Author Archives: Tereza Ma

Diocese of Jackson racial justice survey report

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Exploring our traditionally African-American parishes

By Fran Lavelle
JACKSON – The mission of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson is to proclaim Jesus as Savior by living the Gospel, so all may experience the crucified and risen Lord. Our mission statement is supported by three priorities one of which is to create inviting and reconciling communities.
We are called to continuously seek ways to support our sacred mission and live out these priorities in our everyday lives. This summer we witnessed the call for racial justice not only in this country but around the globe. As a nation and a church, we are confronted with the sin of racism and are being called to eradicate it in all its deadly forms.

The Department of Faith Formation compiled a racial justice resource guide earlier this year. It can be viewed online at https://bit.ly/38uP6xh.

Historically the Catholic Church in Mississippi has not shied away from seeking racial justice, hope, and healing for all African Americans. As in the past we recognize the need to stand tall against racism. In looking at the ways we can embrace diversity in our diocese it became clear that to move forward we needed to specifically understand the current reality of racism and how it impacts our Catholic African American brothers and sisters.
Earlier this fall we sent a survey out to our traditionally African American parishes with the desire to better understand how the diocese can be an agent for change. The following is a summary report of those findings. This is the first step of many in the long and worthwhile journey to create inviting and reconciling communities.
The diocese includes thirteen traditionally African American parishes:
Sacred Heart, Camden
Holy Child Jesus, Canton
Immaculate Conception, Clarksdale
St. Anne, Fayette
Sacred Heart, Greenville
St. Francis of Assisi, Greenwood
St. Benedict the Moor, Indianola
Christ the King, Jackson
Holy Family, Jackson
Holy Ghost, Jackson
St. Joseph, Meridian
Holy Family, Natchez
St. Mary, Vicksburg
We received 99 completed surveys from eleven parishes. A majority of the responses were from women (70 female/26 male). The responses by age are ranked as follows 42 responses from individuals ages 46-65; 38 responses from individuals ages 66-80; nine responses from individuals over the age 80; six responses from individuals ages 30-45; two responses from individuals ages 18-29; and one response from and individual under the age of 18.
Survey participants were asked if they felt the diocese does a good job listening to the concerns of the traditionally African American parishes. Of the 81 people who answered this question, 39 answered “yes” and 42 answered “no.”
When asked about the top three challenges facing their parish the responses were fairly consistent across the diocese. Understandably the pandemic has affected the way in which parishes operate. There were, however, some challenges that were identified that existed before the pandemic and will require creative solutions. The top challenges overwhelmingly included: declining/aging membership; youth programs/activities; finances; community outreach; and evangelization.
In many ways the challenges facing our traditionally African American parishes are the same struggles that all parishes in the diocese and perhaps the country are grappling with. One thing is clear, as we plan for the future, the path forward must include meaningful ministry for young people of all ethnicities. We falsely state that the youth are the future of the church when in reality they are the church of today. In the Apostolic Exhortation, Christus Vivit, To Young People and to the Entire People of God, Pope Francis acknowledges, “We also must give great thought to ways of incarnating the kerygma in the language of today’s youth. Reality is greater than ideas. Time is greater than space. The whole is greater than the part. Unity is greater than the division.”

Ever loving God, in your infinite goodness,
you inflamed the heart of your servant and religious,
Sister Thea Bowman with an ardent love
for you and all people.
May her prophetic witness continue to inspire us
to share the Good News with all, but especially
with the poor, oppressed and marginalized.
May Sister Thea’s life and legacy compel us to walk together.
Gracious God imbue us with the grace and
perseverance that you gave your servant, Sister Thea, for in turbulent times of racial injustice, she sought equity, peace, and reconciliation. In times of intolerance and ignorance, she brought wisdom, awareness, unity, and charity.
May her light be a beacon of goodness and holiness
in our troubled times. We make our prayer
through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

Pope Francis is very clear that young people “are the now of God.” They are influencing and impacting the church and the world today, and all persons of faith should be walking alongside them: as peers, as mentors, as guides, and as fellow travelers on the road toward Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. Contextualizing that call in practical and effective ways is not only our greatest challenge but our ultimate responsibility.
When asked what the diocese can do to address racism, the clarion call was for greater dialogue among all of God’s people especially with White Catholics. Some of the young responders felt a need to be more integrated and celebrate our diversity. As we continue to develop a vision for racial justice in the diocese, we must ensure that everyone at the table is seen, valued and heard.
A question about what racial justice looks like in our churches, schools and organizations garnered some very thoughtful responses. Far and away most people’s view of racial justice comes down to dignity and respect. One respondent noted, “Racial justice should be visible, practiced, and discussed by all races coming together recognizing problems, developing solutions, and moving toward resolving those problems together.” The sense that we cannot create racial justice in a vacuum was quite clear. If we are to achieve this goal, we must do it together.
When asked how Sister Thea Bowman inspires individuals to be the disciples Jesus Christ desires us to be, her presence is still prominent in many of the responses. Sister Thea was undoubtedly a great inspiration to many people. What made her exceptional was her authentic embrace of the call to love one another.
One older woman stated, “Her legacy of love for God and humankind kindles in me a stronger will to serve, not to be served and do it abundantly. And, to love my brother as Jesus loves me.”
We are using the USCCB’s document “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love – A Pastoral Letter Against Racism” as a framework to direct our conversations and actions. It was developed by the Committee on Cultural Diversity in the church and was approved by the full body of bishops as a formal statement at its November 2018 General Meeting. We encourage parish leaders to consider undertaking a study of the document.
In Mark 4:8, the parable of the sower, we are reminded for things to grow it is necessary to sow our seeds on good soil, “And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” Moving forward we will undertake a survey of all the parishes in the diocese. It is our hope that we can find fertile soil where the seeds of justice and racial harmony can grow.
There is not a better day than today to begin the difficult but necessary work of creating inviting and reconciling communities. We are in desperate need of hope, healing, and reconciliation in our church and in our world. Formed by the four marks of the church may we truly be a One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic people. As always, the journey begins with One.

(Fran Lavelle is the director of the Department of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Jackson.)

