“I came to pray for my family, my grandkids, and I came to pray for him too,” said Miranda, a Catholic who went to mass Friday afternoon.
Cardinal Mahony has been denounced by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, for allegedly covering up sex abuse that happened under his watch. The church also released files naming over a hundred priests involved in the scandal.
In a statement released, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez said:
"The behavior described in these files is terribly sad and evil. There is no excuse, no explaining away what happened to these children."
Still, Miranda and others don't want Cardinal Mahony reprimanded.
“I don't think anybody should ever say anything bad about him because I think that he was always good,” said Miranda.
The Diocese of Fresno Chancellor believes some Catholics are experiencing the first stage of the grieving process.
“There is a very strong sense of loss and we do go through very naturally part of the denial process,” said Teresa Dominguez, Chancellor for Diocese of Fresno.
Bishop Armando Ochoa released this statement Friday:
"I ask the faithful to continue to commit themselves to prayer for the healing of all victim survivors and their families, along with all involved in this painful process,"
The Diocese is also reminding people of ongoing education for parents and children, which can help them from becoming victimized.
“If we're not part of that process of making things different we can't make changes, positive changes. And the church has a commitment to be part of that process,” said Cheryl Sarkisian, Safe Environment Manager.
If you have questions or need to report abuse, the number to call is