Maciel's son sues Legionaries
June 22, 2010
A Mexican man who says that he is the son of the late Father Marcial Maciel has filed a lawsuit in Connecticut court against the Legionaries of Christ, saying that the religious order’s negligence allowed its founder to lead a double life. The plaintiff, José Raul Gonzalez, also charges that Maciel abused him sexually.
Gonzalez told a June 22 news conference that Maciel had at times claimed to be a CIA operative and an oil-company executive. Although his father escorted him around Rome, where he met with Pope John Paul II, Gonzalez said that he was not aware until 1997 that Maciel was a priest.
The Gonzalez lawsuit charges that the Legionaries protected Maciel from scrutiny, and that the duplicitous priest lavished cash gifts on Vatican officials to ensure their support.
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Further information:
- Alleged son of Legion's priest-founder sues order (AP)
- Father Marcial Maciel, was my dad, and he sexually abused me, Raul Gonzalez claims in lawsuit (New York Daily News)
- Suit in U.S. Says Legion of Christ's Support for Founder Fueled Abuse (Wall Street Journal)
- Maciel's Son to Sue Legionaries: Details abuse, Tells NCR 'Dad promised $6 million' (National Catholic Reporter)
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Posted by: DrJazz -
Jun. 23, 2010 6:04 AM ET USA
Mr. Gonzalez' reasoning seems to be that the Legionaries should have scrutinized his father just enough to prevent him from abusing his son, but not so much to prevent him from having a son in the first place. Sorry, but I think Mr. Gonzalez has received more than enough of the Legionaries' money already.
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Posted by: Bernadette -
Jun. 22, 2010 6:56 PM ET USA
Today, it is simple enough to do a DNA test to ascertain the man's veracity as to being Father Maciel's son. If this is so, on the surface of things, looks like he has a legitimate suit. However, nothing of lasting peace and joy was ever attained with money. $$ don't heal nor bring peace. Wonder why the bishops are quick to pay the exorbitant amounts and not been as eager to do penance, beg forgiveness, offer to pay for psychiatric treatment. It is the peoples' $$. Who paid insurance?
