Cardinal presides over 'mass of atonement and hope' for clergy abuse victims

By Michelle Manchir
Chicago Tribune
October 4, 2014

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-cardinal-presides-over-mass-of-atonement-and-hope-for-clergy-abuse-victims-20141004-story.html

Cardinal Francis George called for the continued healing of sexual abuse survivors and the rebuilding of trust with the Catholic church at a mass Saturday that included an address from a victim of abuse by a priest.

Referring to the sexual abuse of young people by clergy as a “terrible injustice,” George led a mass  of “atonement and hope” for victims and their families at Holy Family Catholic Church in the Little Italy neighborhood.

“When trust is betrayed, then of course hope also leaves,” George said during a homily that lasted about six minutes.

George said it was important to pray for forgiveness and keep up with the work the archdiocese and others have done to rebuild trust and hope among the abused.

People at the mass said they were glad George chose to address the issue in the final weeks that he will head the archdiocese. Bishop Blase Cupich of Spokane, Wash. is set to take over Nov. 18.

“It’s a tragic thing that we allowed to happen,” said Sister Loretta Rosendale of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. “I don’t know him but … I’m very happy that this is a piece that he picked in his ending.

"And I would like to see him," she added as she entered the church. "Every time I do, I feel it’s the last time I’ll see him.”

George, who is facing his third bout with cancer, has also been undergoing treatment for a cellulitis infection in his right foot. He entered the church on crutches and sat down as he delivered his homily.

After the mass, attended by about 50 people including many members of clergy and some victims of sexual abuse, the crowd was invited to walk through a garden built near the church by a committee of clergy abuse survivors.

One of those survivors, Michael Hoffman of Chicago, spoke at the church Saturday and said he was grateful to have the cardinal preside over the mass.

“It was clearly important to him to be here today and I’m very grateful,” Hoffman said.