Society of the Divine Word marks 125 years of ministry in North America

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By Dennis Sadowski
ASSISI, Italy (CNS) – Arriving in the United States as a refugee from Vietnam in 1980, Divine Word Father Quang Duc Dinh wasn’t sure what the future held.
“I was naive and innocent,” he told Catholic News Service.
Before long, he was able to begin seminary studies with the Society of the Divine Word, later becoming ordained in 1992.

Brother Wendelin Meyer, seen in an undated photo, was the first member of the missionary Society of the Divine Word to come to the United States, arriving Oct. 15, 1895, after a trip from Germany. He first came to the U.S. to bolster the society’s work at home by reaching out to German-speaking Catholics in New Jersey. (CNS photo/courtesy Society of the Divine Word) .

Today, at 59, he’s the provincial superior of the society’s Chicago province and helping other young men become missionaries to the world.
Father Dinh’s story is one that illustrates the missionary outreach work of the society: to bring the good news of Jesus to others, especially poor and marginalized people, as envisioned by its founder in Steyl, Holland, St. Arnold Janssen, who was canonized in 2003.
The Society of the Divine Word observed its 125th anniversary of the arrival of its first member in the United States Oct. 15. To mark the milestone, the society unveiled an online exhibit at https://scalar.usc.edu/works/svd125/index.
It takes viewers through the history of the order’s evolution from one man, Brother Wendelin Meyer – who volunteered to travel to the U.S. in the missionary spirit – through the most recent years that find priests of the order’s three U.S. provinces ministering in poor and marginalized communities around the world.
Titled “Empowered by the Word,” the exhibit recaps hallmark moments in the society’s U.S. ministries: the opening of a technical school for orphans in Techny, Illinois, outside of Chicago; the founding of the first seminary to train African American men who wished to become priests and brothers in Mississippi; and the broadening of outreach to marginalized communities in Appalachia beginning in the 1970s, which continues today.
“We serve the poor, minorities and marginalized people,” Father Dinh said.
The Vietnamese priest is a portrait of the multicultural spirit of the society. He is one of about 90 Vietnamese Divine Word priests trained in the U.S. He heads a province of more than 200 priests and brothers of 30 nationalities who serve in parishes in parts of Canada, the United States and several Caribbean island nations. Priests of the society’s Western and Southern U.S. provinces also serve widely.
Worldwide, the society has more than 6,000 members in 80 countries.
Brother Meyer arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey, Oct. 15, 1895, seeking German-speaking immigrants, a prime market for the society’s publications. He came to North America to bolster the society’s work at home. He sold magazines and pamphlets to finance his ministry while giving the newcomers a connection with their homeland.
During a trip to Chicago as the society looked for a new location to build its ministry, Brother Meyer learned that a 360-acre farm north of the city – owned by a German Catholic orphanage – was for sale. The property eventually was purchased and became the site of a trade school of orphan boys. It was there that the locale of Techny was born.
Techny today encompasses only the society’s Chicago Province property. It is within the town of Northbrook in Chicago’s sprawling northern suburbs.
Over the years, the society expanded. In 1909, the society opened St. Mary’s Seminary in Techny. It was the first Roman Catholic major seminary for missionaries in the U.S. Other seminaries followed.
Sacred Heart College in Greenville, Mississippi, opened in 1920 as the first seminary for forming African American priests. Within three years, it moved 300 miles south to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, becoming known as St. Augustine Seminary.

The original home of missionaries in Bay St. Louis, Miss., is seen in 1920 on a page of an online exhibit marking the 125th anniversary of the arrival of the first Society of Divine Word missionary in the United States. The society later opened St. Augustine Seminary in Bay St. Louis as a successor to its Sacred Heart Seminary in Greenville, Miss., which the order established as the first institution for forming African American men wishing to become priests or brothers. (CNS photo/courtesy Society of the Divine Word)

Other schools and seminaries followed in places such as Girard, Pennsylvania; Duxbury, Massachusetts; Bordentown, New Jersey; Conesus, New York; East Troy, Wisconsin; Perrysburg, Ohio; and Granby, Quebec. Divine Word College in Epworth, Iowa, educates men and women for missionary service as priests, brothers, sisters and lay ministers today.
Father Dinh said the society’s work in the U.S. has welcomed the opportunity to reach out to marginalized people. For example, Divine Word priests ministered to German Americans who were targeted for discrimination during both world wars, Japanese Americans interred during World War II, and African Americans who struggled generations after slavery ended.
Today, Father Dinh said, the effort focuses in many U.S. communities on Latino newcomers as well as immigrants from Poland and elsewhere. In Appalachia today, food programs benefit poor children. And in Jamaica, Antigua and elsewhere, Divine Word priests live in poverty like the people they serve.
The work continues to stem from the prophetic vision Brother Meyer first saw when he arrived in New Jersey, Father Dinh explained.
“It’s part of God’s plan,” he said. “It’s unfolding in history right now.”

(Follow Sadowski on Twitter: @DennisSadowski)

