Hello and welcome to the inaugural post of PrayforFatherBuckner.wordpress.com!
If you are like many of us, we heard about the allegations against Fr. Bucker at Mass on Sunday, May 6th during Fr. Rooney’s homily. Not exactly the way anyone wanted to hear about such news at St. Mary, but a stunned congregation quickly shifted modes from disbelief to incredulity.
For those of you who do not understand what is occuring, click here.
An unidentified accuser has charged Fr. Buckner with “inappropriate conduct” between the years of 1992-1995. Fr. Buckner in turn has been placed on administrative leave, which means no public Masses, suspension of his duties at St. Veronica in Herndon and at the Catholic Distance University, as well as the public scrutiny of those less than disposed to be friendly to Catholic priests.
In short, Fr. Buckner’s reputation has been tarnished — whether deliberate or not. Even if (and we pray, when) he is exonerated, it will be extremely difficult to rebuild. Which is what makes this specific instance so much more painful, because those know know Fr. Buckner know him to be a good and holy man.
This blog is being created for several reasons:
- It is an outward sign of our support for Fr. Buckner.
- Those who are praying for Fr. Buckner can make their intentions known.
- People can testify to Fr. Buckner’s reputation as a priest, friend, confessor, Holy Land trips, or whatever might come to mind.
- This can be a public place to state emphatically that the allegations against Fr. Buckner are entirely disconsonant with the priest we have known for years and grown to love.
We are not here to presume innocence or guilt, nor presuming to know more than our fellow laypeople in Arlington. Moreover, we ask that any and all prayer intentions are said for all those involved — not just for Father Buckner, but for the accuser, the investigators, and most of all for Bishop Loverde himself. This blog is not a “fanclub” of any sort, nor was this website asked to be created.
Many of us will praise Fr. Buckner far beyond what he would ever feel he deserves, but it is not our intent to build a cult of personality, or even suggest one exists. Rather, our purpose is to let the truth be known about a good and holy priest of God — and let the reader be the judge.
In the meantime, we are asking folks to contact the Chancery and let them know of your personal experiences with Fr. Buckner. Write your stories here so others can read them. Tell people about the Holy Land and how it changed your life. Let people know about his impact during homilies, as a teacher and professor, as a priest.
But most of all, let people read and judge for themselves what a good and holy man Father Buckner really is in the eyes of those whom he ministered to.
TO CONTACT THE CHANCERY, PLEASE WRITE TO:
Rev. Terry W. Specht
Director of Child Protection and Safety
200 N. Glebe Road, Suite 914
Arlington, VA 22203
In the meantime, please pray for Father Buckner! Feel free to lodge your letters or comments of support below, and we’ll do our best to keep you posted.
God Bless,
Hi, this is a comment.
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The Fredericksburg community from St. Mary supports Fr. Buckner. He is an uncompromising believer who challenges us all to learn more about our faith. Where his words are not enough his example shows us the way.
The Confirmation interview. I had already failed it once since I hadn’t memorized all the answers word for word. So I was dreading the re-interview with Father Buckner, but mainly because I had just pitched a softball game, was hungry, and the re-interview was scheduled through dinnertime.
So after sternly asking me two questions, Fr. Buckner moves onto asking me about my patron saint. I tell him Thomas Aquinas. He peered at me for a second, probably because I am a girl but chose a male saint. Then his face broke into a huge smile as he proclaimed, “that’s one of my favorite saints” and proceeded to read to me for the next half-hour, in Latin, his favorite passages from the Summa. That was the end of my interview–and the real beginning of my Catholic journey.
From that point on, Father didn’t let up on me. He made me go first in line at Confirmation. He checked to make sure I went to Mass…and reminded me that I needed to go to Confession if I hadn’t. He wanted me to talk with Fr. Gould about becoming a nun. He suggested that I go to the Holy Land on one of his pilgrimages. And after a year of thinking about it, (along with encouragement from one young man) I decided to sign up for the pilgrimage for the summer of my first year at UVA.
The rest is history. That young man is now my husband. The Holy Land trip brought us together, and we have been blessed with 4 beautiful children.
But more than that, Fr. Buckner taught me about my faith, since, as a cradle-Catholic growing up outside the Arlington diocese, I knew almost nothing.
I learned to pray daily the Liturgy of the Hours. He encouraged frequent Confession and Communion. I began praying the rosary each day. I learned about adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Through his pilgrimage, he opened up a world to me. His love for the Church brought me a profound respect and holy love for the Church I didn’t quite know–until I met Father Buckner.
I am confident that I wouldn’t be the Catholic I am today without Padre. He was always there to answer a question, pray the Mass, hear Confession, encourage vocations, or just talk about our faith. A brilliant apologist, mediocre joke-teller, and terrible singer (“I sing for spite”), he made our faith alive to myself and countless youths.
I pray for everyone involved that the truth will be known.
I was a youth at St Mary Parish when Fr. Bucker was the Pastor. I can tell you that from my experience, I never saw anything or felt that Fr B was inappropriate with any kids. I also went on 2 trips to the Holy Land with him and the youth from the parish, and spent countless hours hanging out with him, the other priests, and kids and young adults.
Padre B, You have my support and love, regardless. My prayers are with you and your accuser and all involved in this terrible situation.
I can’t express my heartache at the horrible news we received this past Sunday at mass at St. Mary’s. Father Buckner always stood, and continues to stand, as a point of truth and faith and constancy for our Church and our Mother Mary in these troubled times. I hope and pray that a thorough and swift investigation will clear him of these accusations, and that his ministry and his reputation will be fully restored.
I’ve lived in Virginia for the past 20 years, and knew Father Buckner his entire time here, and have seen him occasionally in the intervening years. Though I was not Catholic, I often attend mass with friends in high school and in college. Father Buckner’s love and example to these young people opened a door for me into the Church. His matter of fact take on life and morals combined with a passion and love for the Church and Mary made a profound influence on me. He is one of our Holy Mother’s greatest advocates and is largely responsible for the deep devotion and tradition that we find at St. Mary’s.
When I started making the steps in college to join the Church, Father Buckner kindly sent me tapes of his RCIA sessions, to supplement the less rigorous RCIA program at my college parish. My faith formation, along with that of my friends, was profoundly marked by him. His personal interest in his parishioners, eagerness to delve the depths of theology, willingness to give the hard lessons, and passion for leading pilgrimages to the Holy Land worked to root our faith. Father Buckner made a huge impact on the lives and souls of so many. He helped shape a group of young eager and devout Catholics. We are as much the “Buckner generation” as we are the “JP2 Generation.”
I regret that I did not thank Father Buckner earlier and let him know how much he marked my life. The evil that is in this world is striking out at one of God’s greatest servants right now. I hope that he can stand fast and know that he is beloved and respected, and that he is in our prayers and our hearts. I pray that this isn’t used as yet another weapon against the Church, and that it’s not used as an excuse for hate. I pray that God bless the accuser as well, and that they may find the clarity and peace that they are seeking.
-Heather Horechny Gardner
Rev. Christopher Buckner engaging in inappropriate behavior with a minor? Preposterous! It’s not even plausible. Cows jumping over the moon makes more sense.
This is a man, a priest, who lives and teaches the faith uncompromisingly.
As a parishioner of St. Veronica since the fall of 1999, I have known Fr. Buckner for 7 years. He is humorous, silly and full of the corniest jokes. He is also a brilliant Scripture scholar and theologian. He’s a story teller, a teacher. He’s warm and loving, however, he also does not tolerate shenanigans when it’s time to be serious. He has so very little patience with the pretender; for those who really aren’t serious about the faith and who tragically lead others astray. For those who are genuinely seeking the love and knowledge of God, he is a true teacher; a veritable fisher of men.
