Wounded Souls

When Monsignor Patrick Nixon assumes the role of bishop for his California diocese in May 2006, he also accepts responsibility for resolving 161 lawsuits alleging despicable acts of Clerical Sexual Abuse. Unable to rely upon the former bishop's insight, knowledge, and experience - for he now lies in a coma after suffering a major stroke surely prompted by the stress of the misconduct litigation - acting bishop Nixon prays for strength and guidance as he tries to understand the myriad financial, legal, and insurance issues. His hope to resolve the claims and compensate the legitimately injured victims is frustrated by a powerful personal injury litigator whose true objective appears to be the destruction of the diocese, an unfriendly judicial system that penalizes apology and a hard-nosed insurance executive who has denied all coverage and liability for the abuse claims. Assisting the acting bishop, however, is the newly hired diocesan risk manager, Bethany Griffin, a spiritually challenged former insurance executive. With jury trials looming and time to settle rapidly running out, it seems only a miracle can save the diocese from devastating verdicts - and a miracle is what's also required if Bethany is to overcome a tragic past that defies comprehension and have her faith in God restored.