Some Upset Pope Letter Not Mentioned During Mass, by Jim Smith, WBZ, March 21, 2010

Some Upset Pope Letter Not Mentioned During Mass

By Jim Smith
WBZ
March 21, 2010

http://wbztv.com/local/Pope.Vatican.Irish.2.1578997.html

BOSTON (MA) -- It was the pope's first public address since his letter apologizing to the victims of priest sex abuse in Ireland.

Pope Benedict avoided any direct mention of the abuse scandal on Sunday, but focused on acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness. "Trusting in his great mercy toward us, we humbly beg his forgiveness for our own failings and we ask for the strength to grow in holiness."

Photo by Franco Origlia

The papal letter expressing shame and remorse was directed at Ireland, but the Vatican says it can also apply to other countries.

At St. Brigid Church in South Boston, parishioners said there was no mention of it during Sunday mass. "They should have mentioned it," said one churchgoer. "Maybe it should have been brought to the attention of everyone."

Most of the people at St. Brigid have at least a passing knowledge of the papal letter, and they also acknowledge there is much pain in the United States because of the priest abuse crisis.

They say the Vatican response in the states and overseas is still lacking. "I know a lot of people who have chosen not to come to church anymore or be a Catholic anymore because of it, which is sad," said one parishioner.