Fighting abuse: What Pope Francis has done during his pontificate

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By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – In more than seven years as leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has issued numerous new laws and guidelines for handling accusations of clerical sexual abuse and its cover-up by church officials.
He also has insisted that church leaders must take the lead as true shepherds and guardians to protect the vulnerable out of love for the Gospel, truth and justice – not because of papal mandates or legal coercion.
The pope has also widened the scope of abuse to include not just sexual abuse but the abuse of power and of conscience and the corruption of authority when it is no longer lived as service but as the wielding of power.
Like his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis has tried to be a role model: meeting with survivors, launching investigations, dismissing negligent or abusive clerics and tightening loopholes with the aim of fulfilling what St. John Paul II wrote in 2002, “there is no place in the priesthood and religious life for those who would harm the young.”
In a push for greater accountability, transparency and honesty, he has also shown what “mea culpa” looks like: admitting he made “serious mistakes” in his handling of clergy sexual abuse cases in Chile and expressing the “pain and shame” for the “crucified lives” of those who suffered abuse.
While ignorance, complacency and denial remain primary accomplices in the crime of abuse, here are some of the significant measures and changes put forth by Pope Francis:
– He set up a task force of qualified experts and canon lawyers in February 2020 to help bishops’ conferences and religious orders draw up or revise guidelines for the protection of minors, especially in countries experiencing extreme hardship, conflict or a lack of resources. It came ahead of a handbook prepared by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith clearly outlining leaders’ responsibilities and the procedures for handling allegations of abuse.
– In December 2019, he issued a number of amendments to a 2001 law; he waived the obligation of secrecy for those who report having been sexually abused by a priest and for those who testify in a church trial or process having to do with clerical sexual abuse.
Vatican officials are still obliged to maintain confidentiality but that does not prevent complying with civil laws, including mandatory reporting and following civil court orders.
Pope Francis changed the definition of “child” from a person under 14 years of age to a person under 18 regarding what qualifies as “child pornography.”
– In May 2019, Pope Francis issued “Vos estis lux mundi” (“You are the light of the world”) for the universal church revising and clarifying norms and procedures for holding bishops and religious superiors accountable.
It requires all priests and religious to report suspected abuse or cover-ups and encourages any layperson to report through a now-mandated reporting “system” or office that must be set up in each diocese. It insists leaders will be held accountable not only for committing abuse themselves, but also for interfering with, covering up or failing to address abuse accusations of which they were aware.
It also established that bishops and religious superiors are accountable for protecting seminarians, novices and members of religious orders from violence and sexual abuse stemming from an abuse of power.
– Pope Francis approved a sweeping new law and set of clear safeguarding guidelines and procedures for Vatican City State and the Roman Curia in March 2019.
Beefing up existing criminal laws, it is mandatory to report quickly suspected or known abuse to the Vatican tribunal and it covers all forms of physical, sexual and emotional abuse as well as serious forms of mistreatment, neglect, abandonment and exploitation against minors and vulnerable adults.
– The pope made public in March 2019 his document, “Communis Vita” (Community Life), which amends canon law to include an almost automatic dismissal of religious who have been absent without authorization from their community and out of contact for at least 12 months.
– To drive home that abuse and safeguarding require immediate, concrete action by the entire church and not just the pope, Pope Francis convened a four-day summit in February 2019 for the presidents of the world’s bishops’ conferences, representatives of religious orders and heads of Vatican dicasteries.
By sharing experiences and best practices, the summit sought to inspire all church leaders to feel in solidarity with each other and above all with the victims, families and communities that have been wounded by the scandals and, therefore, to take urgent action.
– After mandating an investigation into allegations of abuse in the church in Chile and admitting to making “serious mistakes in the assessment and perception of the situation,” Pope Francis called the nation’s bishops to Rome in May 2018. He admonished them for “grave defects” in handling abuse cases and requested all the bishops offer their resignations. He also apologized to and met with victims.
– Pope Francis issued a motu proprio, “As a Loving Mother,” in 2016, expanding on canon law that allows for the removal of bishops and superiors for “grave reasons,” by including “negligence” in the exercise of one’s office, in particular in regards to the sexual abuse of minors, where even “the lack of diligence” is considered to be grave enough for potential dismissal.
This, together with “Vos estis lux mundi” of 2019, the two documents are meant to correct what had been a lack of or unclear procedures for investigating the way a bishop or religious superior complies with norms and clearly expresses the consequences of noncompliance or cover-ups.
– The pope sent a letter in February 2015 to the president of every bishops’ conference and religious superior ordering them to have safeguarding guidelines in place for handling cases of sexual abuse as called for in a 2011 letter from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
He said it was each leader’s responsibility to verify and assure the safety of minors and vulnerable adults in parishes and church institutions as well as to listen to and care for survivors.
– In November 2014, Pope Francis established a new board within the doctrinal congregation to review and speed up the process of hearing and ruling on appeals filed by priests laicized or otherwise disciplined in sexual abuse or other serious cases.
– The pope had his first meeting with survivors of abuse by clergy in July 2014. He celebrated Mass and met privately with six men and women at the Vatican. He repeated calls for zero tolerance and accountability for the “despicable” crime of abuse and underlined the need for ongoing vigilance in priestly formation and for better policies, procedures and training on how to implement existing norms.
– The pope formally established the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors in March 2014. The body of experts, with input from survivors, is meant to make proposals and spearhead initiatives to improve safeguarding norms and procedures. It remains an advisory body for the pope and it offers concrete assistance to every level of the church worldwide.

McCarrick report called needed step toward accountability, transparency

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By Dennis Sadowski
CLEVELAND (CNS) – Prelates in the archdioceses and the diocese where Theodore McCarrick worked during his rise through the church’s hierarchical structure despite rumors of sexual impropriety welcomed a Vatican report regarding the onetime cardinal, saying it advances accountability and transparency regarding clergy sexual abuse within the church.

