As a Scot from Glasgow, and with family in the diocese of Motherwell, I take a very personal interest in the life of the Church in my motherland. The scandal of Cardinal O'Brien's past is a tragedy for him and the Church. I pray that he repents and attains peace with the Lord.
Now, I wish to address the issue of Fr. Despard's book, Priesthood in Crisis. My family personally knows him very well. He is a good and holy priest. Only this week, in conversation with a relative (a close friend of Fr. Despard), I discussed the book and the situation in Motherwell and Scotland.. I can tell you that the contents of the book are - very sadly - true. Further, in my numerous trips back home over the years, maintaining my various and extensive contacts in Scotland independently confirms Fr. Despard. There is indeed a "powerful gay mafia" ( to quote Fr. Despard) in the priesthood. The Church in Scotland is in crisis.
Please pray for the Church in Scotland, that she may return to penance and purity.
St. John Ogilvie, pray for Scotland.
St. John Ogilvie, pray for Scotland.
If what Fr. Despard says is true, and I cannot see any reason why it should not be,his story should not be swept aside but should lead to sweeping changes in our seminaries.
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