Distinguished Victim Voices
Sr. Meg Cole, SSJ, MS, LMFT
Consultant to the VIRTUS® Programs
In the past few weeks, two distinguished voices, both victims of sexual abuse, were made prominent in the media.
They both are to be admired for their courage. They are representatives for the many blameless individuals who were taken advantage of by selfish adults. Peter Saunders and Glyzelle Palomar are to be respected for their brave presence that is the face, and really the hurting heart, of an abuse victim.
Peter Saunders is a resourceful member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Along with Cardinal Sean O’Malley and 18 other members of the Commission, he brings the distinct voice and betrayed experience of those who have been abused by priests. His contribution to this committee will bring forth a unique perspective that will inform the Church about the need for the protection of children for generations to come. Asked about his observations as a participant in this highly respected gathering of professionals he responded: “After two days of sitting with a group of a wide range of people, the trepidation has disappeared and I’m very hopeful that there will be significant changes that will address the challenges the Church and the wider community facing the dreadful scourge of child abuse.”His remark can encourage us to believe that years of integrity and honesty are before us. We can stand firm on the belief that the suffering of abuse at the hands of clergy and staff of the Catholic Church will someday come to an end. No longer will there be the possible ignorance or lack of responsibility on the part of members of the church to allow innocent children to be abused.
The impressive appearance of a precious little girl, Glyzelle Palomar, addressing Pope Francis while he visited Manila, was also a powerful and compelling request for the protection of children. In her innocence and beauty, she stood before millions and wept in the sorrow that is hers from having been sexually abused. Her heart-wrenching witness to Pope Francis was an overwhelming account of the impact of abuse on a vulnerable child. Her words were intense and profound as she allowed her tears to dampen her script, but not her spirit. She did not hold back in addressing the Pope. What was most inspiring was her ability, even in her despair, to proclaim, “The children are not guilty of anything.” So moved was the Pope by her sorrowful presence that he approached her, and drew her close. His compassionate embrace was a poignant example of the Church’s desire to heal these wounded victims who never deserved to be mistreated or deceived by the destructive entitlement of abusive adults.
The commitment of the Commission, and the efforts they are putting forth, can encourage all of us to know that the journey of healing is still happening, for the Church, as well as the courageous victims and their friends and family. The voices of Peter and Glyzelle cannot be ignored. We as a Church cannot abandon these victims. Listening to these victims will be reparative to them and bring so much hope to us as a Catholic Church. The gesture of the Pope towards Glyzelle is so affectionate and accepting; it is a great witness to all of us. May the victims find no resistance in us. In His final days on earth, in prayer to His Father, Jesus shared: “while I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by the name you gave me” (John 17:12). May we too always live this prayer of Jesus and offer protection and safety to our children.
Photo Credit: Catholic News Agency
This article is not part of your continuing training. To access your required bulletins you must log in using the form in the upper left-hand corner of the screen. Then go to the TRAINING tab.
