The Primatial See of the United States, the Archdiocese of Baltimore, has filed for bankruptcy just in the nick of time to avoid financial responsibility its history of abuse and cover-up that cries to heaven: 150 criminal priests who were given protection and continuing opportunity by church authorities, and 600 victims, victims of priests and church authorities alike. Yes, the church authorities are also to blame, for their long-standing disdain for truth, zeal for coverup, and shirking of their sacred duty to correct and protect.

And why are so many dioceses talking “poor mouth”? Why are parishes being closed? Not enough money, not enough priests, we are told. But why is there not enough money and not enough priests? Does the record of the American hierarchy encourage the faithful to trust them with their money, let alone anything more valuable than money? Is life in a priesthood that is subjected to the American bishops likely to attract the idealistic and prudent?