A Timely Reminder

Tom P Perriello is the U.S. executive director of Open Society Foundations, a former diplomat and member of Congress.  He wrote an opinion piece for The New York Times on Saturday,19th June 2021, entitled "The Bishops Betray a faithful President". 

Within his article, he spoke of his Catholicism and his experience of the Church.  I found his testimony inspiring.  Without breaking copyright, I share his insights as a fellow Catholic.  Note that I do not share to engage in the presenting issue of his article but simply to let others see a great public witness given by a fellow Catholic.  Here goes. 

"Growing up around Charlottesville, Va., I spent every Sunday hearing priests sermonize about the horrible atrocities committed against innocent civilians — even nuns — in Central America and about our own government’s complicity. We heard about extreme poverty, with a clear message that a failure to devote your life to addressing these injustices might lead to eternal damnation. 

I have a joke about my career in peace and justice: that I came for the guilt and stayed for the joy. This calling would eventually bring me to Honduras, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan, as well as struggling communities back home.   

The Catholic lay leaders and clergy who inspire me are often the ones living the Gospel every day, ... . When I visit the border or opioid-ravaged parts of Appalachia, I witness Sister Beth Davies or Sister Norma Pimentel living the Gospel with their every breath. ... As the U.S. special envoy to the African Great Lakes region, I stood with courageous Congolese bishops who risked everything to defend human rights and convinced the Vatican to sponsor peace talks that forged the framework for the country’s first peaceful democratic transfer of power.  

Catholic bishops in El Salvador, the country where Saint Óscar Romero was assassinated for standing with the poor and vulnerable, ... chose to take a courageous position against President Nayib Bukele’s move to consolidate power and create impunity for corruption." 

I share this as both an inspiring and contemporary witness to faith and Church.  Sometimes I wonder if we truly appreciate the core place we have in our world as Catholics and the invaluable contribution we are challenged and able to make.  Put simply, we can underrate ourselves.  Here is a timely reminder for us as Church.