Use Lent to Remember Child Abuse: Catholic Archbishop of Perth

By Kim Macdonald
West Australian
February 16, 2018

https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/use-lent-to-remember-child-abuse-catholic-archbishop-of-perth-ng-b88747022z

Archbishop Tim Costelloe.Picture: Nic Ellis

The Catholic Archbishop of Perth has called for Lent to be dedicated to victims of child abuse, slamming the church for its “dark and sordid past” and the “devastating failure” of some clergy over the matter.

In a pastoral letter this week, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe called on Catholics to set aside the first four days of Lentas a time of fasting and reparation for child sex abuse and for the healing of its victims. He called for Sunday, March 11, to be a special remembrance day.

Archbishop Costelloe said the final report of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse had shone a “blinding light into the dark places of the Church”.

“It has enabled us to realise the terrible burden so many have had to bear — and still bear — because of the devastating failures of some clergy, religious and other Church personnel and the often grossly inadequate response of some of our leaders to this shocking betrayal of trust,” he said.

“Notwithstanding the good work the Church has done and continues to do for so many people, we now know that the Church in Australia has had a dark and sordid side.

“We have much to be ashamed of, much to apologise for, much to seek forgiveness for and much to learn. It would be a further betrayal if we did not, as a community, commit ourselves in this particular Lent to a time of prayer, penance and reparation and to concrete action.”

Archbishop Costelloe said the sex abuse perpetrated in church institutions in the past had destroyed some people’s ability to live their life with any joy, hope or companionship.

The Archbishop said while he was referring only to the Catholic Church in his letter, other institutions should also consider how it also applies to them.

He said he was determined not to whitewash the matter, claiming actions mattered more than words.

“The only criticism that might come is that we are still waiting to be convinced that my words are being translated into action and I’m fully committed into making sure that is the case,” he said.