PITTSBURGH -- Bishop Donald W. Wuerl received a standing ovation from a packed St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland when he addressed the recent string of sexual abuse
allegations against Roman Catholic priests.
The Chrism Mass Thursday is part of the Catholic faith's Easter week celebration.
Wuerl, the Pittsburgh Diocese bishop, told the 234 priests who were renewing their vows that the crimes of a few who have betrayed their calling cannot obscure the faithful service of the majority.
In Greensburg, Bishop Anthony Bosco received applause when he too called for support and understanding in the midst of the scandal.
After mass, Bosco suffered a broken shoulder when he fell while walking from Blessed Sacrament Cathedral to the school next door.
A diocesan spokeswoman said he was treated at Westmoreland Regional Hospital.
Because of the injuries, the bishop was unable to meet with the media for a news conference to discuss further the sex-abuse scandals that have surfaced nationwide in recent months. He plans to meet with reporters next week.
In Philadelphia, Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua (a former Pittsburgh Diocese bishop) told
priests to pray for one another and participate in a "day of atonement" following
In response to concerns over the allegations, Bevilacqua
declared April 24 a day of atonement and sanctification for priests
in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
He asked parishioners to pray for their priests.
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