I sent three of my children to Israel with him. One of them begged to go back a second time, however my husband and I had difficulty funding this particular trip. Fr. Buckner knew that the Holy Spirit was calling our son back to the Holy Land. ‘It’s God’s will that Kevin return to Israel’ and he made certain that Kevin would once again be included in the pilgrimage no matter our financial circumstance. My kids will never forget their pilgrimage experiences. They’re definitely closer to Christ, because Fr. Buckner brought them to Him!
My children adore Fr. Buckner. Kevin assisted as an altar server for 6 years at St. Veronica parish where he got to know Fr. Buckner quite well. My children also participated in youth ministry at the parish. In the early years of the parish, I was privileged to volunteer as an adult aid in the program. There were many occasions when Fr. Buckner joined us for our youth ministry sessions. The teens flocked to him. He taught them Latin. He taught them silly songs. He taught them what it means for a priest to be Christ in the world – in their world. He made a difference in their lives. And never once did I witness anything inappropriate. Never once did my children voice concern that Fr. Buckner did anything inappropriate. It was evident to me that as he interacted with the teens Fr. Buckner was truly interested in them as children of God. He knows the risks teens face every day and he works tirelessly to help effect change in their lives – change that is good for their souls. It is abundantly obvious that little is more important to him than saving souls. For Fr. Buckner to harm anyone and jeopardize his own salvation in the process is the most ludicrous idea on earth!
One only needs to witness Fr. Buckner celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to know he is a very holy man. He portrays great reverence and deliberateness during the consecration. I have perceived tears in his eyes during this most august part of the Mass. His Sunday sermons have brought me and many others to a clearer understanding of Christ and our mission to be Him in this world. He has delivered homilies that have propelled me toward a more sincere love and understanding of Our Lord – teaching me and others the meaning of agape. At times, I’ve been moved to tears by his words. He is patient, gentle and kind in the confessional. When one visits Fr. Buckner in confession – one meets the living Christ and experiences His love and mercy. It’s palpable.
He prays for my family. He sympathized with me and supported me when my son decided to cop a bad attitude for an extended period. He shared my joy and relief as my son out grew this phase and finally showed signs of maturity. He makes a point to ask my daughters’ how life at college is treating them. He’s truly interested in hearing about my brother, a priest with a physical handicap from the diocese of Charlotte who accompanied him on a Holy Land pilgrimage a year or so ago. He is interested in people – all people, young or old.
Fr. Buckner was born to be a priest. He takes his vocation seriously. He truly lives his life as a man of God and would never do anything contrary to the teachings of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Perhaps someday we will realize just how much we will all benefit from the deep suffering Fr. Buckner is currently undergoing. I know its value, because he has taught me. I know Fr. Buckner is joining his passion to Christ’s own for the sake of our souls and of all souls. That’s truly the only good thing about this incredibly dreadful situation.
St. Michael the archangel, pray for us.
Hello,
I am 18 years old and i do not belong to St. Veronica’s Parish, nor have previosly attened a perish where Father Buckner was a serving priest at. I was however, blessed enough to travel with Father Buckner in the summer of 2005 to the Holy Land along with 49 other teenagers my age. Before I tell you about my life changing exsperience there and Father Buckner’s profound influence on my life I must first tell you this. Even though my family has always been very active in the two parishes i we have belong to in my life, i never saw priests as a true friend or confidont. I always saw them as distant beings who i would see far away on an alter, or waving high to me becasue they know my parents. I remeber going to Catholic School and the priest there, explaining how he was our priest and how the priests at our parish sometimes seem more like our parents priests, but he was ours. For some reason however, it never felt like that. I did not understand how to build realtionships with priests, i knew i was supposed to but never did; untill I met Father Buckner.
Continued:
I still remember the day my mother asked me if I was interested in visiting the Holy Land. Sure, i said why not, get out and see the world. I never anticipated what a profound impact it would have on me. Father Buckner was one of the first people I met on the trip, and immediatly I liked him. He reminded me of my father with his corny jokes and easy air about him. I am very corny too, so we hit it off well. He was always very relaxing and I felt like I could goof off with him and really be myself with out being scorned for being that silly around a priest, who were always so serious. The trip for me changed my life. I have spent hours trying to explain to my friends exactly how amazing and altering that exsperience has been for me. I did not have to worry about how i acted spiritually around the adults becasue there were only 5 of them there, and they all acted like teens themself. I was able to imerse myself in the exsperience without having to worry about if what i was doing or how i was reacting was correct or proper. As for Father Buckner, his homilies he gave there, talking about the mericles and deed’s that Jesus did on the place we were standing was unbelieveable, he challenged us to think and believe in the Bible in a way i never thought possible and for that I look up to him as more then a father figure as i first held him to be but as a messenger from God. Father Buckner is the braves man i know. How many people would take a bus full of teenagers and fly them half way around the world to a place of sever civil unrest, just to show them where God walked and talked. I only say this, that Father Buckner has more love and care in his heart for young people then i have ever meet before. And so I remember the cell of Jesus in Jersualum where Jesus was also testified against 2000 years ago, and his words that whatever they did to him, they will also do to us and I draw courage from that memory, becasue I know that it was shown to me by God’s servant, and i have hope for the world and the true servants of God, who truely follow in His footsteps.
I don’t even know how to put into words what I’m thinking or feeling during this difficult time. My husband and I became members of St. Veronica’s before we were married. We were both born Catholic, but wandered from our faith over the years. We began searching for a church to call “home” and found St. V’s to be the most welcoming. Fr. Buckner and Fr. Pollard were the reasons we kept coming back. The parish is strong and we feel like we’re part of a family when we’re there. We’ve since married and welcomed two beautiful twin babies. Both Fr. Pollard and Fr. Buckner walked us through the difficulties of conceiving and offered words of support. I trust Fr. Buckner whole-heartedly and feel comfortable when confessing to him. I don’t believe in my heart that he is capable of the things that he has been accused of. The young man/woman who is has levied these accusations needs our prayers. That is what I have learned through my faith. It is difficult, but I will do it, nonetheless. My heart aches for Fr. Buckner. I pray that the truth comes out and that he is cleared. We will always support him.
I am a faithful Catholic, very much in love with the Church. I have some understanding of clergy sexual abuse, and I would like to share a few ideas.
I do not know anything about Father B. except what I have read here, therefore I have no inclination personally as to whether the allegations are true or false.
When a parish first hears of a accusations against a pastor/priest, the reaction of parishioners is always astonishment and disbelief. In many instances of abuse, families have intimately known a priest for ten to twenty years before they learn that their own child was abused.
The overwhelming majority of children do not tell their parents that they were abused, even if asked directly. It is helpful to have someone other than a parent such as an older brother, sister, aunt or uncle ask. The children are more likely to be honest when not answering to a parent, even in a homeschooling-type family that communicates well. There are many reasons for this: embarrasment, fear, etc., and in the case of slightly older children (10-13 years) guilt because of pleasure involved and for having “allowed” it to continue.
Victims and families of victims need our prayers equally as much as accused priests. Their suffering endured cannot possibly be understood except by those who have endured it personally. As an example, in Kansas five of one priest’s victims (all boys) committed suicide. Five boys. Five sons of mothers. One priest. Clergy sexual abuse is no small suffering on the part of victims and their mothers.
