Geelong Deanery spokesman Fr Kevin Dillon has lamented the pain caused by offences caused by convicted priest Fr John Haines, The Geelong Advertiser reports. "No matter what words you come up with, they're not really adequate," Fr Dillon said.
"The response on behalf of the deanery and on a personal level is one of great sadness, for John himself and you can't look at these things in isolation of so many people affected by a sorry, sorry situation.
"First and foremost there are the young people involved and one hopes not too much damage is sustained by them.
"There are only losers all round and no winners in this, unfortunately.
"It's very sad, people have to come to terms with that on all levels but the young people with their families have got to come first and foremost in all of this.
"We can't forget, we can't take our eye off the damage done. Even the court proceedings would have been very traumatic for everyone involved."
Melbourne archdiocesan leaders also expressed sorrow.
"The crimes are incompatible with the life of a priest," a statement said.
"We are deeply sorry for pain and suffering that has been caused."
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(Source: CTHN)