Memo to the Legion: We are NOT idiot children

[First post today]

Along with the rest of the Catholic cyber community, I have been following the unfolding allegations and possible confirmation that Marcial Maciel Degollado (d. 2008), founder of the Legionaries of Christ, fathered at least one child, possibly more.

Watching, all day, for any official comment from the Legion, and refraining from comment until the Legion said something for the record, I was astounded when American spokesman Jim Fair finally said only that the Legion has "learned some things about our founder's life that are surprising and difficult to understand," adding that some of Maciel's behaviors "weren't appropriate for a Catholic priest." I am aghast at the vacuity of such a response.

Is this how the Legion of Christ, even today, is going to act when confronted with grave questions of Maciel's whole life? Is Legion leadership really going to continue talking to the Catholic world as if it were inhabited by idiot children? If so, and notwithstanding my deep sadness for the fine Legionaries I know, there really is no hope for the institute.

I will have additional comments. (They are posted now.)