A survivor of institutional abuse has criticised the Pope’s envoy for meeting victims in secret during a pilgrimage. Papal Legate Cardinal Ouellet asked for forgiveness during his penitential pilgrimage to Lough Derg in Co Donegal on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI.
Men and women from both sides of the border who suffered at the hands of clergy spoke of the impact it had on their lives during a two-hour meeting with Cardinal Ouellet.
But one campaigner who sought time with the cardinal said he was outraged he was excluded.
Michael O’Brien, former mayor of Clonmel, said he and survivor Christy Heaphy made several calls and sent emails to church administrators for time with the cardinal.
Men and women from both sides of the border who suffered at the hands of clergy spoke of the impact it had on their lives during a two-hour meeting with Cardinal Ouellet.
But one campaigner who sought time with the cardinal said he was outraged he was excluded.
Michael O’Brien, former mayor of Clonmel, said he and survivor Christy Heaphy made several calls and sent emails to church administrators for time with the cardinal.
On the third anniversary of the publication of the Ryan Report into child abuse, Mr Heaphy, from Co Cork, spoke to the congregation at Aglish Church, Co Waterford, about how he and his two brothers spent a total of 35 years at Greenmount, Passage West, and Lota industrial schools in Cork.
Yesterday, Mr O’Brien said: "I didn’t even get a response. The least anybody can do is say: ‘Sorry, they can’t meet you.’ I was abused by priest and brothers, not just beaten but buggered every day. The least they could do is meet us."
Cardinal Ouellet celebrated Mass in St Patrick’s Basilica on the island witharound 100 Irish and international pilgrims.
Yesterday, Mr O’Brien said: "I didn’t even get a response. The least anybody can do is say: ‘Sorry, they can’t meet you.’ I was abused by priest and brothers, not just beaten but buggered every day. The least they could do is meet us."
Cardinal Ouellet celebrated Mass in St Patrick’s Basilica on the island witharound 100 Irish and international pilgrims.