All of us are deeply shocked and distressed by what we’ve heard of the just-published Dublin Report.

Now is not the time for words, analysis or statements.  We need time to absorb the shocking truth of what was done to innocent children by some priests and the even more awful reality that those in authority and leadership in the church knew about it and did nothing effective to prevent it.

The following prayer was sent to Archbishop Martin by someone who suffered abuse so that it could be shared in our parishes. 

Lord, we are so sorry for what some of us did
to your children: treated them so cruelly,
especially in their hour of need.
We have left them with a lifelong suffering.
This was not your plan for them or us.
Please help us to help them.
Guide us, Lord, Amen.

Bernard Lowe, c.p.

Kenneth Brady, c.p.

Ignatius Waters, c.p.