Something to think about might be that we, as members of the Mystical Body of Christ, are just that, a body. And as is the case of an injury to a human body, sometimes one member will suffer for the sake of the healing of another. May I suggest that even in the case of innocent priests who are accused, perhaps their suffering can be offered for the healing of true victims and their families, as Christ Who was not guilty, bore the suffering of the guilty for the sake of man.
Finally may I implore your consideration of the grave suffering of mothers and fathers whose sons and daughters were molested, raped and sodomized by members of the clergy. Even an accusation against or imprisonment of a holy, innocent priest is nothing in comparison to the loss of the soul of an eight year old boy, who left the Church because of the memory of having been sodomized repeatedly over the course of five years, some of those abuses occurring in front of the Tabernacle. Or the mother who still grieves on account of her daughter who was raped by Father O’Grady at the age of nine months. (True accounts.)
I write this in earnest, not to upset anyone who reads this beautiful blog, but rather to give a voice to the small innocents who need our prayers and our love just as much as all priests. It is easy for us to close our eyes to the hideousness that has occurred, and as a mother myself it can be very hard to imagine the terrors endured by so many children.
May I encourage readers of this blog to watch the newly released DVD, “Deliver Us From Evil”. It certainly is not a perfect documentary, as some of it criticizes the heirarchy of the Church. But I do believe it is important to see this from the perspective of the innocent victims who suffer every day from their abuse endured twenty years ago.
My prayers are certainly with all of you for Father B. If he is indeed innocent of the charges against him, what a beautiful cross he has been given from above for the sanctification of so many!
God bless all of you. In Christ,
Kristen
I am one of Fr. Buckner’s students at CDU. I have only met Fr. Buckner one time in person. All of my other correspondence with him has been via email.
My take on him is that while he is direct in his method of communication, he also is full of love. I recently botched up an assignment. He wrote a long letter telling me what was wrong with it and why it was wrong. He also made nice comments on what was right. He then gave me the opportunity to resubmit the assignment. I am a perfectionist and the thought of failure is difficult for me so receiving his comments might have made me feel terrible if I had not known that Fr. Buckner is truly interested in his students. I knew from his letter that he wanted me to understand the information, and that this was not just a grade. He is always kind in his communications. His love for the Lord and his desire to share it with everyone overflows in what he writes and how he writes it.
I am moved to tears by the many loving things I have read here about Fr. Buckner. My prayers are with him and the accuser and all involved. I look forward to the day he will return to CDU as my teacher.
Not having known Father Buckner personally or even for very long, I do not have any real story to add to the already present and very beautiful testaments to this shepherd’s clearly fervent efforts to feed Christ’s flock. What I do know about him is his commitment to helping others getting to where God is calling them. I just recently enrolled at Catholic Distance University and it was a long and lengthy process of constant discernment, prayer, scheduling, prayer, re-scheduling, prayer, and re-scheduling yet again, in order to be able to continue in my classes at a local community college while starting at CDU. And of course in the midst of all of this I had a barrage of questions to ask the staff at CDU, which over time became mostly directed to Father Buckner. He was always quick to respond and to encourage my ongoing questions about CDU and my ongoing discernment about whether or not to attend classes. He always had wonderful insights to offer me on my journey of self-discovery and never once gave off any indication of annoyance or impatience with my never ending email inquiries! I hope that one day he will be able to grace CDU with a triumphant return, and I will be praying for his ongoing faith and healing in the midst of what is surely a trying ordeal.
I am enrolled in the Masters program at Catholic Distance University (CDU) and have recently completed three courses in a row (“Jesus Christ: God, Man & Savior” and “Sacraments I and II”),all of which were authored by Father Buckner. I took these courses in the “paper-based” format, meaning that I studied independently at my own pace with Father Buckner as my one-on-one tutor.
I have profited so much from these courses. Beyond knowledge itself, Father Buckner enriched my spiritual life, and encouraged me in my studies. Throughout these courses, his passionate devotion to Our Lord Jesus Christ was abundantly evident.
When I misunderstood the key concepts in one essay assignment, Father called me up on the telephone, provided guidance, and offered me the opportunity to resubmit the essay. This was an unprecedented experience for me–having a professor who cared so much about his student that he would call the student on the telephone.
He was an outstanding teacher and provided detailed comments on each assignment; and through his tutelage over a period of many months, I drew very close to Our Lord. Thank you, Father Buckner.
Through his courses, I came to know Father Buckner well and indeed came to regard him as both professor and friend. His dedication to Christ and personal holiness were always clearly evident. I am confident that Father Christopher Buckner would never engage in inappropriate behavior with a minor.
My prayers are with Father Buckner and with his accuser. May the Holy Spirit be with those in charge who will decide Father’s fate. It would be a tragedy for our Church to lose the ministry of this holy man. I pray for Father’s speedy return to CDU and to active ministry. He is dearly missed. God bless you, Father Buckner. Cathy
I’d like to agree with the comments of Kristen above.
We should certainly pray for Fr Buckner. This blog is a good idea. But surely it should be about praying both for him and for the alleged victim (whatever the truth of the matter).
I would seriously counsel against the idea with writing in with all of the ‘good news stories’ about his work – they are absolutely irrelevant to the case and could make it look like the Church defending its own again, and not being willing to listen seriously to claims of wrongdoing.
In my view, we should absolutely avoid making any judgments one way or the other, no matter what we think we know about him.
I’m sure Fr Buckner is offering up this time of trial. And many priests – even bishops and cardinals who have had false accusations made against them have been able to return to their duties exonerated. Others who have been falsely accused have truly shared in the sufferings of Christ, and will share in the reward he offers.
But there are real victims out there and they shouldn’t be forgotten.
While I understand your point, Magda, the purpose of this blog as listed at the top of this posting is:
* It is an outward sign of our support for Fr. Buckner.
* Those who are praying for Fr. Buckner can make their intentions known.
* People can testify to Fr. Buckner’s reputation as a priest, friend, confessor, Holy Land trips, or whatever might come to mind.
* This can be a public place to state emphatically that the allegations against Fr. Buckner are entirely disconsonant with the priest we have known for years and grown to love.
Let’s make clear the rest as well:
This blog is in support of Father Buckner. We ask those visiting to please pray for Fr. Buckner and his accuser, the Arlington Diocese, His Eminence Bishop Paul Loverde, and the Church as a whole. Friends of Fr. Buckner have organized this site on our own accord.
That’s a lot of praying to do… and all the expressions of prayer and support for Father Buckner are in no way a sign that we should not be prayerful towards others involved, either directly or indirectly.
Rather, the Church is suffering. Expressions of disbelief, sadness, or prayer may not be as all-inclusive as we’d like, but nonetheless we should read everything here with a spirit of charity. Pray for the Church.
I will and have prayed for Fr. Buckner. John
Dear prayforfatherbuckner,
I am sorry if my comments may have caused problems here. I see clearly the good of those who write here in support of Father Buckner, and realize the intention of this blog is for all, including the accuser and the Church at large. Thank you for that.
I only meant in my comment to encourage supporters to remain objective and to dissuade people from making absolute statements, such as “We will *always* support him.” Or, he “would *never* do anything contrary to the teachings of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Or “The evil that is in this world is striking out at one of God’s greatest servants right now.”
Statements like these make it very difficult for innocent victims to come forth, for fear that they will be called liars, or “evil” as in the case above. Then twenty years later when they do step forward, it is questioned of them, “Why did you not tell anyone years ago?”
I realize that as someone who does not know father personally, it is easy for me to be objective. I imagine if I knew him as many of you, particularly with knowledge of his study under Fr. Hardon and his love of Latin and his love of the saints, it would indeed be difficult for me to remain objective. My hope is that all here will indeed do as you say, approaching the situation with charity for all involved – for Father and his accuser.
