The Downfall of Fr. Maciel

I just had to include this in my blog because it is, to a extent, a historical event. The founder of the Legionaries of Christ has been asked to step down of any public activity common to the priesthood. Even though the Holy See will not start a process on him, this is tantamount to a conviction for Fr. Maciel.

I will now transcribe the note as published by the National Catholic Reporter:

Capping a decade-long on-again, off-again investigation of accusations of sexual abuse, the Vatican has asked Fr. Marcial Maciel Degollado, the founder of the Legionaries of Christ, to observe a series of restrictions on his ministry.
In effect, Vatican sources told NCR this week, the action amounts to a finding that at least some of the accusations against the charismatic 86-year-old Mexican priest are well-founded.
Maciel has not been laicized, but the restrictions issued shortly before Easter by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith limit Maciel's public activity, such as his capacity to celebrate public Masses, to give lectures or other public presentations, and to give interviews for print or broadcast.
The restrictions have been approved by Pope Benedict XVI, and the Vatican is expected to issue a brief statement shortly.

I believe this is a great step into ending the abuse of priests throughout history. I despise the way Maciel has been protected by the Holy See, but I guess justice always shines in the end.