THE NEXT GREAT COMMISSION...

The Great Commission, in Christian tradition, is the instruction of the resurrected Jesus Christ to his disciples, that they spread his teachings to all the nations of the world.

The most familiar version of the Great Commission is depicted in Matthew 28:16-20:

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Why do I bring this up? What does the Great Commission have to do with this Blog or the situation surrounding Msgr. Harris? Two very important reasons that are the very true foundation and heart of the Roman Catholic Church. One may escape you, since not all will answer the calling. And that is to spread the Good News of God as a priest. Second, here Jesus gave his final mortal instructions to the remaining eleven disciples to go out and be His canon, His voice and tell the story of Jesus Christ and let all peoples know from every land that forgiveness and complete redemption can only be found thru Him. Jesus gave these men the Power to forgive sins just as He had forgave sins and He also gave them the authority to go out confidently and proclaim the Word knowing that He would always be by their side and their place in the Kingdom of Heaven was awaiting them; but first they had work to do.

So, these men went out and preached, recruited and baptized in His name and started to build the Church as we know it. Or do we really know it? Question? What if these men decided to go home after Jesus left them and do nothing? What if they were all just "Yes Men" and simply chose the easier route and the safer path of no danger and less headaches? The Roman Empire and many Jewish Leaders were still after them and wanted them silenced at all costs. What if they decided to just clam up and do NOTHING? This is an ironic tale because it mirrors and runs parallel to the exact same instincts that many people in this situation regarding Msgr. Harris would have the Men of Cathedral Prep do. What? Absolutely Nothing!! How does this follow in the words of Jesus?

It is our understanding that the BEST coarse of action according to many is to just pray and take NO action whatsoever. The Archdiocese will handle it in a proper way to ensure Wally is given his day in court. Whatever that means! I tell you all now; everyone that is reading this Blog, that this is not the nature of the Prep men that Msgr. Wallace Harris taught in high school, mentored thru college and has been a devout and loyal friend for over 25-30 years. Like the remaining eleven apostles, I too have been given my instructions and know in my heart what I must do and that is NOT to sit back and wait and just pray. This NEW GREAT COMMISSION did not come from Wally's Lips nor did it come from a voice in the clouds or a burning bush. My directive came from men like Fr. Sal LaSalla, Fr. Eddy O'Halloran, Msgr. George Thompson, Fr. Kevin Neelan, Fr. Gerry Walsh (now Bishop Walsh), Fr. James Sullivan, Fr. Wallace Harris and even John Cardinal O'Connor. All these men, priests yes, but more importantly our teachers and role models during our time at Cathedral Prep. These priests instilled in us the desire to be good Christian men proclaiming our faith and told us to shout from mountains on high for all to hear; because how will people know who you are and what you have to say unless they hear your voice; especially when held in darkness. Isn't it ironic that our sport teams were known as the Cathedral Prep Canons? Now, all of a sudden, people want the Canons to sit dormant and quiet. Doesn't make sense to me....

There is nothing wrong about voicing support for someone you believe in. There is nothing wrong with showing that support either. Fear is probably the most powerful weapon one can use against another; it's the Devil's own WMD. Fear is the EXACT opposite of what Christianity is all about. Those eleven men were in danger of losing their lives every single day but they chose NOT to be silent. They chose to be CANONS!

I want to know why people are still scared to voice their feelings on the Wally matter? Why do some do and others don't do? What is the real danger here? Wally not being allowed to go back to St. Charles and be Pastor? Is that it? Or, maybe Wally being defrocked as a priest? Maybe.. It is possible. The New York DA's office has said that Wally can't go to jail under any of these allegations, even if proven true, due to the statute of limitations having expired many years ago. So what is the fear? I understand why Wally can not speak for himself at this time. Besides his pen that drafted some of the rules and guidelines that govern his exile right now, he took a vow of obedience to the Church and to his Bishop. Fine! But that does not mean the flock has to follow the Shepherd on this journey as well. Just cause the Cardinal says so, makes it so? Maybe it is the American spirit in me that makes me cry out for swift justice and a speedy trial, but that does not seem to be the way of the Church in these cases.

I truly believe Cardinal Egan should tackle the issue head on and address it with vigor and sincerity; like Pope Benedict did on his recent US visit. The problem of sexual abuse by priests exists and we can not hide from it. It exists in every religion but just like the United States, when you're the Biggest and the Richest, everyone is gunning for you and if you are always the 500 lbs gorilla in the room, you are the easiest target to blame for the problem that exists well beyond the walls of Vatican City or St. Patrick's Cathedral. I believe Cardinal Egan should voice support for his priests and let them publicly know that he is praying for them as well as let victims know that they too have room in his heart, thoughts and prayers as well. This is not an issue to take sides either way; but as the Shepard it is his responsibility to tend to all in the flock and not just the wounded or the dead. I pray for Msgr. Harris every nite that this ordeal would come to some resolution soon and I also pray for Cardinal Egan that he may see this thru to the very end, no matter what the result because I am sure this weighs heavily on his mind and heart. He has a job to do and it must be carried out at all costs. He knows his popularity is not at the height or magnitude of a Terrance Cooke or John O'Connor. But make no mistake, he is NOT a stupid man. He knows and appreciates the gravity of the matter, but I just wish that the Cardinal, who is known for his distinct and booming voice, would listen very closely to this group of Men from the Prep and realize that more voices and testiments should be heard in suport of the man not so much the issue. Being a CANON is not just a Team Name or Mascot for us Men of Cathedral Prep, it is the way we were taught to live our daily lives.