Then-Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick attends a Mass in Rome April 11, 2018. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Church leaders in New York, Metuchen and Newark, New Jersey, and Washington said in statements Nov. 10 that while they had not yet read the entire 400-page report, they pledged to study it to better understand its implications for their jurisdictions as well as for the broader church.
Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, where McCarrick was ordained a priest in 1958 and the first allegations about abuse were made against him in 2017, said the Vatican report “is a necessary step” in understanding the case surrounding the former cardinal.
Cardinal Dolan credited the victim-survivors of the alleged abuse by McCarrick, now 90, who approached the New York Archdiocese with their concerns.
“You took us at our word that we wanted to assist you and in so doing, you helped bring this matter to light, proving that anyone who has abused a minor, even a cardinal will be punished,” Cardinal Dolan said.
In the Diocese of Metuchen, where McCarrick became its first bishop in 1982, Bishop James F. Checchio said in a letter to the diocese that the faith community had carried a heavy burden as the allegations were determined to be credible.
“These burdens seemingly grew heavier with each day that followed as we learned the heart-wrenching truth of the crimes and sins of the past and wondered how Theodore McCarrick was still given greater responsibilities in the church, despite the rumors of his abusive actions with seminarians and young priests,” Bishop Checchio wrote.
“While I am grateful to Pope Francis for ordering this study to arrive at the ‘truth’ of what happened, like everyone else, I am disgusted and appalled by what has taken place,” Bishop Checchio added.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, where McCarrick became archbishop in 1986, called the report “a significant and powerful step forward in advancing accountability and transparency regarding sexual abuse.”
“Beyond the victims themselves, failures by some leaders in the Catholic Church have wounded many, including the families and loved ones of victims and the faithful,” Cardinal Tobin said.
“It is important to recognize that the church has made progress in responding to clergy abuse by implementing policies and programs to safeguard the faithful, especially the most vulnerable among us,” he added.
Cardinal-designate Wilton D. Gregory of Washington said that disclosure of the action of church leaders in the U.S. and at the Vatican was essential to help bring healing, calling it an “an important, difficult and necessary document.”
McCarrick became archbishop of Washington in January 2001, and was elevated to cardinal weeks later. He retired from his post as archbishop in 2006 at age 75.
Cardinal-designate Gregory, who was installed as the archbishop of Washington in May 2019, pledged transparency and honesty in dealing with the abuse crisis that had shaken the country and the archdiocese.
“By virtue of the simple fact that this investigation had to be conducted and this report had to be written, my heart hurts for all who will be shocked, saddened, scandalized and angered by the revelations contained therein,” Cardinal-designate Gregory said.
The Diocese of Metuchen’s reaction to the release of the report included a detailed outline of events diocesan officials took to investigate McCarrick after allegations of sexual abuse against him became public in 2018.
In response to those reports, the bishop said, Metuchen diocesan officials hired an independent law firm to oversee its own investigation and a review of its archives. The findings were sent to the Vatican as investigators there compiled the McCarrick report, he said.
“In total, the report identified that seven individuals, who were adults at the time of their abuse, came forward to report allegations of abuse by McCarrick since the first allegation against him was received by the diocese in 2004,” the statement said.
The diocese’s report also said that all abuse allegations were reported to local and state law enforcement authorities and the papal nuncio in Washington.
The long-awaited Vatican report summarizes the actions of church officials, including earlier popes, that allowed McCarrick to rise through the church’s hierarchical structure to become a cardinal despite years of rumors of sexual impropriety.
McCarrick used personal contacts, protestations of his innocence and a lack of church officials reporting and investigating accusations to become cardinal, according to the Vatican summary of its report.
McCarrick resigned as cardinal in July 2018 after the allegations became public. He was dismissed from the clerical state in February 2019 by Pope Francis after a Vatican investigation into allegations that he had abused minors and engaged in sexual misconduct with adults.
All four of the prelates in New York, Newark, Metuchen and Washington also urged anyone who has been abused by a priest, bishop or anyone else in the church to report their allegation to law enforcement and to church authorities.

(Contributing to this report was Mark Zimmermann in Washington.)