I agree that we should pray for victims of sexual abuse no matter who the perpetrators may be. Those who perpetrate such crimes are monsters and should be dealt with to the full extent of the law. I also have experience with victims of sexual abuse – one by a member of the clergy. My heart breaks for them. I also believe there are many support groups and blogs which allow folks to voice their concern and compassion for these victims. Although the creators of this blog do ask for prayers for the accuser (as does Fr. Buckner), the intent of this blog is certainly not to support the notion that Fr. Buckner is “guilty until proven innocent” – which is exactly what those who have no clue about who he is are insinuating. He has rights, too, but it seems to me, they’ve been clearly violated. Kristen claims she has some understanding of clergy sexual abuse. Well, I happen to have experience with clergy who have been falsely accused. Why can’t we, who know Fr. B well, use words like “he would never” or we will “always” support him. Fr. Buckner needs our support, love and prayers. HE IS INNOCENT!! He has not been proven otherwise! Wouldn’t you use the same language in defense of your own brother, uncle, son, or dear friend?? Does anyone fully understand the toll this process takes on an innocent priest’s emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being?? They don’t ever really recover. And for anyone to automatically assume that even after a priest who has been falsely accused is restored to his full ministry or duties once he has been exonerated is just naive. It doesn’t always happen. And even if a priest is restored to full faculties his life is changed forever.
I will continue to pray for ALL involved in this case as well as the entire body of Christ.
Dear msfitz,
[Does anyone fully understand the toll this process takes on an innocent priest’s emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being?? They don’t ever really recover.]
I certainly do understand your concerns, and they are ligitimate. Keep in mind, I am not suggesting anyone assume Father is guilty. On the contrary, I only ask that people, whether supportive of Father or not, try to remain objective, for the sake both of innocent priests and true victims. I did address this in my first comment here, suggesting that perhaps in the case of an innocent priest who is accused, what a beautiful cross he can embrace for the salvation of souls lost through having been victims of clergy sexual abuse. The “emotional, psychological and spiritual” damage for these innocent victims is far greater than the suffering of an innocent priest, for these young ones lose their very faith – far more valuable than a damaged reputation.
Padre Pio was accused of deceiving believers through “false” stigmata and other contrived miracles. When his believers tried to publicly proclaim his innocence, he shouted “Get behind me Satan.” wanting only to embrace the accusations as a a gift from God. An heroic example, yes, but perhaps an example innocent priests can imitate for the sake of souls lost through real clergy abuse.
Lastly, I do know well a priest I deem to be very holy who was accused and removed from ministry. He did not fight the accusations. And I don’t defend his innocence at all costs. Perhaps some would consider this a tragedy. I say it is a great tribute to love of the Cross, and will merit him great glory in heaven for his having embraced his suffering with the joy of Christ. (His name is Father Donald J. McGuire, S.J. – one of Mother Teresa’s regular confessors)
I hope you might consider some of these thoughts. I am still praying for all involved in this current tragedy. God bless you.
Kristen Laurence
No one writing comments to this blog has suggested that Fr Buckner is ‘guilty until proven innocent’, quite the contrary and attacking those asking for balance for doing that is unfair.
This website is not displaying an appropriate level of balance. Leaving in the text of a comment removed from a newspaper website very quickly is, as someone else has pointed out, doing no favors to Fr Buckner. Moreover, the author(s) of this blog, as catholics, ought to be able to see for themselves the implications of repeating and perpetuating a calumny (or detraction).
It is true that the process now in place to deal with accusations of this type places the good of the Church over the good of the individual priest concerned. I think we should all be able to understand the reasons for that and accept it prayerfully no matter how much we feel for the individual concerned.
My earlier comment suggested that if found innocent, a priest can resume his duties. I didn’t – naively or otherwise – suggest that the experience wouldn’t change the person concerned. On the contrary, God allows us to suffer trials that we grow closer to him as a result. Kristen’s comments about the model offered by some of the great saints is I think a very good one. St Phillip Neri is another example of this.
At the same time, the point made earlier that no matter what we think we might know about someone, the reality can turn out to be very different is absolutely true – as I’ve learnt the hard way from personal experience in this area. Pray for sure, but keep an open mind.
We must not presume goodwill coming form the Chancery and Bishop Loverde. This bishop has a history of persecuting orthodox priests. The list of priests he has persecuted includes Fathers Haley, Gould, Bork, De Celles, Ziegler, Clark, Violette, Carr, Duesterhuas, Riley, Pakorski to name a few. Others have gotten out this vindictive bishop’s way. They include Fathers Pilon, Carr, Mode and others. Other good priests have taken early retirement to avoid his machinations.
This bishop and his chancery have coached—yes coached—witnesses to sully priests. This bishop has promulgated press releases and letters to parishioners specifically designed to tarnish the reputation of these good men.
As we consider the case of Father Buckner – whom I know to be a good man and excellent servant of God – we need to reflect that his own bishop very likely set up the circumstances to defame him. All our orthodox priests are at risk while this bishop in charge.
He brought me into the church. He heard my first confession at age 32. My heart was pounding, I was so scared, and he put me at ease and absolved me of my sins. He helped peel the scales from my (formerly Evangelical) eyes about the Bible, and sola Scriptura, holding the Bible up by its corner and saying, “THIS is not the word of God,” and my brain spun around; then he gestured with his hand, like words falling from his lips, “THIS is the WORD OF GOD,” meaning it is to be read and *heard.* Wow.
My family was crushed when our parish priest verbally and emotionally abused our sick, depressed, suicidal daughter. No, you can’t know everyone inside and out. Someone who was in our home for several years before her crisis hit, someone we trusted *implicitly* to help her — only to see and hear the most ruinous comments out of his mouth. He was reported by us twice to Bishop Loverde’s office. We were told to go to a different church, which we’d been doing for months.
Point being — there are so few now I’d swear that I know, so few I’d stick my neck out and defend. Yet Fr. Buckner is one I will still uphold and honor, praying that some horrible mistake has been made. I agree that orthodox priests in this diocese can be called on the carpet very quickly by this bishop. As a convert, I am still learning the “system,” and it’s not much different than the one I left behind — terribly political. That is my experience and my family’s after the catastrophic episode we endured.
This website is here to give him support. Having had a child of mine suffer at the hands of a priest, I knew only too well that the accuser needs prayer. Time will tell, as it always does. God keep and protect the innocent and may God have mercy on whomever abuses the truth.
Father Buckner is a total CREEP!!!! I had my confirmation interview with this NUT. He turned off all the light except one spolightlight he put on me. The entire situation was WEIRD. These allegations are NO SURPRISE to me!
I’m not sure if abandoning a trusted friend during his hour of need is a tragedy, however, it is biblical! How many apostles were at the foot of the cross when Jesus hung dying?
Although I do believe previous comments were well intentioned, who are we to judge how burdensome someone else’s cross is compared to others? We can’t know that. And who are we to compare how Our Lord is working in an individual’s life to how he has worked in the lives of others who have had their own crosses to bear? Isn’t it rather presumptuous?
It is also obvious that some who have posted comments have not had the benefit of Fr. B’s lesson on God’s active will vs. His permissive will. How unfortunate. It’s my understanding that residents from all over the world – including southern California – are able to enroll in online courses at CDU. Only now they would miss out on the teachings of one of the brightest theologians and biblical scholars in the world.
