Father Regan needs forgiveness
When I first heard of Father John Regan's apparent addiction to gambling, I wasn't shocked but surprised and saddened for him. ("Roselle priest suspended in missing funds case," July 30.)
Fortunately, the diocese has the wisdom to plan for such events and the money was replaced to the church's funds.
Did it shake my faith? Absolutely not. In a community, each of us has a role in ministering to others.
A priest's function has a special distinction of celebrating Mass and hearing our confessions as well as counseling.
A priest, like the rest of us, is subject to the same weaknesses and temptations. No one of us is perfect. The Bible is filled with stories of good men who betrayed their trust to others, but repented and again gained God's favor.
When the body suffers injury, the white corpuscles rush to the injured part and surround the injury until it is healed and well again. As Christians, our responsibility is to rush to those that are in pain and do whatever we can to make them feel better.
We cannot cure the terminally ill or undo a tragedy, but we can support those who need our forgiveness and welcome back those who have committed serious offenses.
I am not saying what Father Regan is accused of doing should be dismissed. The consequences of his actions must be accounted for. However, he is still a member of our community and needs our forgiveness and acceptance.
In order for faith to grow it must be tested. If we believe when everything is good and despair when bad things happen, our faith is meaningless. When we put our trust in God then our faith is strong.
In the movie, "Oh, God!" when the people ask who will take care of them when God disappears from the courtroom, George Burns retorts, "That is why I gave you each other."
Allen Cuzelis
Hanover Park