Clergy abuse survivors face a lifetime of recurrence of PTSD

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By Dennis Sadowski
CLEVELAND (CNS) – New job in hand, Jim Richter was adjusting well to life in Minneapolis several months after leaving his hometown of Chicago.
He was enjoying his fellowship at the University of Minnesota Medical Center despite the long hours and he was coming to realize his move was a good one.
Sexually abused as a teenager by a South Side Chicago Catholic priest who had similarly assaulted other young men, Richter wasn’t expecting to hear more about the clergy abuse scandal in Minnesota.
Then news broke about Archbishop John C. Nienstedt of St. Paul and Minneapolis, who eventually resigned in 2015 over accusations he had mishandled allegations of abuse against an archdiocesan priest. Criminal charges were initially filed against the archdiocese over this, but were later dropped. Archbishop Nienstedt also faced allegations he had engaged in sexual misconduct with adults as a priest and as a bishop, claims he denied.
Richter said he felt he had been “assaulted” again when listening to news reports on the radio as he drove to work. The reports, he said, triggered a recurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder, known as PTSD.
“This was in the same sense being reminded that the church has lots of bad actors all over the place. That was something I did not need to be reminded of,” Richter told Catholic News Service.
PTSD often occurs in a person who has experienced or witnesses a traumatic event. It can last for months or years with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions. Symptoms can include nightmares, unwanted memories, avoidance of situations that bring back those memories, anxiety or depression.
Richter, who is now 49 and who continues to practice his Catholic faith, eventually sought counseling to cope with the disorder. He acknowledged that he can experience PTSD at any time – as can any survivor.
“It could be the news, a book, a story someone is sharing,” he said.
“Triggers are very real. Victim survivors talk about them. When we talk about them they can cause a momentary disruption in or thoughts or our feelings. Sometimes it can last a day or two. Sometimes they can last a whole season,” Richter added.
Realizing he’s not alone, for the last three years Richter has helped facilitate what he calls “peace circles” – parish-based discussion groups primarily for clergy sexual abuse survivors but open to anyone interested in responding to the abuse crisis.
Richter works voluntarily. He has consulted with victim assistance coordinators in the archdioceses of Chicago and St. Paul and Minneapolis. The circles offer a safe space – originally in person but now online because of the coronavirus pandemic – to any survivor wanting to discuss their experience.
Richter’s recurring PTSD is not unusual. Mental health experts said sexual abuse survivors can experience ebbs and flows of PTSD and that it never quite goes away.
“Everyone is different. So depending on an individual’s situation anything can trigger it,” said Deacon Bernard Nojadera, executive director of the U.S. Conference of Catholics Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection.
The secretariat works with victim assistance coordinators in dioceses across the country to provide new information on how to assist abuse survivors who may need mental health services to respond to their traumatic experiences.
When a survivor reaches out, Deacon Nojadera said, his office or the appropriate diocesan office acknowledges “this hurt that had occurred in their lives, extending an apology.” Most importantly, though, he explained, is to listen to what the person has to say.
“We have an opportunity to continually building right relationships,” he said.
Deacon Nojadera acknowledged that PTSD can recur and has seen it in his work with military veterans in the past. He said the church is prepared to help any survivor connect with mental health services and advice.
Dioceses and eparchies have spent $143.8 million from 2004 through 2019 for therapy, living expenses and legal expenses for survivors, according to statistics compiled by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. The figures were included in annual reports detailing diocesan and eparchial compliance with the U.S. bishops’ “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.”
From 2004 through 2013, the data show, $70.8 million in payments for therapy for survivors. Beginning in 2014, the category was expanded to include living and legal expenses, with payments to victims during that last six years coming to more than $71.9 million.
Victim advocates such as Tim Lennon, president of the board of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, told CNS others may shy away from church assistance, feeling that the institution that harmed them has no interest in making things better.
No matter to whom a survivor turns for help, Lennon, a survivor himself, said each person deserves broad support to help them weather their trauma.
Professionals in the church as well as professional psychologists almost always see an uptick in calls when a breaking story regarding abuse occurs. That happened in 2017 with the emergence of the #MeToo movement on social media following reports by dozens of women of their abuse by movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and the 2018 Pennsylvania grand jury report that chronicled abuse allegations against more than 300 priests and other church workers over a 70-year period, starting in 1947, in six of the state’s eight dioceses.
“Any time abuse and church are in a sentence and it hits the headlines or is splashed across social media, we definitely hear more,” Deacon Nojadera said.
The release of the Vatican’s report on a former U.S. cardinal, Theodore McCarrick, should be no different.
Deacon Nojadera and diocesan victim assistance coordinators said they expect to hear from more survivors – some of them reaching out for the first time – after the report becomes public.
The Vatican announced in February 2019 that Pope Francis had dismissed McCarrick from the clerical state after the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith found him to have engaged in “sins against the Sixth Commandment with minors and with adults, with the aggravating factor of the abuse of power.”
Professionals working with abuse survivors and survivors themselves contacted by CNS offered similar advice to those experiencing PTSD: remember you are not alone, that there are people – friends, family, mental health professionals, church victim assistance coordinators – who can guide you through difficult times.
Tom Tharayil, director of the Office of Assistance Ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago, is among those who will await the calls from victims and non-victims alike.
“These stories are never presented with a trigger warning,” Tharayil said. “What happens is they’re assaulted all over again.”
His advice to survivors is to seek support from someone because having even a small network of people to discuss the challenges being faced will help in the healing process.
Beyond friends, family and professional mental health counselors, another resource Tharayil refers survivors to is The Healing Voices website at www.thehealingvoices.org. Developed by clergy abuse survivors, the site seeks to assist people reconcile their Catholic faith with the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual harm they have experienced.
Despite the recurrence of PTSD, Tharayil said he has found that “most (victims), on balance would prefer the information comes out even if this means they will be retraumatized, if you will.”
Victim survivors acknowledge that while a recurrence of PTSD can occur when high-profile news about clergy abusers breaks, it’s not all bad because “that helps raise community awareness,” Lennon agreed.
“People begin to understand that it doesn’t just happen in Pennsylvania. It happens everywhere. It brings a lot of people forward,” Lennon said.
Lennon told CNS he has received the support of his wife and twin daughters when he has a resurgence of PTSD.
Lennon, 73, who no longer practices Catholicism, said he was raped by a priest when he was 12 while growing up in Sioux City, Iowa. He said he had repressed the memory for decades until seeing a demonstration about 30 years ago outside of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco calling on church leaders to address clergy sexual abuse.
“It flashed back in my mind. ‘Oh, I was sexually molested by this priest for several months,’” Lennon recalled thinking.
He said he also sought professional mental health assistance and been able to adjust to dealing with memories of the abuse he experienced.
Heather Banis, victim assistance coordinator in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, said managing PTSD is “about how to carry that burden differently” so that it does not become debilitating.
A support system is a must, she told CNS.
“It doesn’t always take the shape of a traditional family. It isn’t always as traditional as we might think. That’s OK. What matters is that you have it,” she said.
Richter said his connection to the Catholic Church has enabled him to address PTSD when it rises anew. He said the peace circles he coordinates, while not with a formal church connection, can do the same for others.
“I recognize that every day of my life is impacted by what happened to me when I was a teenager: the way I think, the way I see work, the way I approach others, the way that I talk. But it doesn’t define me,” he explained to CNS.
Deacon Nojadera said that although the church has spent millions of dollars for counseling and other mental health needs of survivors over the years, the work of helping survivors heal is far from complete. He said dioceses and the USCCB continue to seek stronger responses to the struggles of survivors in the hope of rebuilding trust.
“Will we ever eradicate this question of clergy sexual abuse and the inappropriate sins of the flesh? No. That’s part of the human condition. But our role, our mission, is to try to bring that down to as minimal as possible. And when it does occur, the church needs to know the importance of handling and stepping up to handle the situation in morally and ethically sound ways,” he said.

(Follow Sadowski on Twitter: @DennisSadowski)

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

NEW ORLEANS Our Lady of the Cenacle Retreat Center, Women’s Retreat on “The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius,” Jan. 8-10, 2021. Check-in is between 3-6 p.m. on Friday and concludes after lunch on Sunday. Retreat Presenter: Father Jacob DuMont, L.C. He will reflect on the fundamental truth of our lives: God’s love, His mercy and forgiveness. Father Jacob currently serves as the local superior and chaplain for Lumen Institute, as well as a spiritual director for the seminarians at Notre Dame Seminary. Capacity is limited due to COVID-19 and they are currently accepting registrations on a first come, first serve basis. A non-refundable deposit is required to register. You can choose to pay just the deposit upon registration or to pay in full. Details: to register, contact the retreat office at (504) 267-9604 or https://www.neworleansretreats.org/retreats.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS

CLARKSDALE Catholic Community of St. Elizabeth, Outdoor manger scene decorating contest. The parish council wants to promote the spirit of the season during the pandemic. All entries must be submitted by Thursday, Dec. 10. Judging will be on Dec. 19-20. Details: Please contact Kay Watts (662) 902-6017, Derrick Faucheux (225) 206-2430 or Kristin Orr (901) 652-0979 if you would like to participate
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Interested in serving in a ministry? Openings for ushers, greeters, lectors, community leaders and Eucharistic ministers. Details: Contact Cecilia liturgy@spaulcc.org or (601) 292-6097.
Interested in helping the St. Paul livestream team during weekend Mass? They need volunteers to help run the lyrics on the monitors during the Saturday 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 8 and 10:30 a.m. Masses. Must have basic computer knowledge. Details: Contact Michael to learn more tech@spaulcc.org or (601) 292-6086.
JACKSON St. Richard, Coffee & Creed meets on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. in Glynn Hall. They will use “The Search” from FORMED. Details: (601) 366-2335.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Adopt a family for Christmas. After each Mass, there will be families available to be adopted for Christmas from MadCAAP. If you are unable to come to church, you may call the parish office and ask for a family and the necessary information will be given to you. This has been a rough year for everyone but let us not forget the most unfortunate of us and help make some children’s Christmas a little brighter and happier. Details: church office (601) 856-5556
MERIDIAN Catholic Community of St. Joseph and St. Patrick, Due to COVID-19, they will not have their annual Christmas Open House. However, they will be open on three Saturdays, Nov. 21, Dec. 5 and 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They will have Advent candles and wreaths, 2021 Missals (limit two, unless you have ordered more), nativities, ornaments, gifts, décor and all of their regular stock. Shopping will be COVID-safe and anyone entering the building will be required to wear a mask. Details: If you are unable to come to one of the above dates, contact John at the Parish Office (601) 693-1321 ext. 9 or Pat (601) 479-0920 to make an appointment to shop another time.
NATCHEZ Assumption BVM, Weekly Grief Support Group, Tuesdays, 13-week program (began Oct. 6) at 3:30 p.m. in Tuite Hall. Cost: $15 for workbook. Details: Carolyn Verucchi at (601) 807-1698, or the church office (601) 442-7250.
St. Mary Basilica, Blood Drive, Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 1-6 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Details: Sign up at www.vitalant.org or www.bloodhero.com or call Regina in the church office at (601) 445-5616.

SPECIAL EVENT

Home for Christmas Virtual Concert, Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. CST. The Daughters of Saint Paul Choir normally go on tour in Dec. to bring the Christmas message to thousands of people around the country. This year, they will sing a virtual concert that will be streamed on their YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/DaughtersofStPaul. Join them for this free, fun, family-friendly event.

COVID-19 REMINDER

In person Masses are open within the Diocese of Jackson. Check with your local parish for details and follow guidelines in place for attendance. All over the age of two are required to wear a mask.
The obligation to attend Mass continues to be dispensed by Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, so if you do not feel safe attending, or have an underlying health condition, or feel sick, please stay home. Be safe and stay vigilant!

“Vida, Enseñanzas y Muerte”

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El famoso actor Charles Chaplin, después de una vida de 88 años, a la hora de su muerte, el día 25 de diciembre de 1977, no sabía que dejaba muchas enseñanzas, que se repiten por generaciones como valiosos consejos, de un hombre que nos hace reír aun todavía, y del que nadie conocía plenamente su dolor. Adorado una vez por el público, genial comediante, torcido carácter como hombre, con ideas políticas explosivas para su época, disfrutó la fama, fue el villano en los dramas de sus esposas, sufrió la persecución y el exilio, la difamación y el talento creador.
Controversial y admirado, querido y odiado en vida, el drama lo siguió hasta después de su muerte al ser exhumado y su cadáver escondido mientras se pedía una recompensa por el mismo. Acusado de comunista, hoy hubiera sido acusado además de actitudes misóginas, Chaplin tuvo una vida llena de matices oscuros y brillo tal como en los escenarios.
Estas, sus valiosas lecciones de vida, se comparten hoy en redes sociales, de las que el maestro Chaplin no tuvo idea y de las que me imagino le hubiera gustado usar para hacernos reflexionar sobre el mundo que nos rodea, con una sonrisa.
”Nada es eterno en este mundo, ni siquiera nuestros problemas.”
“Me gusta caminar bajo la lluvia, para que nadie pueda ver mis lágrimas.”
”El día más desperdiciado de la vida es el día en que No reímos.”
“Creo en el poder de la risa y las lágrimas como antídoto contra el odio y el terror.”
“Tengo muchos problemas en mi vida. Pero mis labios no lo saben.
Ellos siguen sonriendo.”
“El odio de los hombres pasará, los dictadores morirán y el poder que le quitaron al pueblo volverá al pueblo. Y mientras los hombres mueran, la libertad nunca perecerá.”
“Necesitas poder, solo cuando tú quieras hacer algo dañino, de otra manera el amor es suficiente para hacer todo.”
“No soy un hombre político y no tengo convicciones políticas. Soy un individuo y un creyente en la libertad. Esa es toda la política que tengo.”
“El espejo es mi mejor amigo porque cuando lloro, nunca se ríe.”

TUPELO – Parroquianos de St James celebraron el Dia de los Todos Los Santos recordando especialmente al recientemente beato Carlos Acutis, con una Misa en español el primero de Nov. En la foto dos parroquianos representan a San Francisco de Asis y Santa Clara (Foto cortesía de Rosario González)
JACKSON – Por la devoción al Santo Rosario, un grupo de parroquianos, convocados por el joven Diego Fernando Zalazar, se reunieron el sábado 31 de octubre en la rectoría de la catedral de San Pedro para orar por los niños y contrarrestar las malas acciones de la fiesta de Halloween. El grupo posa para una “selfie” al finalizar el rezo que fue acompañado como siempre de canciones a Maria. Este es el segundo Rosario público al que asiste el mismo grupo. (Foto cortesía de Diego Fernando Salazar)
TUPELO – Las familias recuerdan a sus difuntos el día 2 de noviembre, en lo que se conoce como el Día de los Muertos, creando un altar de recordatorio o asistiendo a los cementerios a celebrar la vida de los Fieles Difuntos. Foto cortesía de Rosario González)
A baby looks at an arrangement of U.S flags planted for Veterans Day in the Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village neighborhood of New York City Nov. 11, 2020. (CNS photo/Andrew Kelly, Reuters)

Cuando la Paciencia se queda corta …

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Por Padre Domingo Rodríguez Zambrana, S.T.
“… fruto de un momento de impaciencia que me tocó vivir … y me arrepiento!”