In Matthew 10:27 Jesus instructs His followers: "Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops!"

Benjie Flores

Class of 1990

My response to a NY Post article

Responding to Ed Robinson of the Post.

My name is Richard Murphy. I received a call this afternoon from a dear friend and high-school classmate informing me of the allegations made against Fr. Wallace Harris. I am so upset to think that anyone would accuse this man of being anything less than a mentor and a good friend. As a young high-school student at Cathedral Prep, transplanted from rural Ireland at the age of 15, I found myself alone in the big city. I was the odd man out but was so warmly welcomes at my new school unequaled to this day. Adding to this welcome was the faculty of which Fr. Harris was an out spoken member. I developed a close relationship with Fr. Harris during my time at the Prep and can say from the bottom of my heart that I did and still do have total faith in the purity of this man's heart. I am proud to say that Fr. Harris presided over my wedding, a moment that these false allegations will never take away from me. I stand by Fr. Harris in his denial of these allegations and welcome any call or correspondence from anyone seeking further information or comment.

Sincerely,

Richard Murphy

Cathedral Prep-Class of 90'

Wally... A Confidant, Advisor and Closest Friend!!

I first met Fr. Harris the summer before I started at the Prep. I admit it was a little intimidating. I was introduced to him by my parish priest at a summer camp that hosted kids for the month of July. He told me I would enjoy my time at the Prep but not to bother looking him up because he didn't speak to Freshman. I took this as a challenge. I didn't care that he towered over me or outweighed me. I think that took him by surprise. I admired the way he treated people no matter the stage in life. Yes, he has a sharp wit at times with a biting sense of humor but the only thing he ever wanted was that we all give the best effort in everything we tried.

I know more than most the "tough love" approach. In my Junior year, my Dad died. To this day, that was the hardest thing I've dealt with. Wally was there for me . He stood by me as I mourned my Dad's passing. He got me to refocus my mind as I was destroying all I had achieved at the Prep. My overall interest in everything I was doing was gone. I didn't care about school, sports or life. Those who knew me back then can attest to the fact that my world revolved around the Prep. Wally Harris was not only my teacher, he was and still is a friend in the truest sense of the word. From that time to this day, Wally has been my closest friend, confidant and advisor. My relationship with Wally has grown as I have grown. He had stood by me as I contemplated priesthood and ultimately decided that this vocation was not what God had planned for me to do. He never lost faith in me even when I lost mine. He brought me back to my faith and re-introduced me to God with love and simple honesty.

This is why I know these charges against him are FALSE. THE MAN I KNOW, LOVE AND RESPECT WOULD NEVER HARM A CHILD. IT GOES AGAINST EVERYTHING HE HAS TAUGHT ME AND WHAT HE BELIEVES IN. I pray everyday that this nightmare for him ends soon. I don't understand the motives of these men making these allegations, but know this, I will do whatever is necessary to clear his good name. Pray that they find the courage to right this wrong. Pray that the Church acts quickly and doesn't drag her feet. A man's life and reputation is at stake. I've known Wally 28 great years. He is my brother in every sense of the word. He has told me that trust in GOD helps him deal with this situation. I believe and trust what he tells me to be the Truth Church politics should play no part in this. Let's hope all parties concerned remember we need the truth.


Brendan Haugh

Cathedral Prep Seminary - Class of 1986

Msgr Harris is the Priest that helped make me the man I am today.

For the past week or so, I have been reflecting heavily on this whole situation. How can this be happening to a man that has dedicated his whole life to serving others and our God?

I first met Msgr. Harris 25 years ago while I attended Cathedral Prep. During my four years at the Prep, my family went through many changes, one of major significance was when my parents deciding to get a separated after 26 years of marriage. Trust me it was great timing on their part! Here I was the only child still at home, while my brother and sisters were having fun at college. I had to decide on what college I would attend and which parent should I stay with. I didn't know what to do, or who to turn to in this trying time. Then I realized something that I will never forget. Even though my biological family wasn't doing so well, I had another family, the Prep Family. The Prep Family was more than anything I could ask for, not only did I get all new brothers, who are still in my life today, but I also got a second father who would be there for me for the next 25 years. He would be the person I could turn to for help with all my problems, the person I could call on when I was having spiritual questions, and would also to the person to tell me, that great news because she wasn't the one for you. The second father I am talking about is Msgr. Harris.

