Mr. Rodino’s Statement
Many of our readers may be aware of a Facebook group titled “Support Rev. Rodino.” Recently, it has come to our attention that the group has a new member, namely, Mr. Rodino himself. We were not aware that Mr. Rodino had a Facebook account, and, in truth, we were more than a bit disturbed — Mr. Rodino found himself in quite a bit of trouble while he was Chaplain at LaSalle because of his activities on the Internet. Back then, it was on AOL and AIM (AOL’s Instant Messenger). Now, Mr. Rodino is on Facebook. He appears to have established his Facebook account before the recent allegations against him became public. The question arises: why does a middle age Roman Catholic priest need to be on a website marketed to teens and college students?
Since Mr. Rodino has now joined the Facebook group created by his “supporters,” we feel it appropriate to post his recent wall post on that group. In effect, it serves as his first public statement since he was placed on leave. Below is the text of his Facebook wall post:
How does one begin to say thank you to so many? I had to join this group in order to get a message out. Please know how much my mom and I appreciate your support at this difficult time. We miss you all very much. Together may we continue to grow and share in the love and life offered to each of us through Jesus Christ!… Anne and Sam Rodino
Other comments on the “Support Rev. Rodino” Facebook group essentially laud his praises and recount favorable memories of him as a priest. Once again, however, we are forced to remind his supporters that just because one person, two people, or a thousand people had a positive experience with Mr. Rodino does not mean that “reasonable grounds” did not exist to believe he sexually abused a minor years ago. Nor does the testimony of many of Mr. Rodino’s “supporters” negate the reports of disturbing conduct he exhibited while in contact with high school boys in his capacity as Chaplain at LaSalle.
Please continue to pray for all those involved in this scandal. Mr. Rodino’s family certainly needs our prayers, as do his accusers, as do the witnesses, and all those who have had their trust shattered. Our Faith in Jesus Christ demands prayers for all…even those we think our enemies.
Comments
I have to take issue with your inference that Facebook caters to college students and teens. I am a middle aged woman, who has tons of friends on Facebook who are also middle aged. This is a good way to keep in touch with friends and family. I believe this is a good way to send a message to many without having to send dozens and dozens of e-mails.
The intent of the statement was not to offend anyone who uses Facebook, no matter what their age. However, Facebook was developed as a means for college students to communicate, and expanded from there (when it first launched, you had to be a member of a college community to create an account). But the larger point here is that while Facebook may be an appropriate communication tool for many people, regardless of their age, the question remains: is it appropriate for a middle aged priest to be “friends” with teenagers on Facebook? Given Mr. Rodino’s history with internet communications with his students, the answer should be clear.
Leave it all be.. The man has ruined his life.. the biggest dissappointment in the entire world for him is that he will never be a priest again..his power and control are gone….. his judgement day will come, and so will ours.. lets face it who are we to assume that his pain at this moment isn’t as deep as the victims.. we are all suffering in disbelief…. how do I feel? I am disappointed in him,if its true… do I hate him for what he has done if he has done it? no!!!! I FEEL SORRY THAT HE MAY HAVE A VERY BAD PROBLEM… Do I feel sorry for the victims? You Bet!!!I do not even answer children when asked to be their friend on any website..I am middle aged..I check and communicate with my children who are in their twenties.. but I do not interact with teenagers. I don’t even want to. I understand that we want revenge when things like this happen,but you got your revenge… BELIEVE ME!!!! Pray for everyone involved… The shepherd has lost his sheep and that is enough for him to never see the light again… GOD FORGIVES SO SHOULD WE!!
Mixed Feelings,
Thank you for your comment. You raise some very good points. The bottom line is that his life is ruined.
However, who are you addressing when you say “you got your revenge?” Who’s “you?”
While Mr. Rodino has been disgraced, and that may be punishment enough, the fact remains that he is essentially on a paid vacation for the rest of his life. He hasn’t been defrocked, he hasn’t been excommunicated. He just can’t wear a Roman collar anymore, and that is surely torturing him.
This forum exists to encourage people not to forget the victims and to remind victims that there are people who will listen to them and support them.
Thank you again for expressing your views.
Over the past years, Sam Rodino has been relocated several times in an effort to squelch complaints. It is unfortunate that Howard Hubbard is ineffective as a leader. Many priests in this diocese including the leaders have problems. Our children have been the recipients of ineffective leadership. Over the past 18 months 5 priest have been removed and placed under investigation. The diocese would relay their review board is working. Not really as the priests removed had complaints over the years and have received therapy. Why was Cardinal Law removed yet we still have Hubbard. The Holy See in Rome does nothing. Financial consequence is one of the answers as church leaders do not demonstrate concern for the safety and emotional well being of our children.
all of this is Sad… but true… the responsiblity for the protection is with the adults. Hubbard and his gaggle of skirts… have done nothing… 5 priests with history of sexual misbehavior moved and moved again… Gary Mecure placed in a parish with a school… he was known to have a ” problem”.. Rodino… moved to a place with a school… now his replacement… has been accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from a previous parish… H. H. its time for you to go… 35 years is enough!
all of this is Sad… but true… the responsiblity for the protection is with the adults. Hubbard and his gaggle of skirts… have done nothing… 5 priests with history of sexual misbehavior moved and moved again… Gary Mecure placed in a parish with a school… he was known to have a ” problem”.. Rodino… moved to a place with a school… now his replacement… has been accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from a previous parish… H. H. its time for you to go… 35 years is enough!
Having known Mr. Rodino before becoming a priest, I can tell you catered to the elite. After becoming a priest he would offer a “Stairway to heaven” to those with enough wealth. He looked down on those of moderate and lower incomes. He also was a man who did not forgive, a poor trait for a Catholic priest. I do not know if he is guilty of what is being claimed, but I do know he is not a kind and forgiving servant of God.
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