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:42-44
I would like to thank the creators of this blog for giving those of us who really do know Fr. Buckner (some for many years) and who actually are familiar with the Arlington Diocese the opportunity, like God’s angel, to strengthen him by our words of love and support.
After all this is why the blog was created, n’est pas? Objectively speaking, of course.
We should presume “goodwill” coming from our Bishop — and nothing less. Remember what Neumann said, to “pray for the Church” regardless.
I support Father Buckner with a whole heart, and will pray for him and for all those involved.
It is heartwarming for me to see so many Catholics praying and offering mortifications for Father Bucker, Bishop Loverde, all those involved in the investigation, and the accuser. Let’s all keep it up. I trust that God our Lord will not let injustice prevail here.
I do not know Father Buckner well, but I have received the grace of the sacraments through his priestly apostolate. I have listened to dozens of his homilies and watched his interaction with parishoners young and old. What I have witnessed is a committed, pure priest of Jesus Christ. He preaches the gospels like very few. If, as I anticipate, this investigation turns up nothing, we need him back in the diocese!
I wonder if any of us could defend ourselves against accusations about something horrible that allegedly happened MORE THAN A DECADE ago?!? How does one defend himself against such a thing?
By the way, I hope no one thinks my attitude is one of leniency toward sexual predators in our Catholic sacristies. I was horrified, but grateful, to hear the Holy Father Pope Benedict speak so clearly about the need to clean out the “wave of filth” in the Church soon after our beloved Pope John Paul II died and went to heaven. We, laity, priests, and bishops, let this mess go on far too long when there were ample signs that those predators were preying on children and doing such grave harm to souls. Some of these predators need the drill and blowtorch. Enough said.
One final statement. I want to be crystal clear on something else. It has been asserted in this blog that “we need to reflect that his own bishop very likely set up the circumstances to defame [Father Buckner].” The notion that our spiritual father, Bishop Loverde, “set up” these accusations against Father Buckner is an outrage. (I would use stronger language if ladies did not frequent this site!) It is unsubstantiated, almost certainly absolutely false and indeed, a grave violation of the eighth (and probably also the fourth) commandment. Our bishops are in need of our prayers, obedience, and Christian charity, not this shameless innuendo and gossip. Having often heard the genuine respect from the pulpit with which Father Buckner and the Pastor at St. Veronica’s have always referred to the Bishop, his apostolic authority, his pronouncements and guidelines, and his person, I am certain that Father Buckner would gladly give his very life to preserve our Bishop’s honor and would react with righteous indignation and anger if he read some of the comments in this blog about Bishop Loverde. And any other priest in our diocese that has spoken badly of his bishop does not deserve to wear the collar and should himself go running to confession and beg our Lord for forgiveness.
Again, let us pray that this horrible incident is quickly brought to a close so that Father Buckner can return to his ministry.
What we don’t want to happen is for Satan to use this tragedy to incite us to sin against one another. We need not make accusatory statements against the bishop nor against one another. We DO need to pray for the accuser, his family, Fr. B. and all those touched by this horrible injustice (including ourselves). We do not know why Fr. B. is called to suffer in this way at this time. We do not know what troubles his accuser has known either. In any case, they all need prayers. We need to be united in that cause.
A note about objectivity. The objective judicial stance is: “innocent before PROVEN guilty”. To hold any other form of “objectivity” is not to be objective, but to be biased. The accuser bears the burden of proof.
The biggest problem in the handling of accusations against priests in this country is that guilt is assumed/suspected by most people (especially the media and victim support/advocacy groups) and that for the protection of the priest and the congregations, the accussed’s life is turned upside down–innocent or not. This has serious, permanent lasting effects.
It seems a little far too easy to “applaud” the suffering of the innocent accused others being given the gift of this terrible cross. The eternal spiritual merits may indeed be immense, but the human and present spiritual, emotional, and psychological suffering is incomprehensibly grueling for them. Count yourself fortunate not to be in the same position.
But for the Grace of God go any one of us in this overly litigious society. Pray you are not given the gift of a similar cross.
Excuse me, I should have proofread a little better.
The objective judicial stance is “innocent until PROVEN guilty.”
Bad poster.
I would like to offer my testimony both as a survivor of sexual crime and abuse and as a personal acquaintence of Fr. Buckner.
I am a survior of sexual crime and abuse (incidents both in childhood and as an adult), and like others who have dealt personally with these issues, I have an abuser/abused “radar.” Simply put there are people who just give you the creeps or the willies or just flat out make your skin crawl. It is a sixth sense of sorts that we survivors have–whether you’ve dealt with your issues from the abuse or not.
Many abusers are people pleasers–in order to control and manipulate (public opinion and/or their victims). Anyone who has known or worked around Fr. Buckner knows he has never suffered from the desire to please anyone for their good opinion of himself (“I sing for spite,” indeed)–except God Almighty.
Having worked with and been around Fr. Buckner closely for over five years and having chaperned a youth pilgrimage to the Holy Land with him, I can duly attest I have NEVER sensed, seen, felt, heard, or otherwise observed ANY innappropriate behavior with ANYONE (children, teens or adults).
While Fr. Buckner can be gruff and terse at times (which has earned him a few detractors who didn’t stick aroud to really get to know him–of which I was almost one), he’s one of the most holy, humble, faithful (and brilliant) priests I’ve ever met (and I’ve worked in a lot of churches). He isn’t perfect, but he is no abuser. Of this I am 100% sure. . . no, 200%+ sure.
A great injustice has been wrought here–I would stake my eternal life on it. Fr. Buckner’s life has been turned upside down and he’s lost nearly everything–including his reputation–and potentially his life’s work. Though the incredible loss is obvious in his voice, he doesn’t mention it. He only asks for prayers for his accuser.
Although the accuser probably feels these things to be true, he is either misremembering or misinterpreting or fabicating these “memories” (not a “first” among victims). In any case this person is greatly disturbed and suffering and is in need of our prayers, too.
Let us pray for them both in this dark night.
(Yes, like me, most survivors of abuse have a “fire in the belly” for the protection of the innocent as well as a deep empathy for those who have had their innocence taken from them–which would be both Fr. Buckner and his accuser in this case.)
I definitely had a feeling that something was not right when it comes to this priest.
No one knows whether or not he is guilty or innocent. We don’t care how long you’ve known him, what you love about him, or that you think he could never do such a thing. Obviously people didn’t know when the alleged sexual abuse happened because it is a SECRET- he would not have bragged about it to anyone. in almost every sexual/rape case, after those who find out about the incident that knew the perpetrator, there are always people who say “we suspected nothing.” So don’t assume anything. It definitely is possible that it happened.. why would anyone make that up about a priest? just because you go to his church services and think you personally know him doesn’t mean you would know if he was abusing adolescents on the side. Keep this in mind if he is proven guilty.
Vanessa, you are right that there is something “not right” with Fr. Buckner, however, it isn’t what you may think and has nothing whatsoever to do with sexual abuse or misconduct.
You see, I’m more than just someone who “goes to his church.” He actually hasn’t been assigned to a parish for years due to a medical condition (which is part of what is “not right” about him–but since he never talks about it you wouldn’t know he was physically ill). In the past I worked with him daily…for years. In addition, because of his medical condition, I’ve spent hours upon hours alone with him driving him places and visiting as well as working. (He wisely has always kept a certain distance in all his relationships with laity.) Heck, I’ve gone toe-to-toe with him on a couple of occasions. I’ve seen him at his best and at his worst. Believe me when I tell you, he’s a sinner like you and me, but there isn’t an ounce of sexual abuser in him. Not even an ounce.
