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	Diocesan Chief Says Gardai Have Details of All Sex Abuse Allegations By Eugene Phelan Limerick Leader March 27, 2010 http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/Diocesan-chief-says-Gardai-have.6178416.jp IRELAND -- THE Limerick diocesan administrator, Fr Tony Mullins, this week confirmed that all allegations of child sexual abuse by priests in Limerick have been reported to the civil authorities. Fr Mullins, the parish priest in Athlacca, who is in charge of the diocese while the process continues to appoint a new bishop to replace Dr Donal Murray, said he wished to "encourage anyone who has concerns about child sexual abuse to contact the Gardai at Henry Street Garda station on 061-212400; the HSE West on 061-482792, or the diocesan designated person at 087-3233564". Fr Mullins this Wednesday indicated his hope that a wide ongoing process of engagement with the content and theme of the Pope's pastoral letter will take place among parishioners, parish pastoral councils, pastoral area teams, child protection committee and other diocesan groups in the coming weeks and months. "I wish to echo Pope Benedict's words and take this opportunity to thank the men and women throughout the diocese already working for the safety of children, and urge everyone to become familiar with the safeguarding procedures in this diocese, which have been developed with, and approved by, the National Office for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland. The Pope calls on bishops to cooperate with the civil authorities," he said. The Pope's pastoral letter was a significant step on what had been, and will continue to be, a long and difficult journey towards healing, he said. "The Church's response to all who have suffered, and who continue to suffer, as a result of these evil crimes must always be one of understanding, generosity and love. It is important that the truth of what has happened in the past is established. Pope Benedict says that 'only decisive action carried out with complete honesty and transparency will restore the respect and goodwill of the Irish people towards the Church'." "We are blessed in this diocese to have established a strong structure of lay involvement in all areas of the diocese. This structure will now be a strength to us as we move forward. The continued involvement and support of committed lay people is critical if we are to bring about the renewal that Pope Benedict calls us to." To mark the publication of the Pope's letter, an hour of prayer and reflection in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament will be held in St John's Cathedral next Wednesday (Spy Wednesday) at 7.30p.m. Priests and parishioners from around the diocese are encouraged to attend. "I invite the people of the diocese to make the prayer the Pope has sent us with the care of a father for his children, our own prayer, a prayer that will echo from homes, parishes, schools and communities throughout the diocese. At this time, let us pray that the diocese will be blessed with a bishop who will continue to encourage the lay faithful to play their part in the life of the Church so that together we can witness to the redeeming truth and love of Christ. "Veritas publications are printing the Pope's letter in booklet form at the moment. It is hoped to have a supply for distribution within two weeks. These booklets will be distributed throughout the diocese when they become available. In the meantime, the pastoral letter and summary can be downloaded from the diocesan website www.limerickdiocese.org or from the Irish Episcopal Conference website www.catholicbishops.ie" he said.
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