| June 4, 2007 | Volume 82, Number 16 | |
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Rehashing old newsThe local news media in Richmond continue to focus attention on Father Rodney Rodis, a retired priest of the Diocese of Richmond who is accused of stealing perhaps as much as $1 million from two Louisa County parishes where he served as pastor. Rehashing the story over and over again serves no purpose. It is no longer news. No one has forgotten what happened, and it must be painful to parishioners of St. Jude in Mineral and Immaculate Conception in Buckner when they again hear and read how their trust in their pastor was badly abused. Indeed, it is painful and embarrassing to Catholics in Virginia. Father Rodis and other priests — as well as all of us — must be held accountable for our actions. Father Rodis is now in jail after Judge Timothy K. Sanner revoked his bond because he violated terms of the bond. He knew he was not allowed to leave the state of Virginia. The judge had clearly stated the terms. Obviously he did not believe anyone would ever learn of the trip outside the state. But Lynn Kinsel of Midlothian was at the Richmond International Airport April 11 and recognized Father Rodis who had performed her brother’s wedding. They later were on the same flight to Detroit, a fact confirmed by Northwest Airlines records. Ms. Kinsel notified authorities of what she had seen. The judge took the proper action and now the priest will remain in jail until his trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 1. Here’s the good news — the Catholic Church of the Diocese of Richmond is continuing to flourish. People are generous and respond to needs of their parish when parish leaders make them known. “The people sing their hearts out,” says Msgr. William H. Carr of his parishioners of St. Bridget’s in Richmond, the parish profile featured in the current issue of The Catholic Virginian. Catholics in the Diocese of Richmond have a lot to celebrate. Two new priests were ordained this past Saturday (June 2) and come with high energy and deep faith to join other fine priests and deacons in conferring the sacraments. We will get over our hurt and disappointments as we have in the past. God’s goodness and those who love God will triumph.
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