As Hugh of St. Cher put it, "Scandal cannot annul the truth nor should truth be overlooked that scandal might be avoided."

A word to the Christopher Hitchens-types of the world: Stop trying to discredit Christ and His Church because you've suddenly realized that sinners are part of the Body of Christ. By the judgment you pronounce, you will also be judged, my friends.

And an editorial point - An ex-priest, and several haters of Catholicism (like Hitchens and Sinead O'Connor) do not sources make. What is next, Dan Brown becomes an authority on the history of the Church to these people? Oh wait . . .

Man is fallen. That is all the more reason that the World needs Christ's Church. It is not a reason that the pleas of atheists should win the day that the Church should be further persecuted.

"And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it." Matt 16:18.

This Holy Week, offer up the Triduum for the Pope and for his strength in this trial. And pray for our priests each day, and even more if you can (and not just the ones you think are good).

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