Religious women and men across Australia, among them Sisters of the Good Samaritan, will hold a National Day of Sorry and Promise on Sunday, December 2, 2018, the beginning of Advent and the start of a new Church year.
The day is to acknowledge survivors of abuse within the Catholic Church and all those who have been hurt by that abuse.
Underpinning this, is a clear promise for a better, safer future, said Josephite Sister Monica Cavanagh, President of Catholic Religious Australia (CRA).
“Action is happening,” said Monica.
“The process is already underway to reform the Church’s practices to ensure that safeguarding is integral in all that we do as part of our ministry and outreach in the community. This at the heart of our mission.”
While this reform is underway, Monica said “we must continue to hold and honour those who spoke their stories to break the silence”.
In addition to apologising again for the tragedy of abuse, the purpose of the day is also to acknowledge those who work in the interests of persons harmed by abuse and those who work for the safety of the vulnerable.
The following video montage includes the voices of Catholic religious leaders from across Australia who express their sorrow and promise for a safer future. Among the leaders is Sister Patty Fawkner, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan.
The National Day of Sorry and Promise is an initiative of CRA, the peak body for Catholic leaders of religious institutes and societies of apostolic life who are resident in Australia.
Leaders of more than 150 congregations of sisters, brothers and priests living and working in all States and Territories of Australia are members of CRA.
