Bishop Deeley Announces Day of Prayer and Repentance on Sept. 14
PORTLAND—In light of the recent revelations of past sexual abuse in other dioceses and the reports regarding Archbishop McCarrick, Bishop Robert P. Deeley announces that he will be observing a day of prayer and repentance on Friday, September 14. It will include the celebration of Mass at 12:15 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.
“Anyone who wishes to join me in this act of repentance is welcome to join me at the cathedral,” said the bishop.
The day will serve as an opportunity for reparation for the sins and crimes of bishops in failing to protect our young.
“The last few weeks have brought a great deal of anger from laity, priests, and religious directed at bishops who mishandled cases of sexual abuse of minors in the Church. That anger is justified. I can think of nothing worse than this incomprehensible abuse and any attempt to cover it up,” said Bishop Deeley. “As your bishop, I am doing penance for the failure of some bishops to act appropriately to protect young people and who have failed in reflecting the holiness and integrity demanded by the Gospel.”
The Mass will also reaffirm the Diocese of Portland’s continuing pledge to provide a safe environment for children. Since the implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2002, the Diocese of Portland has been in full compliance as it works diligently to ensure a safe environment for all young people. Since 2002, over 15,000 Catholic Church employees, volunteers, priests and educators in Maine who work with children have been trained in a safe environment program, which includes mandatory background checks. In addition, in accord with state law, the diocese reports all allegations regarding the sexual abuse of a minor by clergy to civil authorities.
“There have been no current substantiated incidents of sexual abuse of minors involving a cleric of this diocese since the inception of the Charter,” said Bishop Deeley. “While this vigilance has led to a safer Church in Maine, the abuse of power and sexual abuse of minors in other dioceses continue to wound the universal Church, even with most dioceses firmly committed to helping victims/survivors heal and installing programs to prevent further abuse.”
Bishop Deeley encourages anyone who may have information about any case of sexual abuse of a minor by a Church representative to contact civil authorities and Michael Magalski, Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility for the Diocese of Portland, at (207) 321-7836 or at michael.magalski@portlanddiocese.org.
“In the Diocese of Portland, we want you to feel free to come forward and speak to civil authorities and to us about these painful experiences. We strive to receive you in a manner that protects your dignity,” said the bishop. “We want to do whatever we can to help assist you in a process which leads to healing.”
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