Bishop Mitchell Rozanski: Victims of church sexual abuse need to know it wasn't their fault

By Jim Kinney
Republican
August 12, 2014

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2014/08/bishop_mitchell_rozanski_victi.html

8/12/14 -Springfield- Installation of Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski ninth bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield at St. Michael's Cathedral in Springfield, Ma. Incoming bishop Rozanski uses a mallet to announce his presence to enter the cathedral.

SPRINGFIELD - Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski was asked Tuesday if he has a message for those in  the Springfield Diocese who suffered sexual abuse at the hands committed by priests.

The topic came up at a brief news conference just after the installation ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel.

Rozanski said:

"I believe that as bishop I show the way to reach out to victims of sexual abuse, to bring God's pastoral love and care, to show them that nothing is their fault. This was perpetrated upon them and that the Bishop has to be there as an agent of reconciliation."

Earlier in the news conference, Rozanski spoke of feeling at peace as he walked into the cathedral Tuesday. He felt at peace because he found a people at prayer.

Rozanski said:

"It feels wonderful. Wherever the Lord leads us, wherever his grace is, it feels wonderful," he said. "All I can say is my heart is truly grateful."

He was also asked how he felt having his mother and father, Albert and Jean, present for his installation:

"It touched my heart to know that they have been there for me through all of these years with love and with support. It brought a tear to my eye to see them all there. I thank the people of Springfield for their welcome to them."

One reporter also asked Rozanski how he plans to reach out to Catholics who are now on the "fringe" of the church?

"I think one of the best examples we have is Pope Francis, and Pope Francis speaks the words of the Gospel and we can look at him and we can see he lives the words of the Gospel."