“Dear Bishop McGrath:
The Board of Directors of the Thomas Merton Center (TMC) in Palo
Alto understands that dioceses across the country are being asked
to help fund a $1.1
million dollar fact-finding mission to scrutinize U.S.women religious.
We ask you to please refrain from using diocesan funds to contribute
to these visitations.
We appreciate that you have participated in the letter from
the California bishops in strong defense of the generous, caring
work done by the nuns in the service
of the San Jose Diocese and the Church: ‘Deeply rooted in
prayer and impelled by God's Holy Spirit, Women Religious further
the Reign of God as they participate
in the mission of Jesus through their ministries of education,
health care, pastoral services and social outreach. Despite challenges
and sacrifices of every
kind, they have served in a spirit of untiring selflessness,
generosity and charity and continue to do so to this day.’
We at TMC are concerned about a lack of transparency regarding
the purpose of these visitations. Not even the nuns themselves
know all that the study wants
to achieve – nor do the laity in our diocese. It has also
been noted that the final reports of the three-year study will
be confidential and not released to the orders being visited,
which is disturbing: The orders are being studied, but will not
be told of the findings.
Within the spirit of the Bishops of California letter, we
ask that you continue to support the nuns’ mission with
both prayers and direct funding for their efforts,
and not financially support the Vatican inquiry. None of us has
donated to the diocese expecting these funds to be used to scrutinize
U.S. women religious and their quality of life.
Sincerely,
Barbara Kent and Patricia Markee
Co-Presidents
for the Board of the Thomas Merton Center”