Confieso de inmediato, que esta reflexión fluye de otro momento en mi larga vida sacerdotal, cuando toda la gracia santificante que me concede el Espíritu Santo no fue lo suficiente persuasiva para contenerme. Fallé y ni San Judas Tadeo (¡el Santo de los imposibles!), me pudo ayudar.
Lo comparto pues bien sé que somos unos cuantos a los que el intercambio humano, desafía con frecuencia y pone a prueba el tesón de nuestra paciencia. Que conste, que, desde la dimensión de la fe, yo sé que la paciencia es el 4to de los frutos del Espíritu Santo. Pero pienso que los Santos fueron Santos, precisamente porque supieron integrar ese regalo del Espíritu Santo en momentos duros y difíciles de sus vidas.
Mirándome al interior y cuestionando dónde quedó mi virtud de tolerancia, de aguante en esos momentos de atoramiento, me doy cuenta de que el asunto de perder mis estribos no es un problema de vida espiritual propiamente hablando. Mi falta de paciencia está toda envuelta en asuntos más psicológicos que espirituales. Y eso es muy personal. Otros se aguantan donde yo fallo. Otros fallan donde yo me aguanto. Lo que trae a relucir otra dimensión del comportamiento humano que es el entorno, o sea, lo cambiante de las circunstancias. Pero vayamos por pasos.

Padre Domingo Rodríguez Zambrana, S.T.

Mi carácter, fruto de mi temperamento, tiene mucho que ver con mi capacidad de manejar mis emociones. Usualmente, la falta de paciencia delata una cierta intolerancia en situaciones que no responden a mis expectativas. “¡No se supone que me traten así!” “¡Pero eso no fue lo que acordamos!” “¡Es que ya no lo soporto!” Y esto, solo como una muestra de posibles sentimientos y expresiones, no necesariamente verbalizadas, que vienen a la mente. Todo eso, conectado con un sentimiento más solapado, que podríamos identificar como orgullo personal. Es un grado de arrogancia lo que lleva al sentimiento de lo que yo merezco o no, (en inglés es el famoso “self-righteousness”). Si hay algo en la vida espiritual que no toleramos con facilidad, es el descubrirnos faltos de humildad. La ironía en la búsqueda de esa virtud tan elusiva es que entre más suplicamos al Señor que nos conceda humildad, más orgullosos estamos de ser tan humildes.
El orgullo en el contexto del comportamiento humano es el mecanismo de defensa más común que delata inseguridad o miedo de no saber manejar adecuadamente alguna situación, especialmente, en la cuestión de las relaciones interpersonales. El orgullo aflora con mayor incidencia en aquellos de nosotros que tenemos alguna posición de autoridad. Inseguros al fin, nos sentimos vindicados por la fachada del poder en nuestra posición privilegiada de autoridad. Los Sacerdotes, Políticos, Profesores, Agentes al servicio del bien común, (e.g. Policías, Médicos, etc.), somos particularmente vulnerables a la arrogancia. ¡Y todo esto a modo muy sutil, … sin grandes dramatismos, por supuesto!
Cualquier situación que se desarrolla en el intercambio humano, especialmente en lo imprevisto o espontáneo, se presta para una reacción inapropiada de “juego de poder”. Evidente posiblemente con mayor frecuencia, en ámbito del trabajo. Ahí es donde algún supervisor o personal a cargo, se enfrenta a uno bajo su autoridad que es más capaz que el que tiene el mando. Ocurre también en un salón de clases, cuando un estudiante brillante, espontáneamente comenta sobre algún error cometido por el profesor. Si el que está a cargo, se siente amenazado por un “inferior”, la intolerancia surge naturalmente. ¡Eso también es falta de paciencia!
Mencionamos anteriormente, que reacciones de intolerancia surgen inesperadamente en lo cambiante de las circunstancias. Ejemplos más comunes, podrían ser en la carretera, en lo insufrible de la congestión de tráfico. En el supermercado, en algún lugar público, dondequiera que haya que hacer fila para ser atendido. En el hogar, allí donde se fragua la convivencia de la faena diaria familiar, la falta de paciencia abunda. Notable es la tensión que con tanta frecuencia se desarrolla entre Papi y Mami, cuando su adorado bebé se convierte en “le enfant terrible”. El adolescente rebelde que en su insuficiencia e incapacidad de manejar lo cambiante de su vida, atormenta la vida de los adultos que lo aman. Con frecuencia, triste admitirlo, ocurre que algunos miembros de la familia deciden huir ante el riesgo y continua amenaza del ambiente del hogar ya contaminado con la conocida tensión de las alteraciones, enojos y rechazos entre familia.
Desde la dimensión de fe, y precisamente porque somos hombres y mujeres de fe es que debemos seguir creyendo que podemos lograr superar los obstáculos que nos impiden vivir la paciencia. La tolerancia en aceptación de aquello que no podemos controlar ni cambiar, es lo que seguimos tratando de lograr. Sin duda, seguiremos viviendo momentos indeseables que retan nuestra capacidad de aguante. Cuando la paciencia se queda corta, es cuando la esperanza de superación personal debe de hacerse “larga”.
De gran ayuda e inspiración es la plegaria de la Serenidad de los Alcohólicos Anónimos que reza a manera abreviada:
“Dios concédeme la serenidad
de aceptar las cosas que no puedo cambiar
el coraje para cambiar las que sí puedo,
y la sabiduría para conocer la diferencia”

(El padre Domingo Rodríguez Zambrana, S.T. Es columnista de varias publicaciones de las arquidiócesis de Newark, New Jersey; San Juan, Puerto Rico; y la diócesis de Rockville Center, New York. Es el vicario de los Siervos Misioneros de la Santísima Trinidad. Ha sido presidente del Consejo Nacional Católicos de Pastoral Hispana (NCCHM) y vicepresidente de la Asociación Nacional de Sacerdotes Hispanos (ANSH). El padre Domingo nació en Puerto Rico y residente en California. Con más de cincuenta años de sacerdocio es buscado como orador y motivador para eventos católicos, retiros, misiones y conferencias.)

