THE Catholic hierarchy is still waiting to be given details by the Vatican of its plan to conduct a probe into all 26 dioceses on the island of Ireland, writes John Cooney.Bishop of Clogher Joe Duffy yesterday said he would like to know more about the 'Apostolic Visitation' announced by Pope Benedict in his Pastoral Letter.
The Pope's letter said: "Arrangements for the visitation, which is intended to assist the local church on her path of renewal, will be made in co-operation with the competent offices of the Roman Curia and the Irish Episcopal Conference. The details will be announced in due course."
The bishop said it would be "some kind of overhaul of structures and procedures, leading to a new growth for the church, which is badly needed".
Meanwhile, Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin also said he knew very little about the probe.
But he added: "I don't think the visitation is about management of child sex abuse. It's about a renewal of the church."
Bishop of Down and Conor Noel Treanor said the lengthy process is to include seminaries and religious congregations.
The bishop urged Catholics to discuss the contents of the papal letter in groups, parishes and neighbourhoods over the period of Lent -- until Easter -- "as we prepare to undertake and respond to its proposals".
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