In the newsletter of 20th March we advised you that the group was exploring ways to acknowledge the pain and hurt caused by sexual abuse in our Church by some members of the clergy, religious and others engaged in Church work. This was in response to the major concern expressed by so many parishioners during the Listening and Dialogue and Discernment phases of the Plenary Council consultation about sexual abuse within the Church.
We can now report that a letter and proposal has been sent to Archbishop Comensoli regarding the raising of a sculpture/statue and plaque to be placed in the cathedral grounds, "as an act of sorrow and reparation for those betrayed and hurt by this abuse".
We await his reply. Work is continuing on the wording and placement of a plaque within each parish grounds, again acknowledging the pain and suffering of those abused and expressing sorrow, and the development of a ritual of sorrow/lament.
It is encouraging to note that in the framework of the proposed motions for consideration for the Plenary Council members who meet again in July, there is an acknowledgement of "profound sorrow" and "unreserved apology" for the abuse of children and young people by Church personnel, that "religious leaders have failed to act sufficiently to prevent abuse" and a commitment "to do
whatever we can to promote healing ... and acknowledge the need for repentance". An annual day of prayer is also mentioned, to particularly address the needs of those who have been hurt. We believe that the three projects above are ways that, at our local level, we are able to respond proactively to the pain and betrayal felt by many in our Church, now clearly acknowledged by the leaders of the Church.
See under Information below Letters to Archbishop Comensoli.
Response form Archbishop Comensoli
8 June, 2022
Dear members of the Partnered Parishes Plenary Council Facilitators Group
Thank you again for your letter and proposals. The Archbishop has reviewed them and is very grateful for what has been put forward.
There is currently a project being formulated (still in its early stages) to look at the whole Cathedral precinct and how that can be a place of invitation for both the local faith community and the wider community. A key part of this consultation is the physical and permanent acknowledgement and recognition of those who have been
damaged and hurt by the Catholic Church.
Your proposals are valuable and will be provided to the Project group that is working on this. As the above project gets further underway (and this may take some time), we can look towards a meeting to discuss the proposal
Further.
Please be assured of the Archbishop’s prayers for you, and his gratitude for the deep commitment and care you bring to God’s people. The communities that have come together in this proposal demonstrate the heart of Christ in action.
With kindest regards and best wishes,
Annie
Annie Carrett
Chancellor of the Archdiocese,
Chief of Staff to the Archbishop
Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne