MUCH has been said about Bishop Gabino Zavala’s fall from grace, his resignation as auxiliary bishop of the San Gabriel Region after admitting that he fathered two children, now in their teenage years. Many feelings and thoughts have also been quietly kept in the hearts and minds of many priests and faithful. “It’s not like it has not happened before in the history of the Catholic Church,” one man said. “I felt that he betrayed us because he was so good and yet he kept this secret well,” one woman commented.
Whatever impact Bishop Zavala’s fate has on us, we’ve learned several things: that the Church is human and bishops or anyone in the hierarchy are not exempt from failures and mistakes; that despite a leader’s failure, we still have to recognize his or her gifts and contribution to the church and society; that lay people put religious leaders on high pedestals and expect them to lead by examples of high moral lives; and that, consequently, people are hurt when they learn that religious authorities are not living up to their calling.
A well respected priest in the archdiocese thinks that we should take this time to pray for the Church, for Bishop Zavala and his secret family. He also believes that we need to express with others in a healthy way how the sad news has impacted us instead of being quiet about it. Furthermore, he believes that sad news such as this can be a period of grace for the Church.
It is important, however, to move on with our faith and not be discouraged. Certainly, we must recognize our ill feelings regarding church scandals, but we must also remember the wonderful things that are happening in our parishes and dioceses. There are exceptional pastors who are doing remarkable jobs in enlivening their parishes and in responding to the needs of their people. There are many priests who are working quietly, leading and guiding their people, listening to their concerns, and responding to their longing. There are many dedicated lay people who spend countless hours of volunteer work in assisting their priests in many heavy and challenging responsibilities. There are bishops, priests, religious women and men in special ministries who continue championing the rights of the poor and the immigrants, the dignity and hope of troubled youth, and the education of children.
Yes, we must look beyond any crisis, scandal or struggle and believe that God has greater promises for us and the Church. As we begin the year and the Ordinary Time, we must keep in mind the message of Christmas, that Jesus, the Son of God, was born in the midst of a broken world and humanity. He is the One that has brought us hope…and peace!
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Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas attended St. John Seminary in Camarillo, California and earned his Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. For twenty years, he has been in the parish ministry of large multi-cultural communities. Since 2002, he has been the pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Angeles. Please email Fr. Rodel at [email protected].