Father is an intellectual. He’s a deep thinker, a brilliant theologian and at times gets caught up in thought (which physicalizes as a blank stare, and may be what you are sensing as “not right”). Don’t judge the book by it’s cover. He’s a glacier, not an ice cube, and you and I won’t know or even think about a tenth of what he has.
While I now count him as a dear friend, for the first few of months I worked with him, like you, I didn’t care for him much. (Something I’ve told him personally.) He’s not a “touchy feely” kind of person. At times he can be very terse or harsh verbally–something I have come to attribute to a combination of his medication, the extenuating effects of his illness, his New York City heritage and his humanity. Yes, he is (all priests are) human and he (they) gets frustrated and angry like the rest of us. Big deal.
Sure, Fr. Buckner won’t win an ordinary popularity contest, because he’s not out to make anyone feel good (especially if it’s only to improve their opinion of him)–nor is he out to hurt anyone, he’s just a straight shooter whose only goal is to get to Heaven and to get all souls to Heaven through the Sacraments and true knowledge and practice of the Faith.
Despite a rough start, over time I came to appreciate and eventually love Fr. Buckner (“warts” and all) because of his faithfulness and daily living out the Faith–and his big, compassionate heart. Here’s a guy who quietly and humbly walks the talk. That’s also part of what’s “not right” about him–he’s counter cultural.
Frankly I’d rather have an occasionally terse, but faithful priest than a friendly dissenting priest any day.
I’ll say it again, Fr. Buckner is one of the most holy priests I’ve ever met. Thank you, God, for Father Buckner!
Why would someone wrongly accuse Fr. Buckner? Here are some possibilities, based on past documented false accusations in crimes:
(Keep in mind that I am a survivor of sexual abuse and crime, so I do not say any of this lightly. If I didn’t know Father Buckner so well personally for so long, I probably would look on his case with a jaundiced eye, too, because my heart goes out first to anyone who has suffered from abuse. Been there, done that.)
If the person is actually a victim of abuse:
1) Mis-remembering. It wasn’t Fr. B. who abused them, but for some reason the victim has placed him as the abuser. (Perhaps the victim didn’t get along with Fr. B. and now the person is mixing memories [real and imagined]).
2) Misinterpreting. The person’s perception of whatever took place is not the same as what actually happened. The person could have an “inflated” perception or memory about the event. Emotions and personal “filters” play the biggest factors in mis-interpretation of events. (We’re going through this phenomenon now with a family member–and to them their memory is THE truth, although the rest of the family knows it to be different. The mind is powerful.)
3) False memories. There are numerous cases of “false memories” documented in psychological and legal journals. And a number of television programs have talked about it (there was a time when it was first discovered that this was happening in therapy that a bunch of news programs did stories on the phenomenon). These “memories” come out during therapy. They seem real and feel real to the person, but they didn’t really happen.
or, and I sincerely hope this is not the case…
If the person is not a victim of abuse:
4) Fabrication. The person is actually lying–making it all up. Possibly to get in on the “deep pockets” of the lawsuit bandwagon. Or possibly this is a way to “pay Father back” (or pay “the Church” back) for some perceived wrong–they simply have an axe to grind. Or a combination of both.
Any of these (any combination of these) is a possibility. And three of the four do not implicate any intentional wrong-doing on the part of the accuser.
In any case I know two things for sure: Father Buckner didn’t abuse anyone, and the accuser is suffering inside and needs healing. Both of them need our prayers.
I see your point, and fortunately for me I am not a victim of abuse but I do know that not ONE person knows whether Buckner has an ounce of ’sexual abuser’ in him because you don’t know his thoughts. A sexual abuser is not going to say to you, “Hey Susan, I thought about touching this person a certain way and decided to go through with it” even if you have known him for years.
One question- Has it been specified whether this ‘misconduct with a minor’ is physical or sexual? Is it possible that Father Buckner punched or hurt a minor in some other manner that is not sexual?
Also, obviously, yes the vicitim could be fabricating the truth, it is a possibility. But how are you going to automatically rule out Father Buckner just because you think you know him? What if someone told you they just thought you were making it up when you said you were a victim of sexual abuse?
I think the purpose of this website is to offer charitable support to both the victim and Father Buckner … not to get caught in the speculation of who did or did not do something. We are called to seek justice, and justice comes from Truth. And the only truth we can find, being outsiders, is in the Lord. Let’s keep it to prayers, please.
Could we also add some others to our prayers whose lives have also been injured by this situation?
Fr. M. Pollard
Fr. B.’s two sisters
The CDU faculty who have taken over Fr. B’s classes
Thanks, everyone.
I have been writing to Fr. B. about every two weeks just to let him know that he, his accuser, and everyone impacted remain in my prayers. I don’t know if he has received the letters or not, but I hope he knows there are many people praying for God’s mercy and justice.
Please consider the following prayer for the glorification of Fr. John Hardon. Fr. Buckner worked closely with Fr. Hardon and some of us have been praying this prayer for a quick and just resolution to the case.
We thank you, O Lord! for having blessed
your Church with the untiring service of
your priest, John Hardon.
May he, from heaven, continue his mission
and obtain for us the strength and the
intelligence to proclaim and defend the
truth with genuine fidelity to the Catholic
Faith and the charity he drew from the
Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Grant us, we pray, the favors we ask
through his intercession and raise him to
the honors of the altar. Amen.
Thank you for that prayer, Darby! What a blessing. I’ve been looking for my prayer card with it on it, but haven’t been able to find it. Yes, let us invoke the intercession of Fr. Hardon and Pio Nono for healing, justice and mercy (and whatever else is necessary).
Does anybody know when we can expect some more actual FACTS?
Not yet… patience… this is an inquiry, not a trial.
And Fr. Buckner always warned about praying for patience…that it only comes with suffering. How the years since then have proven that to be true in my life and in his.
God bless and keep all those involved.
I never knew Father Buckner, but am praying for him and the accuser. I noticed that comment 22 mentions some persecuted priests. Most seem to be currently active in the diocese. I was intrigued seeing Father Violette’s name on the list. He left St. Michael’s under very mysterious circumstances. Does anybody know what that was all about?
I have known Fr. Chris since the 2nd Grade at St. Joseph Elementary School in NYC. His mother (rest her soul) was my 2nd grade teacher. He was the Altar Boy Moderator and Master of Ceremonies for a number of years at the same parish. He came to my defense when I was about to be denied the rank of Eagle Scout because the merit badge counselors were not active at the time of my application (although active and valid at the time the badges were completed). When he was ordained, he celebrated his first Mass there and I was the his MC. He was the celebrant at my wedding. Although I have not seen him for a number of years, but I cannot thank him enough for all that he did for me.
Although the accusation deals with inappropriate behavior, knowing Fr. Chris, I believe that this is a misinterpretation of some action — an innocent pat on the back, a big goofy hug, a bad joke.
I pray for him, for his accuser and for those who are investigating this matter — that they examine the facts in an honest manner without prejudging.
I pray for all of us.
Joseph
I was a student of Father Buckner at CDU for several years. He taught me sacramental theology and Latin. I learned more about my faith from him than from any other teacher during the course of my studies.
I pray for a swift conclusion to this investigation and that justice be done. If Fr. is innocent of these charges (as I believe he is), let us pray that his accuser repents as well. Sad to say, the damage to Fr’s reputation has already been accomplished.
I pray for Fr. Buckner and his accuser. I am sorry to hear that the Diocese also engages in bad politics. Just like a good lawyer can make an honest man look like crook, Bishop Loverde might make Fr. Buckner appear to be unholy. If this be the case, then the Bishop is really the unholy one and should step down from the pulpit.
