Probation for Fr. Leonard Van Vlaenderen

Father Leonard Van Vlaenderen won't be going to jail.

From TMJ4:

A judge handed down a sentence Thursday for Father Len Van Vlaenderen.

He was arrested for using cocaine.

Van Vlaenderen apologized and talked about how embarrassed he felt as the judge sentenced him for using cocaine.

“I have been humbled and am deeply remorseful,” Van Vlaenderen said.

...Van Vlaenderen told the judge he struggled with depression, and he says he started using cocaine about a year before his arrest.

“I’m not ashamed of my depression, but I still find it difficult to speak about because the experience itself is unspeakable. I would do anything to be rid of its shackles,” Van Vlaenderen said.

The judge talked about how serious the crime is, but she also talked about the stack of letters she got talking about Father Len’s work, including at Saint John Vianney Parish in Brookfield, where he was the pastor at the time of his arrest.

“These letters speak to your character. You've helped members of the community for years dealing with their problems,” Milwaukee County Judge Bonnie Gordon said.

In the end, Judge Gordon gave Van Vlaenderen strict probation that will include drug tests at least twice a month.

Although Fr. Len expressed remorse for his actions, I do think he sought to excuse himself. Rather than speaking as a criminal, he spoke as though he's a victim of an illness. He shifted responsibility for his actions to the "shackles" of his depression, removing blame from himself.

I don't doubt that he has suffered. It's unfortunate that he turned to cocaine to treat his pain. Hopefully, he won't look to illegal ways to manage his depression from now on.

It seems that the stack of letters from people helped by Fr. Len had a great deal of influence on Judge Gordon.

Fr. Len should be thankful that those individuals took the time to write to support him. They obviously care a great deal about him.

It's nice to think that this chapter in his life is over and he'll emerge an even more compassionate man, better equipped to minister to others. It would be nice if things work out that way.