At last, it is finished! After many months of painstaking research, reflection and writing, I have finally completed this paper examining the abuse, mistreatment and suffering experienced by Christian clergy across denominations between 2010 and 2026. I estimate this work involved approximately 1,110 hours of research, devoted to examining documentary evidence, scrutinising academic literature, verifying sources, analysing statistical findings, and reflecting on the profound theological, pastoral, and institutional implications of clergy abuse. Of these, I estimate that some 305 hours have been devoted to the sensitive and deeply personal work of engaging with clergy survivors, including recruitment, interviews and the careful examination of their experiences. Throughout this undertaking, I have sought to approach every account with academic integrity, pastoral sensitivity and, above all, profound respect for the dignity of those who have suffered. Behind every statistic is a human being, behind every testimony is a life, and behind every experience of betrayal is someone deserving of compassion, justice and healing. For me, this has never been simply an academic exercise. It has been an attempt to give a voice to those whose suffering has too often remained hidden within the very institutions entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel of love, mercy and human dignity. The shepherd, too, can be wounded. And when that happens, the Church has a sacred responsibility not to look away. My heartfelt hope is that this research will contribute, however modestly, to greater understanding, meaningful safeguarding reform and a renewed commitment to the pastoral care of those who have dedicated their lives to serving others. And now comes the next challenge: getting it published!

Homily for the Memorial of St. Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) grantciccone.substack.com/p/…

I'm ready Oh, my children When Jesus calls at my door I'll be there at dawn Don't cry for me I'll be with my Lord. There's my Bible on the table Read it one more time I can hear God's heavenly angels Singing me to heaven's door. Hallelujah Lord I'm ready No more sadness Hallelujah, yes I'm ready, I'm ready I'm ready to go. Oh, Hosanna Take my hand now Lead me to the promised land now I'm ready, I'm ready Hallelujah, I'm ready to go. Oh, Hosanna I'm ready to go I can hear God's heavenly angels Singing me to heaven's door Singing me to heaven's door. And I'm ready. Dolly Parton - “I Am Ready”, gospel-bluegrass song included as the closing track on her album The Grass Is Blue, released on October 26, 1999. It was written by her sister Rachel Parton Dennison and produced by Steve Buckingham; where she sings of the willingness to meet God, to die without fear to cross heaven's gates.