Organizaciones de noticias proyectan a Biden ganador; segundo católico electo presidente de los Estados Unidos

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Por Rhina Guidos
WASHINGTON (CNS) – Las bocinas sonaron cerca de la Casa Blanca justo antes del mediodía del 7 de noviembre cuando las principales organizaciones de noticias estadounidenses proyectaron que el demócrata Joe Biden será el 46 ° presidente de los Estados Unidos, convirtiéndolo en el segundo católico en la historia del país en ser elegido para el cargo más alto de la nación.
“¡Felicitaciones a nuestro segundo presidente católico y nuestra primera vicepresidenta de raíces africanas e indias!” tuiteó el obispo John E. Stowe de Lexington, Kentucky, poco después de que organizaciones como The Associated Press, The New York Times y Fox News anunciaran que Biden y su compañera de fórmula Kamala Harris habían ganado la carrera.
La proyección se produjo tras el anuncio de los funcionarios de Pensilvania de que Biden había ganado el caché estatal de 20 votos electorales, colocándolo por encima del umbral de 270 votos electorales necesario para asegurar una victoria. Harris se convierte en la primera vicepresidenta electa del país.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden runs onto the stage at a rally in Wilmington, Del., Nov. 7, 2020, after news media declared Biden had won the presidential election. (CNS photo/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters)

Aunque la campaña del presidente Donald Trump lanzó batallas legales por los votos en algunos estados electoralmente ricos e hizo acusaciones de fraude en el recuento de votos, incluso los partidarios del presidente, como Fox News, dijeron en un noticiero después de la contienda que no habían visto evidencia. de fraude generalizado.
Entre los católicos, la agencia de noticias AP VoteCast mostró que estaban divididos entre los dos candidatos, con el 50% de los católicos respaldando a Trump y el 49% de Biden, con la mayor parte del apoyo proveniente de los católicos latinos, el segundo grupo étnico más grande de la iglesia, quienes eligieron abrumadoramente votar por Biden.
Algunos católicos dijeron que no podían apoyar el boleto Biden-Harris porque ambos apoyan el aborto legalizado.
En reacción al anuncio de la victoria de Biden, Carol Tobias, presidenta del Comité Nacional por el Derecho a la Vida, dijo que el presidente electo y su vicepresidente “apoyan las políticas radicales de aborto”. Lamentó que se espere que su administración revoque “la legislación protectora como la Enmienda Hyde” y apoye la financiación del aborto por parte de los contribuyentes.
Pero muchas organizaciones católicas e incluso algunos obispos tuitearon o publicaron declaraciones de apoyo a Biden poco después de la noticia de su victoria.
La hermana Simone Campbell, una hermana del servicio social, que dirige el grupo de presión católico de justicia social Network, dijo que los católicos respondieron a la división del presidente y votaron por una variedad de temas.
“Los católicos no son votantes de un solo tema”, dijo en un comunicado. “Nuestra comunidad analizó la totalidad del historial divisivo y dañino de Donald Trump y eligió a líderes que gobernarán con empatía y preocupación por los más marginados. Los católicos rechazaron el racismo, el odio y la división y abrazaron la política defendida por el Papa Francisco: una política de amor e inclusión.”
El obispo Thomas J. Tobin de Providence, Rhode Island, también tuiteó los mejores deseos.
“¡Felicitaciones al presidente electo Joe Biden! Nos unimos a orar sinceramente por su salud y seguridad y la de su familia”, escribió el obispo Tobin. “Con la gracia de Dios Todopoderoso para ayudarlo y guiarlo, que se esfuerce siempre por gobernar nuestra nación con sabiduría, compasión e integridad moral.”
Las organizaciones religiosas que trabajan de cerca con la Iglesia Católica en temas de inmigración, como Hope Border Institute en El Paso, expresaron su apoyo a una nueva administración e instaron al presunto presidente electo a aprobar una reforma migratoria integral, para detener la construcción del muro en la frontera, poner fin a una política que mantiene a los solicitantes de asilo en los EE. UU. en México mientras esperan que sus casos se resuelvan en los tribunales de inmigración de EE. UU. y pongan fin a las separaciones familiares entre los migrantes.
En una carta que la organización publicó el 7 de noviembre, firmada por el padre jesuita Sean Carroll, director ejecutivo de la Iniciativa Fronteriza Kino, la hermana Norma Pimentel, directora ejecutiva de Caridades Católicas del Valle del Río Grande, y Dylan Corbett, director ejecutivo del instituto, pidió que se preste especial atención a los problemas de los inmigrantes a lo largo de la frontera.
“Lo que necesitamos ahora es liderazgo moral para unirnos y rechazar el odio en todas sus formas. Como compañero católico, lo instamos a abrazar a los oprimidos y vulnerables entre nosotros, quienes creemos que son nada menos que el Cristo que llama a nuestra puerta.”, decía la carta. Biden se dirigió a la nación la noche del 7 de noviembre.
Trump aún no ha concedido la carrera. En cambio, su campaña emitió en un comunicado, “El simple hecho es que esta elección está lejos de terminar. Joe Biden no ha sido certificado como el ganador de ningún estado”, dijo su campaña en un comunicado emitido el 7 de noviembre. “A partir del lunes, nuestra campaña comenzará a procesar nuestro caso en los tribunales. para garantizar que las leyes electorales se respeten plenamente y que el ganador legítimo sea elegido.”
Trump se había proclamado vencedor unas horas después del día de las elecciones y les había dicho a los votantes a las 2 de la mañana del 4 de noviembre: “Francamente, ganamos esta elección”, diciendo “queremos que cesen todas las votaciones”, lo que provocó protestas incluso de sus compañeros republicanos que dijeron que no era su lugar hacer esa llamada y que todos los votos debían contarse.
Cuando anunció la victoria prematuramente, el presidente también mencionó que “iremos a la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos” por la elección. Pero incluso simpatizantes del presidente y miembros de su partido protestaron por los comentarios. Los votos por correo con matasellos del día de las elecciones se aceptan en varios estados y muchos suelen contarse en las horas o días posteriores a las elecciones, lo que deja poco claro a qué se refería el presidente o qué impugnación legal podría plantear.
Al mediodía del 4 de noviembre, el gerente de campaña de Trump para 2020, Bill Stepien, dijo que la campaña había presentado oficialmente una demanda en el Tribunal de Reclamaciones de Michigan para detener el conteo de boletas hasta que se le otorgue “acceso significativo” a los numerosos lugares de conteo “para observar la apertura de las papeletas y el proceso de escrutinio, garantizado por la ley de Michigan.
La “carrera presidencial en el estado sigue siendo extremadamente apretada como siempre supimos que sería”, dijo.
Más tarde ese mismo día, la campaña presentó demandas en Pensilvania y Georgia y también anunció que pediría un recuento en Wisconsin. Los abogados republicanos ya habían cuestionado legalmente cómo Pennsylvania y Nevada manejaban los votos ausentes.

(Carol Zimmermann contribuyó a esta historia.)