Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

This past week, the shocking and harrowing disclosures of the abuse of a minor by a former priest of the Diocese [who served in your parish] were presented in media coverage following a Circuit Criminal Court hearing of a week previous. Anyone who read the account of the victim impact statement as reported in local media could not but be profoundly shaken. I have already issued a statement, which was published in local media in which I set out how my thoughts first and foremost are with the young man who has suffered so much in this case. But I am thinking too of the effect on his family and friends, as well indeed as on the abuser’s family and friends, and, of course, also on the clergy of the Diocese who day-in, day-out give of their best.

While extending my deepest apologies on behalf of the Diocese of Limerick to the victim, I acknowledge today also how the betrayal of a sacred trust has caused great distress to the wider community, especially in parishes where the former priest served. I know there are many people who are probably experiencing a range of emotions at this moment – shock, bewilderment, anger, confusion, humiliation with a myriad of questions coming to mind. I, too, share these emotions. Just like the crowds Jesus met in today’s Gospel, we find ourselves “dejected”.

However, we cannot but be even more resolved to do more again as we try to ensure that such dreadful acts are not perpetrated in the future.  Sexual abuse by members of the clergy has brought great shame on the Church and impacts deeply on all who seek to live the Gospel. Be assured that for some years now safeguarding measures are firmly embedded in Diocesan life and structures. Indeed, I am grateful to the expertise we have amongst our team in the Diocese and the volunteers involved in one way or another in pursuing the highest standards of safeguarding across the Diocese. But we are committed to working harder all the time to raise those standards where we can. It should also be noted that there are two Church initiatives available to people effected by abuse: Towards Healing that deals with psychological healing, and Towards Peace that fosters spiritual healing.

Ultimately, in this stressful situation, it’s important that we try to support one another, especially those who know anyone involved more directly in this horrendous situation. Looking to the future, we need to become increasingly a healing community rooted in the Gospel and always alert to the risk of abuse of any kind in our community. For that, we need to take up the invitation in the Second Reading today and put our trust in God who can bring good out of every evil. As I said in my statement “we must do all we can to help heal the wounds, rebuild the trust of all impacted by abuse and do everything possible to ensure that abuse such as this does not happen again.”

Let me conclude by saying that, having met and listened to people who have been abused, I realise something of just how much courage they show in disclosing that abuse. By coming forward, they can help prevent further abuse from happening. Therefore, I would again appeal to anyone who has been abused but who has not yet come forward to summon the courage if possible now to do so. I urge them to contact the statutory services (Gardai/Tusla) and to be assured that the Diocesan Safeguarding Service, and the support that goes with it, is also available to them and can be contacted at the Limerick Diocesan Centre. Contact details are also available on posters in this church.

Let’s pray for one another, mindful especially of all those for whom this case is a particular source of suffering and pain.

? Brendan Leahy,

Bishop of Limerick.