More on the communique

The New York Times article today (click on this post's title) on the Holy See's communique about Legionaries of Christ founder Father Marcial Maciel D. says First Things magazine editor Father Richard John Neuhaus believes "the charges against Father Maciel were unfounded."

Father Neuhaus said, "There is nothing in the Vatican statement that suggests that the word penance is meant as a punitive measure." He added, "It wouldn't be the first time that an innocent and indeed holy person was unfairly treated by Church authority."

I believe the action against Father Maciel would be rare and possibly unique in the history of the Church against the founder of a religious order. Please provide any info on this subject if you can. There are other cases of punishment of major figures. The condemnation of St. Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc) in the 15th century was reversed 25 years or so after her execution.

You might scoff at this, but a friend from Mexico City told me some years ago that in her view there are many plots in Mexico and they are multi-layered, deep and difficult to solve. Nevertheless, as I have said, if the charges are valid then punishment is necessary.