Planned Mass for Mulkearns Cancelled

The Courier
May 12, 2016

http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3903861/planned-mass-for-mulkearns-cancelled/

BALLARAT Catholic Diocese has confirmed a planned mass for Bishop Ronald Mulkearns will not go ahead.

The mass – which was to be held on Monday – was described as “an opportunity for priests and people from around the diocese to come together to offer mass for Bishop Mulkearns”.

Bishop Mulkearns presided over a notorious period of child sexual abuse by clergy which spanned decades was seen by many as the keeper of secret. He died from cancer aged 85 last month. He was the first Ballarat bishop not to receive a crypt burial and he received a low-key funeral at Nazareth House.

The mass announcement caused outrage within the community. A petition to cancel the mass garnered close to 2000 signatures in a matter of days.

Clergy abuse survivor Stephen Woods was pleased the mass was cancelled but said the damage had already been done.

“I think it was utterly silly of them to be so insensitive to think that they could get a celebratory mass under the radar,:” Mr Woods said.

“I was absolutely shocked and deeply perplexed and the more I thought about it, deeply outraged.”

Mr Woods said all survivors he had spoken to were shocked the church has not contacted them beforehand and that there had been no communication on the matter.

“You would’ve expected there would be some communication. We have attempt to have open communication with them about sexual assault.”

Ballarat Father General Justin Driscoll said the church had responded to the community’s reaction to the mass.

He said the decision to cancel the mass was difficult, because the Catholic belief was to be able to pray and have mercy.

“Our intent was never to cause the level of pain that we have seen, or to glorify or honour any particular person,” Father Driscoll said.

“It was also to recognise Bishop Mulekarns’ failings as a leader… which the Royal Commission gave him an opportunity to admit.

“I hope that nothing we do do would jeopardize our relationship with the survivors, especially in trying to seek a way forward.”