Irish bishops plan penitential act in response to crisis

CWN - February 17, 2010

Cardinal Sean Brady of Armagh told reporters that the Irish Catholic bishops will make a public act of repentance during Lent in response to the sex-abuse scandal. Speaking to reporters after two days of meetings in Rome, the cardinal said that the bishops had not decided on a particular penitential act, but their gesture would be tantamount to "sackcloth and ashes."

Cardinal Brady acknowledged that there have been "differences of opinion" among the Irish bishops about the proper response to the scandal, but emphasized that they were completely united in their belief that concern for victims and a determination to avoid future abuse should be their top priorities.

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  • Posted by: raymondfrice9926 - Feb. 17, 2010 11:10 PM ET USA

    How about resignation as a penance??

  • Posted by: extremeCatholic - Feb. 17, 2010 10:51 PM ET USA

    Enough with the speeches, the pre-announcements, the teases! Follow this advice: (But) take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. (Mt 6:1)

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