The Archbishop of
Canberra-Goulburn, Christopher Prowse, says he regrets his decision not
to attend a healing ceremony for abuse victims at a Marist college and
has asked for forgiveness for any offence it may have caused. A spokeswoman said on Friday that he had viewed it as a "Marist-specific" event, and that he had wanted to wait for the royal commission to end so the archdiocese could hold its own.
Late on Friday night, the Archbishop issued a statement, which expressed his regret for not attending.
"Some victims of child abuse have been offended by my non-attendance at the recent Liturgy of Lament at Marist College, Canberra," he said.
"In hindsight, I believe they are correct.
"I should have been there to support directly survivors who have suffered terribly at the school in past times.
"I regret my decision. I ask sincerely for forgiveness from those whom I have offended."
Statement from Archbishop Prowse