Dear Padre,
I thought detraction was a sin only if what you're saying about someone isn't true, but my priest says it's a sin even if it is true. What do you say?
We commit the sin of detraction when we, "without objectively valid reason, disclose another's faults and failings to persons who did not know them" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2477).
Part of respecting human dignity is to recognize that others have a right to their good name and reputation. We ought not to damage those goods carelessly, which is what happens when we engage in detraction.
We slander or commit calumny when we speak or spread negative falsehoods about someone (see CCC 2479). But detraction can happen even when we speak the truth.
Sometimes it's objectively necessary to speak harsh truths
about another person. For example, when we observe an adult engaged in inappropriate behavior with a child, we report it to the authorities because protection of vulnerable children outweighs concern over any adult's reputation.
So truth-telling when clear communication of the truth is necessary is not detraction, even if it does damage another's reputation. However, carelessly sharing a true story or detail that doesn't need telling is detraction, and it's sinful.
          Fr. Matthew Allman, CSsR
            Sundaybulletin@Liguori.org
MASSES FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 17th-25th
Saturday, April 17th-3rd Sunday of Easter   4:00 PM +Bill Regula Req. OLPH Bingo
Sunday, April 18th-3rd Sunday of Easter 10:00 AM OLPH Parishioners, Living & Deceased
Monday, April 19th-Easter Weekday 7:30 AM +Louis, +Stanley, +Katherine, & +Michael Skowronek
Tuesday, April 20th--Easter Weekday 7:30 AM Safe Recovery after Surgery Req. Anna Michalek
Wednesday, April 21st-Easter Weekday 7:30 AM +Maria Cisowski
Thursday, April 22nd-Easter Weekday 7:30 AM Special Intention Req. Adam Antoniszyn & Fam.
Friday, April 23rd-Easter Weekday 7:30 AM +Joseph Konopka
Saturday, April 24th-Easter Weekday 7:30 AM +Anna Lesniak Req. Family
Saturday, April 24th-4th Sunday of Easter 4:00 PM +Jennie Kondziolka {anniv.) Req. Daughter, Nancy
Sunday, April 25th-4th Sunday of Easter 10:00 AM +Frederick M. Kalisz, Jr. Req. Patricia Marujo
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 A WORD FROM Pope Francis
We know that slander always kills. This "diabolical cancer" that arises from the desire to destroy the reputation of a person a/so attacks the ecc/esial body and seriously damages it when, as a result of malicious interests or to cover up one's own inadequacies, people unite to denigrate someone.
                GENERAL AUDIENCE, SEPTEMBER 25, 2019