007 12:39 PM EST

Calling or implying that a bishop is a liar , regardless of the circumstances is a grave sin, adding another scandal to any other there may be. Per St. Thomas Aquinas, one who "takes scandal" is as guilty as the one who gives it.

Published by: NGJ
Seatle, WA 10/12/2007 12:22 PM EST

Romans 8:28 tells us "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Thank you, Archbishop, for apologizing for your mistake. Catholics are relieved and others may learn something about our Faith and what it truly means to us.

Published by: Kelly Ann Morrison
Truro, Nova Scotia 10/12/2007 10:45 AM EST

Rate: Very Good

Is the Archbishop totally blind? I don't believe his story about not knowing who they were when approaching Communion..what a scandal!

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