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PDF versionWeakland controversy resurfaces
by Heidi Schlumpf on Jan. 12, 2010
A new piece of artwork that portrays former Milwaukee Archbishop Rembert Weakland is causing a stir in Milwaukee. The bronze relief pedestal to the Mary statue at the Cathedral of St. John depicts Weakland with Mary, St. John and other figures, including children.
Among those criticizing the artwork is SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. Weakland resigned in 2002 after revelations that he had had a relationship with an adult seminarian whom he paid to keep quiet about the affair. He also has admitted to moving around pedophile priests.
Conservative Catholics also have blasted the pedestal as well as the fact that Weakland was on the altar at new Archbishop Jerome Listecki's installation last week.
The archdiocese has defended the artwork, claiming it was commissioned in 2000 as part of a larger renovation project--before the revelations about Weakland, according to Catholic News Agency.
I've been a supporter of Weakland, one who has been disappointed by him surely. But this does seem like an odd choice.
The Mary Mother of the Church statue above the relief panel, by Chicago artists Jeffrey and Anna Koh-Varilla, is striking, though.
Even if a bishop has NOT
Even if a bishop has NOT engaged in sexual misconduct, is it appropriate to have these self-important pieces of "art"? With no sexual misconduct at all, this still smacks of politicians' "welcoming" signs on roads and in airports.
A powerful monument to the
A powerful monument to the Blessed Virgin Mary speaks to you in this way?
Come stand with me before the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Cathedral of Ciudad Juarez (again judged the most violent city in the world).
Soon you too will join the hundreds who come each day with our candles and rosaries.
I was just wondering: The
I was just wondering: The papers reported Bishop Weakland paid his gay lover $400K for his silence. That didn't work. My question is: Did Bishop Weakland repay the archdiocese ... or was that expense charged up to the laity?
yes and no
yes and no
Striking indeed Please read
Striking indeed
Please read Paul Wilkes' book at least
Who cares when the art
Who cares when the art immortalizing Weakland was commissioned? That's irrelevant. What's relevant is the message it sends now. . .
The message to current and former church employees and members is this: You can ignore (or even conceal) suspicions (or even knowledge) of clergy sex crimes. If you do, you will end up being honored in this church.
The message to abuse victims (by both clergy and other perpetrators) is this: Your suffering doesn't matter. The predator always wins. There is no hope for justice or closure.
For these reasons, Weakland's image should be removed.
David Clohessy, SNAP, 314 566 9790
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