Posted on 04/18/2008 12:10:19 PM PDT by NYer
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Three victims of the sexual abuse scandal that rocked the RC Church described an emotional, frank and ultimately hope-filled meeting with Pope Benedict on Thursday. They were part of a small group of people abused by clergy who were asked to share their stories with the pope in a Washington chapel. "They prayed with the Holy Father, who afterwards listened to their personal accounts and offered them words of encouragement and hope," said the Rev. Federico Lombardi, a papal spokesman.
The exchanges were frank and unscripted, according to some of the victims. "I told him that he has a cancer growing in his ministry and needs to do something about it," Bernie McDaid said in an exclusive interview with CNN. But McDaid said he came away from the meeting feeling that there was real hope that this time the problem would be addressed, with action to follow.
"I don't go to Mass, but today I went with my mother, and his sermon there and his apology about the sexual abuse blew me away, and I had tears in my eyes that I wasn't ready to have. It was an incredible moment for me."
Another victim said his hope was also restored after meeting Benedict.
"He first apologized," Olan Horne said. "He seemed to intrinsically understand what we were talking about."
Horne said the victims were allowed the time necessary to say what needed to be said, which impressed him.
"I'm from Missouri, 'show me,' and today I saw," Horne said.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
"I didn't end up saying anything. I got up to him, and I burst into tears. But I don't think any words I could have said; I think my tears alone spoke so much."
Who the heck is Frank?
BTTT
Present.
Frank Sheed
So, did you meet the Pope?
And if so, why don’t YOU tell us about it instead of having these other people describe it?
I want them to stop talking as if they can be made whole again with therapy. But G-d does heal some who ask.
Pope Benedict is a kind and compassionate man of God. I believe he did the right thing in having this meeting. Time will tell if it has an affect on those who did suffer.
Frank, this WayneS seems annoyed at you. Have you been at the Guinness before noon again?
Btw, “Herding Cats” wine is $2 off this week!
He asked who Frank was and I said “Present.”
No, no Guinness today. I’m off to have some now while watching an uplifting movie from Netflix. That wine sounds like a real deal. Could you get me 20 cases and put it on my tab?
;-o)
No, but I could get a few bottles and serve it to you when you visit me! What's your favorite variety?
Enjoy your movie. DP and I were going to stroll around the neighborhood, but he's having a Garage Cleaning Frenzy.
Vlad and his kitteh send regards!
My Romanian is rusty, but do your best at returning to Vlad a Transylvanian response.
A bientot, ma cherie!
Francois
Y tu!
bumpus ad summum
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