Thomas Williams

As if the Legionaries of Christ did not have enough trouble they now have Thomas Williams, a priest of the order who has fathered children.   Williams is a well known priest who is often invited to speak on media networks regarding Catholicism or other moral issues.  He like the founder of the order, Maciel, were living double lives.  One of celibacy and one of lust.  

This is unfortunate indeed and can be disheartening.  We expect much of our priests but sometimes forget that they are human and are not free from temptation.  The seal of Holy Orders does not shield any man from temptations.  In reality, it may make it worse because Satan goes after priests in order to stop them from spreading the Good News.   Nevertheless, we can't blame Satan or anyone else.  Williams just like any other priest has free will, a conscience, intellect and reason.

Before ordination, a man must know what he is getting himself into.  This is not a career or something easy to make a living off of.  This is a ministry that envelops a man's entire identity.  A man must be mature, not only intellectually, but also emotionally and spiritually.  The priesthood is not for the weak man.

A man must be truly called by God and must be truly committed to that call.  He must be serious about it.  Unfortunately some join seminary with other motives.   Disgraced former priest Alberto Cutie is an example of this.  He was living 2 lives.  His judgment was obviously so clouded that he was not aware that being on a beach with a woman would get him into trouble.

To add to the drama, he then through the media and a book trashed the Catholic Church which helped him make a name for himself.  Prior to the Catholic Church, he was an unknown DJ.  Furthermore, he joined the Episcopal sect showing that he was never interested in serving Christ in His One True Church.  He even attempted to restart his tv career by having a talk show which was an epic fail.  

Helllooooo...  No one likes hypocrites!   What was he thinking?  Does he think he can go on tv with a collar and all is well - people would now trust his moral judgment?  

See my other blog for more on these Wolves in Shepherd's Clothing (http://sacerdotvs.blogspot.com/2011/12/wolves-in-shepherds-clothing.html)

We will continue to hear about scandals within the Church until Christ returns.  Man is weak.  However, no one should lose faith over the lack of judgement on the part of clergy, religious or other lay faithful.

The Legionaries of Christ should be suppressed in my opinion.  This order needs to be disassembled and put back together correctly by the Vatican.  There is obviously something very wrong with their formation and spirituality.  

As. St. John Chrysostom said:
"The road to hell is paved with the skulls of erring priests, with bishops as their signposts." ~ St. John Chrysostom (347-407)

     


Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/22/legion-of-christ-scandal_n_1535387.html?ref=religion
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/16/prominent-legion-priest-a_0_n_1518729.html