The Bishop of Meath, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Smith, has moved to underline the importance of last week's two-day meeting between Irish bishops, His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI and senior members of the Curia. Senior figures from the Irish Catholic Hierarchy met with the Pope at the Vatican last week for a summit on the issue of clerical sex abuse.
Contrary to critical coverage in the national media, Bishop Smith said that he found the Rome meeting to be "the most open, honest and engaged meeting" he has attended.
"The Murphy Report highlights the serious mistakes made and the terrible suffering that too many children endured," Bishop Smith said.
"The Holy Father and nine senior Cardinals and Archbishops from the Curia were present for the meeting.
"By his and their presence, they wished to emphasise the seriousness with which they view this evil, which affects the life of the Church in Ireland and society worldwide."
During the meeting last week, Bishop Smith and his colleagues had the opportunity to give a five minute presentation to the Pope on different aspects of the issue, followed by a response from cardinals, archbishops and the Pope himself.
"When these were completed, discussion began on the draft of the letter that Pope Benedict will send to the Irish Church in the next few weeks," the Bishop explained.
"He listened attentively to comments and suggestions made by all present and will take these into account in finalising his letter.
"Contrary to some reports, I found the meeting with Pope Benedict earlier this week to be the most open, honest and engaged meeting that I have attended."
Bishop Smith said that the Church has constantly reviewed and evaluated its national policy and procedures for safeguarding children since the publication of its Framework document in 1996.
"In this diocese, that has been done in complete cooperation with the HSE, seeking to ensure that best practice is in place.
"Lent invites us to repentance. Lent also has at its heart a deep message of hope, a hope rooted in the life, death and resurrection of Christ. The Church must always take its teaching from the life and words of Christ, repenting when it has failed to do so," the Bishop concluded.
Sandra Neville, the Meath Diocesan Child Protection Trainer, said that the Diocese has been rolling out policies and procedures for safeguarding chldren over the past eighteen months.
"Over this period, 120 lay people in parishes and seventy priests have undertaken specific training. We are working with these lay people and priests in implementing the policy and procedures at parish level," Ms. Neville said.
Parishioners in Westmeath and the Diocese who may have concerns over child protection issues are asked to inform their local parish representatives.
They may contact Fr. Sean Henry, the Diocesan delegate on 086-1574774 or at delegate@dioceseofmeath.ie.
The HSE or An Garda Siochána may also be contacted, but if the matter relates to Church personnel, the delegate should also be informed so that the Diocese can take the necessary steps.
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