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	Irish Primate Thanks Pope for Concern in Abuse Cases Archbishop Brady Addresses Benedict XVI at End of Visit Zenit October 30, 2006 http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=97424 Vatican City, OCT. 30, 2006 (Zenit.org).- The primate of all Ireland thanked Benedict XVI for his continuing support in seeking to bring healing to those affected by the painful tragedy of child abuse. "Holy Father," said Archbishop Sean Brady of Armagh, "no issue has received more time or attention from the Irish episcopal conference than the agonizing problem of responding to those who have had their trust betrayed, their lives devastated and often their faith destroyed by sexual abuse inflicted on them by some priests and religious." He continued: "This abuse has been a source of great scandal and discouragement to the whole Catholic community, including a great majority of priests and religious who continue to strive to lives of holiness and selfless service in the name of the Lord." Archbishop Brady's comments came Saturday at the end of their five-yearly visit to Rome. In his address to the Irish bishops, the Pope referred to the abuse scandals that have rocked Ireland in recent years and said: "The wounds caused by such acts run deep, and it is an urgent task to rebuild confidence and trust where these have been damaged." Speaking on behalf of his fellow prelates, Archbishop Brady told the Holy Father: "We thank you for the concern you have expressed for those who have been so grievously harmed and your sensitivity to the impact of this issue on our work and priorities. We value your continued support, and that of the various dicasteries of the Holy See, in seeking to bring healing to those who have been affected by this painful tragedy." An invitation The primate also extended an invitation to Benedict XVI. "Holy Father, on behalf of the priests, religious and lay faithful of Ireland we take this opportunity to invite you to come among us in the footsteps of St. Patrick, and your venerable predecessor, Pope John Paul II," said Archbishop Brady. The Polish Pontiff visited Ireland in 1979. In his address Archbishop Brady also highlighted the social, moral and spiritual challenges that exist in Ireland. "The influence of secularism has struck Ireland with great speed and intensity," he said. "Dramatic and disorientating changes are taking place, which pose enormous challenges for the preaching of the Gospel. This is particular manifest in a loss of Christian memory. "It is for this reason that we have made pastoral care and faith development, in the context of a new evangelization, a key priority. Attention is also being given to the development of a strategic plan for communications and a systematic presentation of doctrinal and moral themes by the episcopal conference." The Irish primate told the Holy Father: "In the coming year we intend to host a conference on 'Deus Caritas Est,' your first encyclical letter."
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