Fr. Buckner and I hit it off real well – we were both from New York City. As you can tell, I will always stand by another New Yorker because we are no-nonsense folks.
Only he, his accuser, and the Good Lord know what truly happened. Let us pray that the Truth will prevail!
Reading these posts and having known Father Buckner for several years, I am becoming concerned that a ridiculous injustice is being done. The announcement during Mass with the phrase “inappropriate conduct with a minor” certainly causes one to think of the pedophilia scandals of the past decades, but the only matter mentioned apparently is an incident of shaking a young person at a funeral. That seems consistent with Father Buckner: passionate for the things of the faith and abrupt.
Father Buckner is living out a beatitude: “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5: 11-12) Maybe Father Buckner made an incautious prayer, and in answering it God will bring a great grace to all of us. But what awaits the instruments of Father Buckner’s persecution?
My wife tells me that I was mistaken in thinking that the only allegation against Father Buckner was some incident involving Father Buckner at a funeral some years ago. Apparently, Father Specht said there was an accusation of touching through clothing. Of course, I don’t know the truth or falsehood of any accusation, but I’ll continue pray for all involved. I remain confident both in Father Buckner and that God’s Will will be done through all of this.
I’d also like to make clear my confidence in our Bishop. Truly, the Bishops are the Church’s most direct link to Jesus Christ, and we pray for and honor Bishop Loverde.
Even though I am a survivor of childhood abuse by a priest and have never met Fr. Buckner, I don’t believe the accusations. I’ve seen too many other anti-LC priests on the receiving end of false innuendo, too. The next time you hear an accusation against a priest, ask, “Does the priest dislike the Legion of Christ?” and “Is the accuser involved with Regnum Christi in any way?” It’s their M.O.
The truth will come out.
As for comment 35, don’t discount all recovered memories. I know of one that is true.
Lets all keep Fr. Buckner in our prayers this Advent season.
I went to Mass this evening and was struck at the number of people in attendance who I know to be truly hurting in important aspects of their lives. The difficulties they confront are diverse: from a woman who has suffered the tragedy of divorce and now has a son failing in school, another who has recently separated from her husband, still others with children in Iraq, young people mired in loneliness, and yes, my own complaints…
The one common denominator is that all of these people had been faithful Catholics before their particular problems, could have responded, I suppose, by rejecting the Church or God for “letting them down”. Nevertheless, these grace filled souls keep returning and earnestly imploring Our Lord for the Gift of His Grace. It is truly moving.
May God Bless all of those suffering, whether physically or mentally, in particular for Father and for a speedy and just resolution to his tragic situation.
Amen. Jesus, we trust in You.
Jesus said you tell a tree bit its fruits. Yes, there are “falsely orthodox” priests, like the former Society of St. John in PA (exception that proves the rule: homosexual radtrads who’d been kicked out of the SSPX for homosexuality, then rejected by the Fraternity of St Peter, so they found a sympathetic bishop and started their own order) and the Legionairres (just plain creepy).
Now, I’ll admit that my wife’s late, “eccentric” uncle said there were rumors about Fr. Buckner touching altar boys. He was always dismissed as the “crazy uncle,” but most of what he said was true. Although, saying that there are *rumors* of it is not the same thing as saying it’s true.
However, in his pastoral work, Fr. Buckner was a true pastor, completely orthodox, and not willing to back down to anyone. Yes, like Mother Angelica, St. Jerome and many others, he had a bad temper. But even st. Thomas Aquinas went after the hooker with the fire prong!
There was the “infamous” “incident” where he cussed out the person for singing something from _Les Miserables_ at a funeral (he’d previously denied them permission, and they did it anyway).
There was the “infamous” incident where he told my wife’s rich, pro-choice, Democrat aunt (“I’m not pro-abortion; I’m pro-life ;I just think abortion is necessary for stupid girls”) that she was no longer welcome at his parish.
There was also the only homily I ever heard him give, when I was visiting during our engagement (my wife grew up in Fredericksburg). Fr. Buckner had just been transferred, and was saying good bye (at the time, people questioned why he was removed as pastor, and suggested some inappropriate behavior).
He *apologized* to anyone he’d hurt with his temper!
I have known priests who preached heresy from the altar. I’ve known priests who’ve engaged in public, inappropriate relationships with nuns or laity. Priests who engaged in malicious campaigns to hurt parishioners they didn’t like. Priests who were drunks. Priests who went to movies with openly gay parishioners.
None of them ever stood on the altar and said, “I have sinned. I have scandalized you. And I am sorry.”
But Fr. Buckner, so maligned by left-leaning parishioners, despte all the good he did for the parish (including huge numbers of converts every year), stood at the altar and said, “I know I have a temper, and I know I’ve offended some people, and they’ve stopped coming to church because of me. Please come back when I’m gone.”
That took humility such as I have never seen.
I’ve known many bad priests; I’ve known many wonderful priests.
But I’ve never seen any other priest show that kind of sincere humility and repentance from the altar.
That means something.
There are some that would have us remember or consider the anonymous person who levied these charges against a man that all evidence shows is a good man. The accuser has remained anonymous so, therefore, we need not worry ourselves about the turmoil the accuser has faced. The accuser is still unknown. The accuser has faced, with all due respect, any turmoil.
What is known is this. Be it not for opportunistic lawyers and clients in search of their own riches, the Church would not sacrifice one of their own over this. The treatment of Father Buckner in this ordeal is nothing less than abominable. Is this the solution that former Governor Frank Keating of OK could come up with? While Bishops may have erred in the past in shuffling errant priests from the spotlight when there were such charges, this is worse. We immediately assume any priest, even a good priest, guilty or worse, unworthy because the priest has been accused. We say, even if the priest is not guilty, we have to safeguard the purse so better to run the priest out of priesthood to protect the coffers. For those that say this is not all about money, its about money. So to not appear as though Bishops want to discourage such accusers, even if the allegation is unproven, the priest, for all intents and purposes, is finished. I note that one commenter said something like, even if Father Buckner is innocent, how great for him to bear this cross. Why? What purpose does bearing this cross serve?
I submit the Chruch and its flock needs to find another way of handling these sort of things. Authorities should be notified immediately and appropriate investigations can begin. I further submit that there is no interest in publicizing unsubstantiated allegations for fear of liability of coverup. Bradcasting these very harmful unsubstantiated claims serves no purpose whatsoever but to further the myth that the majority of these men of God are malfeascent.
God be with Father Buckner and all of us.
I regret that it has taken me this long to locate this site. I immediately contacted the pastor at St Veronica’s to convey our support. My family and I have known Fr Buckner for over 20 years. We support hom with prayers and affection. He was an instructor and a great priest. I pray this cloud will be soon lifted.
It is wonderful to see this site and so many people joined together in support of a dedicate priest and a holy man. Since learning of these accusations last year, not a day has passed when i have not remembered Fr. Buckner in my prayers.
May God heal all involved and most importantly, restore the dignity and reputation of this fine man who has dedicated his life to God and God’s people.
We knew Fr. Buckner from when he arrived in Fredericksburg in 1992 until we moved to Colorado in 1994. We had the highest trust, esteem and confidence in his ability to be an alter Christus to our family and to the parish. The Good Father was at his best after, oh, 1100, but he was always an image of Christ to us and to all who knew him — many of whom would say he could be hard-nosed, but none of whom could doubt his sincerity and his model of Catholic priesthood.
We pray for him and we look forward to hearing his name cleared, Deo Gratia!
