Does a Millstone Hang Around the Neck of Paterson Roman Catholic Bishop Frank J. Rodimer?

Victim-survivor marks second year anniversary since disclosure of clergy sex abuse as a child and sees little contrition offered by Paterson diocesan authorities.

CLIFTON, NJ (PRWEB) March 9, 2004 --On April 25, 2004, the day before Steven M. Rabi celebrates his 56th birthday, there will be a dedication of the Millstone Memorial at St. Josephs Roman Catholic Church in Mendham, New Jersey. Rabi, who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, will attend the dedication.

When I ten years old, I was abused by a Roman Catholic priest," Rabi said. It was nearly 43 years before Rabi came to grips with his abuse.

While the abuse took place at St. Nicholas parish in Passaic, I now realize that the incidences of clergy sex abuse of minors-especially young, vulnerable, trusting boys was more frequent than I could ever have imagined," Rabi said. In fact, it is sad that I was abused by two priests at the same parish over a period of two years."

On March 11, 2002, Rabi wrote to Bishop Frank J. Rodimer, the shepherd of nearly 402,000 Roman Catholics from three northern New Jersey counties that comprise the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson. After negotiating a means of meeting with Rodimer, Rabi had the opportunity to tell Rodimer how clergy sex abuse had affected his faith, his mental and physical well being, and his life, generally.

I expected Bishop Rodimer to offer an apology. He did not proffer any apology," said Rabi. In fact, Rabi says I was told I could have some faith-based counseling-if I thought I needed counseling. Why did he think I disclosed my abuse to him in the first place?"

Two years have passed and the clock has kept ticking. Each day brings Rabi closer to the reality that, while he has received little assistance from the bishop, it may be the bishop who really needs help. It appears that the Vatican will not allow Rodimer to retire," Rabi remarked. He has unfinished business to attend to. There are a number of victims and survivors out there that he chooses not to assist. He appears more concerned about his legacy, his financial backers, and his competence to continue a leadership role in the Church. Sometimes I wonder if he is incapable of being compassionate," Rabi said.

To add emphasis to his statements, Rabi quipped ...the bishop has his outspoken diocesan attorney Ken Mullaney saying all that victims care about is money." In fact, one attorney who is representing numerous plaintiffs in a civil action against the Paterson diocese has mentioned to Rabi that Mullaneys personal opinions regarding victims will only cost the diocese more in monetary damages if the plaintiffs prevail in their claims. Rabi is not part of any lawsuit due to the expiration of the statute of limitations and the fact that the two priests who abused him are deceased.

Yet, Rabi believes that the Biblical reference to the 'millstone is apropos for Bishop Rodimer and his legal counselor. Just think of the relevance," Rabi said. ...but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea (Matt:18:6).

The catharsis Rabi hopes to achieve by attending the Millstone Dedication is simple. I will meet with others who have experienced the pain and suffering attributable to sexual abuse by priests. Together, we will become more resolute, more focused, strengthened, and the 'conscience of those who should be listening to us-to assist us in our healing process no matter the cost" Rabi said. We will be here to help heal each other. We can no longer wait while the Roman Church calculates the fallout. They choose not to be truthful. Lets see how theyll try the media spin, self-serving statistics and studies, when they meet their Creator," Rabi said with a wry smile.

Meanwhile, the collective millstone" of the Roman Church weighs heavier and heavier on its leadership. The Roman Catholic Church needs purging, a change of leaders, and continued scrutiny until real change is apparent to all...even those who distrust organized religion," Rabi said. Rabi doubts that he will see the change in his lifetime but prays that the Vatican will replace Rodimer with leadership that provides healing for survivors like him.

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