Vos estis lux mundi

New beginnings in the diocese include ordinations of eight men, and lay leadership formation through the Emmaus Institute.

During the June 11-13 spring assembly of the U.S. bishops in Baltimore, it was clear the bishops had to respond to the sexual abuse crisis in the church — and on the last day of their gathering they approved a series of procedures to begin this process.

At Pentecost, every member, as well as the newly confirmed, receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit.

The Catholic Church has universal laws valid around the globe, but many of those laws — including on handling allegations of abuse — must be further refined on a local level to respond to national laws and cultures.

Pope Francis’ new document, “Vos estis lux mundi” (“You are the light of the world”) effective June 1 establishes and clarifies norms and procedures for holding bishops and religious superiors accountable in protecting minors as well as in protecting members of religious orders and seminarians from abuse.

Cardinal DiNardo praises the new papal norms on preventing clergy sexual abuse for leaving latitude for national bishops’ conferences, such as the USCCB, to specify still more to account for their local circumstances.

Pope Francis has revised and clarified norms and procedures for holding bishops and religious superiors accountable in protecting minors as well as in protecting members of religious orders and seminarians from abuse.