We continue to offer our prayers for Father Buckner, for his accuser, for their families and friends, and for all those in positions of authority who will render the final decisions. May these determinations be forthcoming very soon. Thy will be done, dear Lord. Jesus, we trust in You.
God bless you Father Buckner. I hope the end of this travesty is near and your vindication assured. For your sake, and for the sake of all the people who learned from your teachings and examples. I know you taught me plenty, and always with a smile and usually a joke. God bless you!
There hasn’t been a post here in a year and a half. One more priest just disappears from the face of the earth and is never heard from again and the people he served aren’t allowed to know anything about what happened.
Is this justice?
Excuse me, I meant there hasn’t been any word on Father for over a year and a half, but it’s actually closer to two years. I add my prayers to all those here that this case will soon be resolved. I’m not holding my breath though. Speedy justice seems to be an oxymoron in Church vocabulary.
I share Mary Ann’s eagerness to hear that there has been some resolution to this case. Why?
I knew Father Buckner — in fact, I served him when he worked for Father Salvatore Ciullo (now that man WAS guilty!) at the Church of Nativity in West Springfield, VA. I was an altar boy for several years at that parish during the 1980s.
To this day, Father Buckner remains one of my favorite priests. He was serious, but funny. While running the water in the sink inside the sacristy, he routinely played a joke on altar servers at Nativity that went something like this:
1. Fr. Buckner: “Knock knock”
2. Altar Server: “Who’s there?”
3. Fr. Buckner: John
4. Altar Server: John who?
5. Fr. Buckner: John the Baptist!!
Then Fr. Buckner would slap his hand through the running water, soaking the altar server. It was always funny, no matter how many times I saw it done (or had it done to me).
Moreover, Fr. Buckner was generous in his treatment of altar servers. One of the best measures of a priest’s generosity (or lack thereof) is how he treats an altar server who messes up a particular routine during mass. Unlike certain other priests (including Fr. Ciullo), Fr. Buckner never exposed an altar server for making a mistake, never criticized an altar server (me or another in my presence), and always went out of his way to make altar servers feel at ease when facing (and exposed to) hundreds of people while sitting at the front of the church.
I will also add this:
In general, one can say about sexual abusers of children that they exploit opportunities to spend time alone with children. In fact, they will usually seek to create such opportunities.
I can say this:
1. Father Buckner had many, many opportunities to be alone with me, and with other altar servers I served alongside. We were alone in the sacristy, including at times where we changed clothes — and it was not unusual for the priest and altar servers to be changing at the same time; we were alone during practices for mass, during preparation for tests about routines and equipment (ciboria, etc.) used during mass; and we were alone in the collection room after mass, while tallying up $$ received during collections.
2. Father Buckner never once behaved inappropriately with me or any other altar servers I knew. He didn’t touch us in any way that could be described as inapprpriate; he didn’t use inappropriate language — he was just warm, funny, and gracious.
I, too, grew up in Nativity Parish in Burke VA, when Father Buckner was an associate pastor there.
I never saw any abusive behavior on Father Buckner’s part.
Allow me to share what I did see. Father Buckner, during a time when most priests–at least to my adolescent mind–talked about being kind and nice–spoke with energy, clarity, and conviction about the truths of the Faith. On a CYO retreat, he courageously pointed out that there are indeed some moral absolutes. He clearly and patiently impressed on us the truth of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. In casual conversations with him, I learned of authors GK Chesterton and CS Lewis. Father Buckner inspired me with his reverence and devotion for the holy sacrifice of the Mass. He encouraged me to frequent Confession. He was patient with my questions.
For these things, I can never repay him.
Where is Fr. Buckner? Where is due process? Why has this not been resolved or taken to court yet?
I echo the words of Mary, where is Fr. Buckner? I have been following this website for 2 years and haven’t heard a word about his whereabouts. We knew Father back in the late 80’s at Nativity Church. I volunteered in the Church office for several years and I got to know Father. He was always a warm, generous, holy priest. He knew our two sons and they always spoke highly of him when he visited us in our home. They were teenagers at the time. We were a military family and moved several times. We always knew where Father was assigned and kept in touch at least at Christmas time. But ever since these accusations came out we haven’t heard a word from him. Maybe he’s not suppose to be in contact with people and that’s our loss. So Father if you are out there and see this website please know we are praying for you especially in this Year of the Priest! We hope this issue gets resolved soon. It should have been resoloved a long time ago. We need you back on the altar! God bless!
Who is this Father Buckner and why does this website exist?
For me Father Buckner was that once in a lifetime Priest who was able to bring Christ’s teachings to life every week. I have always felt blessed that my Wife and I were able to raise our Family largely during his tenure at St Mary’s .Father,s love of God and the Church were always there for anyone to see. Both of my sons travelled with Him to the Holy land, Both were alter servers for many years,Both loved Father Buckner.Our Family has always regarded him as a very Holy Man. When this scandal hit two years ago ,Parishioners were alerted at Mass, A meeting with representatives of the Bishop followed .A commitment to transparency was made. Unless I have missed something big there has been no news, no updates, no nothing. This is a man who means so much to so many, I will keep him and all involved in my prayers. If anyone knows of anything please post.I am sorry it took so long to find the blog.
Fr. Buckner,
You are missed more than you can imagine. I remember so fondly many of your sermons.
The one that still stands out in my mind was from Christmas eve at St. Veronica’s when we were stil in the Oak Hill Cafeteria. You spoke about all the ways CHrist’s prescence changed our human history, and left us to ponder, ‘even if you don’t believe he is the Son of God’ he has made a tremendous impact on humanity. It was a very powerful message. A beautiful message for Christmas.
You always brought your understanding of the Holy Land and it’s topography intoplay to help us understand the setting of the Gospel. You brought the Word to our daily life.
I miss you and hope you know you are in my thoughts and prayers, always,
Elise Forrester
St. John Neumann Parishoner
I do have a little bit of news about Father Buckner. I saw him at St. Veronica Parish a few weeks ago and spoke with him for a few minutes after Mass. He is still not permitted to say a public Mass, except for concelebrated Masses, with permission. In fact, Father did concelebrate the parish’s 10th anniversary Mass on Friday evening, August 14th, at St. Veronica. I have been told that he is working at the Divine Mercy mission in Manassas. He looked very well and in good spirits.
All the good priests are chastised without a hearing. Fr. Buckner was one of the best homilists I have ever heard..Fr. was at Nativity many yrs ag when I was a Parishioner there and taught CCd..I also took courses online at CDU and attended the CDU banquets..In my memory, Fr. was always a good holy and straight priest who told the truth as it is. May God be with him..also another friend of mine has disappeared..Fr. Clarke..Whatever happened to that most holy priest in the Diocese of Arlington?
My prayers for all of these persecuted priests.
Alexis:
Very good to hear that Fr. Buckner has been spotted!! I too miss his homilies. I also miss his plea to communicants that they get closer when they receive The Precious Body of Our Lord! Nobody like him!
At a time, when we are at war with our own culture, it is such a shame that Father Buckner is not allowed to give homilies. For he is one priest who is not afraid to speak the truth about contraception, in vitro fertilization, sins, hell as a reality, or any controversial topic. He is a priest who truly wants others to go to Heaven and be with Jesus. Please continue to pray for him. Make sacrifices for him. We Arlington Catholics need Father Buckner to hear our confessions. We need Father Buckner to teach us about how to get to Heaven. We need Father Buckner to offer the Sacrifice of the Mass in public!
Ann, so true – that’s how we know they are evil forces at work against this faithful priest (and those of us who would benefit from his direction).