Why am I still a Catholic?
A heavy burden now.
Of scandals. Of shame.
The crimes in the clergy.
A time of confusion.
Pedophile priests roam free.
Each day Jesus is crucified.
He waits for their repentence.
How could the Church fail us?
I am supposed to show mercy.
Yet, I am horrified; anguished.
Why am I still a Catholic?
We the sheep, are the Church.
There were always rumours.
Did we turn a blind eye too?
Making it easier for Evil.
I want justice for the victims.
I want those priests to go to jail.
I want the Bishops to be held accountable.
I want the Pope to let the courts judge.
Is the clergy above the law?
Why such different rules for priest?
They broke the law, period! Guilty!
I am supposed to have compassion?
I get the Sacrament of Confession.
Yet, those priests aren’t behind bars.
They have not done penance.
Forgiveness and mercy I cannot give.
How am I still a Catholic?
This is the same Church from Peter.
God hasn’t given up; we cannot give up.
We are the Church. We pray for us.
I am Catholic. I remain as one.
I won’t leave just because.
The religious as us, are fallible.
I believe in Christ we are saved.
It is when the hour is darkest, we pray.
Even when all look bleak, we pray.
I am Catholic. Prayer is my shield.
I pray they serve their penance.
By C.E. Pereira
(16-9-2018)
HoneyGwhiz 