Commentary
“I read
with interest the article by Mr. Clohessy regarding ‘healing
masses’ and patronizing efforts to support the healing of
survivors. His article poses many questions – whether survivors
have been asked if they wish to have a prayer service, whether
they want to participate, whether prayer is necessarily part
of the healing process and/or what is desired by persons
who have been profoundly hurt by the sexual abuse crisis.
There
may be a presumption that VOTF or others have eluded the
questions when offering survivors a prayerful voice and that
there is insufficient energy expended in the areas of bishop
accountability, changes in the law and Church governance.
Presumptions
can assume the mantle of fact if one does not responsibly
inquire as to what VOTF is doing at the National, state and
affiliate levels in those aforementioned areas to which Mr.
Clohessy refers.
I would
like to offer an example at the affiliate level in Maine.
The Northern
York County Voice of the Faithful has sponsored several Prayer
Services at Most Holy Trinity Church in Saco. The decision
to hold these events was made by members, several of whom
are survivors. The planning included their input regarding
the format, the liturgy and the music. The Planning Committee
also included representatives from the Parish Team, church
cantors and the Women's Club who provided the refreshments.
Those
who attended from several parishes described the prayer service
as a ‘religious moment’ and, more significant, two victims
came forward as did the father of a victim who had, heretofore,
never spoken about his family's ordeal before.
It is
important to note that in preparing the liturgy for the prayer
services, several readings were drawn from the book ‘Winter's
Song,’ which is a compilation of prayers composed by victims.
The Maine
Representative Council has proposed to Bishop Malone that
the Council and the Diocese jointly sponsor a Prayer Service
in Support of Victims at the Cathedral in Portland – it will
be modeled after the Northern York County affiliate.
Sample
programs have been forwarded to VOTF National to share with
other interested affiliates and it would seem appropriate
to share this same information with SNAP members as one of
many examples of sensitivity, respect and inclusiveness.
The journey
of healing, renewal and reconciliation invites dialogue as
a prelude to action.” Doris Buonomo, vice president, Maine
Representative Council; vice president, Northern York County
Affiliate
|