The 2 stories that resonate deep in my soul concerning Msgr. Harris are the following:

A few years ago, I was teaching in the Bronx, and I went to see Msgr. to get some advice, and after we chatted for a while, he got up, went to his office and came back with a gift for me. I opened it and I was amazed by the art work that he had given to me. He had given me an African sculpture of a lion. I immediately said Thank You, Thank You and I told him, “So I guess this answers my question about my career”, and he said, "Yes" and asked me if I understood it? I then proceed to tell him, well it’s somewhat weird that you knew my last name translated to English it means, "Lion." Msgr. started to laugh, because the reason he gave it to me, had nothing to do with my name, but had to do with me becoming a great educator. Msgr. then informed me that I needed to be like a lion, even though you might not hear him all the time, you feel his presence, and that is how I need to run my classroom. He told me that I should yell or scream in my classroom or at my students, but always let them know that you respect them, and everything will fall into place. Well 10 years later I am happy to say that advice has carried me to great place, because I am currently the Principal of the #7 school in all of NYC, and if it wasn't for Msgr.'s advice, God only knows where I would be today!

The other story that I would like to share with everyone is the one which occurred while I was still at the Prep. I can't remember the exact day of the week, but I had just come down from working with my dad, and I was not too happy. Msgr. noticed something was wrong and started to chat with me about what had happen, which I told him. I was so mad with my father's and his store that some adjectives came out of my mouth that I really should not have said especially to my father. During our chat, I realized that I wasn't really mad at my father, but I was madder at myself for cursing at him. Msgr. Harris had taught me how to be reflective on my actions, and by the end of our chat, I decided to drive back up to my dad's store and apologize. Not only did I learn how to be reflective and humble, but I also learned what it means to be a person with deep Christian values. Throughout my life, there have been many people that complemented me on the values that I possess, especially for a young man, and I simply tell them, "Well if it wasn't for my parents and Msgr. Harris, this Man would not be the person standing in front of you.

I chose to share these stories as testament towards the character of Msgr. Harris. He has been my spiritual advisor, a mentor, and true friend for the past 25 years; so it pains me that someone would even think of accusing him of such horrible actions. I can truly say with whole hearted conviction, "Msgr. Wally Harris has helped mold me into the man that I see in the mirror everyday and thank you Lord Jesus for sending such a spectacular man, priest and friend into my life.”

Peter Oroszlany

Cathedral Prep - Class of 1989

What ever happened to Innocent until Proven Guilty?

It was with an overwhelming shock, sadness, and anger, which I read the allegations that are being thrown around about Msgr. Harris. It is not so much the allegations themselves, because sadly and unfortunately we as a society become numb to such things after we are faced with similar scenarios over the course of so many years. However appalling the circumstances, the newspapers write about it as another daily event and most people shrug it off as common occurrence within the Catholic Church and its priests these days. The reality however tells a different story. Some may be guilty of the crimes they are accused of, but others are caught up in this “witch hunt” without an ounce of truth behind the allegations they face.

What caused this type of outrage and anger in me when I read these STORIES, was the fact that these allegations were being brought out about a man whom I proudly have called a father figure, a role model, and a friend for the better part of 22 years. I in my heart know, as do the accusers, as do the many thousands of people whom have had any type of interaction with Msgr. Harris that these allegations are simply LIES. This is a man who has always stood for righteousness, and has always taught his students that this is the way to lead your life. He not only taught us this lesson through his words but has always shown us by the way he conducts himself on a daily basis.

There were many boys who entered the doors of Cathedral Preparatory Seminary in the days in which Msgr. Harris patrolled the halls, taught students, provided guidance, and basically dedicated most of his life to making sure that we left that school prepared for our next steps in life. I, as will many, must honestly say that I am a better person today for having known Msgr. Harris. This is a man with integrity and it saddens me that a man like this can have his name dragged through the mud while we sit back and the church sits back and allows it to happen without any recourse. His character, dedication to his students and parishioners, and all the good work which he has done over the course of his vocation, call out for a man who deserves better than this.

First of all, unless there was an admission of this to come from Msgr. Harris’ mouth, there is absolutely no way I would ever believe any of it, and I pray that no one else is fooled into believing it. If these so-called “men” believe their allegations to be true, why wait over 20 years to bring this out to the public. Here we are allowing a man, who has done so much good in his life for so many people, to be desecrated while his accusers are protected and shielded from having to face the public and own up to their defamatory allegations. This is nothing more than cowardly actions. How much easier can we as a society make it for someone to make false accusations about someone else, without there being any penalty?

I now begin to question their motives especially considering the timing. Here we have an African American priest who has risen to some level of prominence within the Catholic Church and among the Catholic Community. Add to that his role in the organization of the Pope’s recent visit to the United States, and the publicity which surrounded it. It does not take much to realize that any disgruntled person, anyone with a grudge against the church or even any personal grudge against Msgr. Harris, let alone anyone just looking to get some money, could easily see his name in the news during these events and decide that this would be the perfect time and the perfect scenario to steal the headlines.

Do we want the TRUTH in this situation though, or are we just idly going to sit by hoping that time will sweep it under the rug and the News chasers will find another story that grabs their attention? The truth for all doubters is easily and irrevocably attained with the use of a polygraph test for all parties. For those who know Msgr. Harris like I do, a polygraph will never be needed because we know the TRUTH is that he is INNOCENT and FALSELY ACCUSED.


Peter Alves
Cathedral Preparatory Seminary – Class of 1990