May 31, 2010 - Statement of Cardinal O'Malley Regarding Apostolic Visitation of Church in Ireland

(Braintree, MA)  May 31, 2010…The Archdiocese of Boston today released the following statement from Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley regarding the Holy See’s decision to conduct an Apostolic Visitation of the Church in Ireland:

“With deep respect for Pope Benedict XVI and sincere humility, I have accepted the Holy Father’s request to serve as Apostolic Visitor to the Archdiocese of Dublin during the upcoming Apostolic Visitation of the Church in Ireland. I look forward to meeting with Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and our working together.

The Church must be unfailingly vigilant in protecting children and young people. Our ongoing efforts in the Archdiocese of Boston to ensure their safety will be helpful for the visitation.  It will also be important to respond to the concerns of the Catholic community and the survivors in the manner that will promote the process of healing.

The Holy Father’s letter to the Catholics of Ireland this past March made clear the priority of pastoral care and concern for all who have suffered from the sexual abuse of children by clergy and religious.  His prayer that, “by drawing nearer to Christ and by participating in the life of his Church – a Church purified by penance and renewed in pastoral charity – [we] will come to rediscover Christ’s infinite love.’ will guide our efforts in this visitation.  I ask for the prayers of the Archdiocese of Boston for me and for our brothers and sisters in Ireland.  May the light of Christ, which is not overcome by any darkness, lead us forward.