By Bronwyn Herbert
ABC News
June 25, 2009
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/26/2609165.htm
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| Guests have been invited to the school for the ordination of a new Bishop. |
Alleged victims of sex abuse at a Catholic boy's college say they are angry the school is hosting a major religious ceremony while police investigations are still underway.
A police strike force team is investigating old cases of abuse dating back to the 1960s at St Stanislaus College in Bathurst in central western New South Wales.
But today more than 1,000 guests, including Archbishop Cardinal George Pell, will gather at the school for the ordination of a new bishop for the region.
It has been almost 90 years since a bishop was ordained in the Bathurst diocese.
Father Patrick O'Regan says the ordination of Michael McKenna is an extremely significant day for the Catholic Church and the Bathurst community.
He says parliamentarians, heads of other faiths and local authorities will be attending.
"We've put out about 1,800 chairs," he said.
"We are having it at St Stanislaus College because they have a wonderful performing arts centre there. We have transformed a space that is used for entertainment into a sacred space and it's looking quite majestic at the moment."
'So much sin'
But the ceremony's location has offended some.
One former St Stanislaus student, and an alleged victim of abuse during his time there in the 1980s, says he is shocked by the decision.
"I'm just really angry that they can justify having something - I mean the Catholic Church - how they can put on such an important event at a site at somewhere which is linked to so much sin," he said.
"I'm just disgusted they can show so much contempt and insensitivity to the victims."
This week police charged a ninth man over sexual assault claims that allegedly happened at the school in the 1960s.
So far investigations have led to charges against staff, including the school's former principal, vice-principal and chaplain.
The alleged victim says it is still very sensitive.
"Is this new bishop aware of the allegations before the court?" he said.
"Does he realise there's nine ex-brothers, priests and teachers on a combined total of nearly 200 charges, from nearly 20 victims? What is his justification for having this up there? To me it just stinks to high heaven."
However Father O'Regan has defended the decision, saying says the school's performing arts centre was a logical choice.
"The only other venue we had was the cathedral itself, which holds about 800 people, and we found that it would be inadequate in many ways in space and you have to remember it's winter time here in Bathurst," he said.
"Most of [the outstanding cases of child abuse] are very historical so I don't think they do impact on the situation at all really."
Father O'Regan says he understands that some people may feel sensitive.
"I can understand there would be some sensitivity there but I guess all things considered, it's about the ordination of a bishop," he said.
"And maybe asking the Lord to bless the place continually with peace, as I guess that is what any shepherd tries to do, to bring healing and strength."
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