The discussion regarding the invitation to prayer and penance extended by the Vatican to Fr. Maciel, founder of the Legionaries of Christ, rages, thanks in part to the lack of clarity about exactly why Fr. Maciel has been invited to do this – because he has been judged guilty and he is too old to withstand any formal canonical trial? Because he has indeed undergone such a process and it’s just not mentioned? Because he’s innocent, and he’s been just invited to do this…because…why?

The American Papist questions ZENIT’s coverage: (ZENIT being owned by LC)

Zenit today released in its daily news coverage a statement issued by the Mexican episcopal conference about the recent Maciel decision.

But note their introduction:

The Holy See’s statement, released Friday, said it would stop the canonical investigation into allegations against the 86-year-old, Mexican-born founder.

Sorry, I don’t think that’s a complete or accurate one-sentence summary of the situation.

It is my impression that , at least outwardly, the LC is continuing to proclaim Fr. Maciel’s innocence (which I suppose they are justified in doing since the Vatican communique said nothing public about any guilt) by emphasizing that the core of the action is the ceasing of the investigation and equating his "suffering" with previous founders of religious orders with those who have been persecuted by the Church, like Padre Pio.

I remain unpersuaded that this communique has actually communicated anything…