Irish bishop resigns, apologizes DUBLIN (CNS) -- Bishop Donal Murray of Limerick under.” “Responsibility must be taken by all who hold a posihas resigned after weeks of pressure over his handling of clerical sexual abuse when he served in the Dublin Arch- tion of authority and collective responsibility,” the statement said. diocese. The archbishop also acknowledged that “serious diffiSpeaking Dec. 17 after the Vatican announced that Pope culties of structure and communication at Benedict XVI had accepted his resignathe management level” of the archdiocese tion, Bishop Murray told a large congreexisted and promised that “radical reform” gation – including many priests – in St. across the archdiocese, including the area John’s Cathedral in Limerick: of child protection, would be undertaken. “I humbly apologize once again to Speaking in Rome, Jesuit Father Federiall who were abused as little children. I co Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said know full well that my resignation cannot Bishop Murray “presented his resignation undo the pain that survivors of abuse on his own initiative.” have suffered in the past and continue to In his remarks, Bishop Murray said he suffer each day.” had heard from numerous abuse survivors A government investigation found and some asked him to resign while others that Bishop Murray, who served as auxilurged him to stay on. iary bishop of the Dublin Archdiocese “A bishop is meant to be a person who from 1982 to 1996, failed to investigate seeks to lead and inspire all the people of allegations of abuse against a priest and the diocese in living as a community united called his action “inexcusable.” The findBishop Murray in the truth and love of Christ,” he said. “I asked ings from the investigation, published Nov. 26 in the so-called Murphy Report, looked at the handling the Holy Father to allow me to resign and to appoint a new of some 325 abuse claims in the archdiocese in the years bishop to the diocese because I believe that my presence will create difficulties for some of the survivors.” 1975-2004. Bishop Murray’s resignation comes as Irish Catholics The commission in charge of the investigation also found that church leaders had put the avoidance of scan- are awaiting a pastoral letter from Pope Benedict XVI on dal and the reputation of the institution before the rights the issue. The Pope promised such an the letter after a Dec. 4 summit with leaders from the Irish Catholic Church at of victims. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin welcomed the Vatican. The letter will herald a “significant structurBishop Murray’s resignation, saying in a statement, “I al reform” of the church in Ireland, Archbishop Martin appreciate the personal difficulty and pressure he has been said.
CNS file photo
Cardinal opposes Mexico city’s support for same-sex marriage Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera of Mexico City slammed the Dec. 21 decision by the Mexico City assembly that opened the door to same-sex marriage and adoption. He called the new law “immoral” and said it tears against the structure of the family.
‘Take first step’ to reconcile, Pope urges Christians VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Christians need to make the first move in offering reconciliation and establishing peace, which includes accepting the blame for wrongdoings, Pope Benedict XVI said. “Today we must learn once again to be able to recognize guilt, we must shake off the illusion of being innocent,” the Pope said Dec. 21 in his annual pre-Christmas address to the Roman Curia and cardinals who reside in Rome. “We must learn the ability to do penance, to let ourselves be transformed; to meet the other and let God give us the courage and strength for such renewal.” The Pope introduced the theme of reconciliation in his
remarks looking back on the Synod of Bishops for Africa in October, which was dedicated to the church’s role in fostering reconciliation, justice and peace. The Pope made no mention of his recent meeting with top officials of the Irish Catholic church concerning the handling of clerical sex abuse cases and his plan to write a special pastoral letter to Irish Catholics, which was likely to include the suggestion of public services of repentance for Irish bishops and priests. In promoting peace and reconciliation, he said, Christians must take their example from Christ, who freely became human and died for the sins of all.
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Free of ulterior motives, people must “be willing to take the first step, be the first to meet the other, offering them reconciliation, taking on the pain that comes with letting go of having to always be right,” the Pope said. Pope Benedict called for a rediscovery of the sacrament of penance, which has more or less “disappeared from the existential habits of Christians” today. The neglect of the sacrament is “a symptom of the loss of truth in relation to ourselves and with God; a loss that puts our humanity in danger and weakens our capacity for peace,” he said.
Dear friends, It is with great pleasure and excitement that we invite you to join us on our 12 days Splendors of Italy and Switzerland.
SPLENDORS OF ITALY & SWITZERLAND The PASSION PLAY of OBERAMMERGAU 12 Days: July 9 - 20, 2010
Last opportunity until the year 2020 We look forward to having you join us on this trip of a lifetime!
Deacon Joe Delgado 520-432-9047
JANUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG
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