Bishop Murray in Vatican for Top Level Talks THE Bishop of Limerick, Dr Donal Murray, was expected to meet with officials at the Vatican this Monday after he travelled there last night as pressure mounted on him to resign in the wake of the Murphy Report into clerical abuse in the Dublin Archdiocese, Limerick Leader, December 7, 2009

Bishop Murray in Vatican for Top Level Talks
THE Bishop of Limerick, Dr Donal Murray, was expected to meet with officials at the Vatican this Monday after he travelled there last night as pressure mounted on him to resign in the wake of the Murphy Report into clerical abuse in the Dublin Archdiocese

Limerick Leader
December 7, 2009

http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/Bishop-Murray-in-Vatican-for.5890004.jp

IRELAND--Bishop Murray travelled to Rome less than 24 hours after Cardinal Sean Brady, Catholic Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh, said Dr Murray had been in contact with him over the past week and that he is confident he will "do the right thing."

In an interview with RTÉ Cardinal Brady said: "If I found myself in a situation where I was aware that my failure to act, had allowed or meant that other children were abused then I think I would resign."

Bishop Donal Murray

In a letter which was read at all masses across the Diocese of Limerick at the weekend Bishop Murray said he is reflecting on the decision that he now has to make in the wake of the Murphy Report.

The letter states that following the publication of the Murphy Report Bishop Murray has been listening to all voices especially to survivors of abuse, the people of the Archdiocese of Dublin, the people and priests of Limerick Diocese, as well as all members of the public who have contacted him by phone, mail and email.

"Bishop Murray is acutely aware of the pain and anguish that has been experienced and expressed in the last week. Bishop Murray thanks all those who have responded to him. He is particular grateful for the guidance from survivors of abuse, and for the many and varying pieces of advice that he has received and for the messages of support," read the statement.

"He is reflecting on the decision that he now has to make and asks for your continued prayers especially over the coming week. Bishop Murray also asks us to continue to pray especially for people whose trust was betrayed when they were children so that they may find healing, peace and closure," it added.

Under church law a bishop cannot just announce his resignation as he must first offer his resignation to the Pope citing the reasons for his decision.