However, speaking exclusively to
the Irish Independent yesterday, Archbishop Martin said he understood
that this concelebration with bishops Dermot O'Mahony and Eamonn Walsh
had caused hurt to Marie Collins and other victims of other abusive
priests.
Dr Martin explained that the Mass on Sunday marked the
feast day of the archdiocese's patron saint and founder, St Laurence
O'Toole.
He also explained that the custom was for the members of
the Metropolitan Chapter -- senior clergy holding official positions --
to take part in the Mass.
Hurt
Dr O'Mahony, who is retired, assisted at the Mass as dean of the chapter, as did Dr Walsh, its precentor.
The
fourth concelebrant was Cardinal Sean O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston,
in his capacity as the Pope's representative conducting an investigation
into child protection in Dublin.
Ms Collins, the victim of a
Dublin paedophile cleric, expressed her sense of hurt and anger at the
participation at the altar of Cardinal O'Malley and Dr Martin with
bishops named in the report.
Ms Collins said it gave out the wrong message, and it was "a poor start" for Cardinal O'Malley's investigation.
Yesterday,
when asked for his response to Ms Collins, Dr Martin said: "They (Dr
O'Mahony and Dr Walsh) belonged to the Metropolitan Chapter. I could do
nothing about it.
Asked if he had apologised to Ms Collins and other victims, he added: "I am aware of the hurt that has been caused to people."
SIC: II/IE