Mass Held for Clergy Abuse Victims, WCSH, April 5, 2011

Mass Held for Clergy Abuse Victims

WCSH
April 5, 2011

http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article/154600/2/Mass-held-for-clergy-abuse-victims

[with video]

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The leader of Maine's Roman Catholics held his annual Day of Atonement mass in remembrance of victims of clergy abuse.

Bishop Richard Malone offered what he called a profound and sincere apology to all victims of clergy abuse. He urged those still suffering in silence to come forward and get the justice and healing they deserve.

He says he has learned from victims he has already spoken with that it is often a long difficult road towards healing and many have still not reached that stage.

"They would tell me i'll always know i was a victim but i'm not quite yet a survivor. It takes a lot of time and a lot of work", Malone told the small crowd gathered.

Pastors and administrators throughout the diocese were urged to open the doors of their churches for a least a few hours today and to invite people in to join in prayer, fasting and acts of penance.