Diocese of Hearst: a plan to “rebuild itself”

HEARST (CANADA)
The Saxon [Salisbury UK]

March 3, 2024

By Teilor Stone

Bishop Pierre-Olivier Tremblay hopes that the actions cited will mark a new beginning for the diocese of Hearst-Moosonee.

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The diocese of Hearst-Moosonee recently published an action plan to try to rebuild itself after a report from the show Enquête of Radio-Canada revealed last year that the diocese had until recently protected alleged sexual abusers.

Since the report of the show Investigation,15 alleged victims have come forward to tell their experiences.

The action plan proposed by the diocese is broken down into four main components: repair, prevention, awareness and reconstruction.

Under the components of repair and prevention, certain measures have already been put in place, including psychological assistance for the alleged victims and sanctions for the priests mentioned in the report.

Furthermore, Mgr. Pierre-Olivier Tremblay, the bishop of the diocese of Hearst-Moosonee, plans to subject members of the diocese to a more in-depth criminal background check to eliminate any possibility of involvement in sexual abuse cases.

It’s not just a speech, it’s also actions, gestures. I also find it important to show a little of the evolution of what has happened in recent months.

A quote from Mgr Pierre-Olivier Tremblay, bishop of the diocese of Hearst: “It’s not just a speech, it’s also actions, gestures. I also find it important to show a little of the evolution of what has happened in recent months.”

It could be a plaque, it could be a small thing… It’s a way to fix what happened. In the collective consciousness, we know that it happened and we must take preventive actions so that it does not happen again, he indicates.

It also plans more regular training on ways to recognize and prevent sexual abuse, in addition to possibly reserving a place in the diocese for victims with the aim of raising awareness.

Mgr Tremblay admits that the revelations have affected the morale not only of the diocesans, but also priests of the diocese who were not involved in the affair.

When confreres failed in their task or have taken terrible actions, it affects everyone so morale is sure to be affected. They also try to remain faithful to their mission and working with people, that helps, adds the bishop.

One of the measures cited in the plan consists of supporting priests and Church workers by maintaining a healthy environment.

We continue to move forward and my hope is that this trust can continue to be built.< /p>A quote from Mgr Pierre-Olivier Tremblay, the bishop of the diocese of Hearst-Moosonee

The judge who will handle extrajudicial procedures with a view to compensating victims who want it has not yet been appointed.

The bishop plans to visit several communities in the diocese to see how to implement some of the measures included in the plan.

https://thesaxon.org/diocese-of-hearst-a-plan-to-rebuild-itself/#google_vignette