The Bishop of Leiria Fatima acknowledged this Thursday that “the child abuse scandal challenges the Church” and assured that “significant steps have been taken to know the reality of those who do not retire and turn a blind eye.”
In a sermon of Confirmation in the Cathedral of Leiria, José Ornelas said before the priests of the diocese that it was necessary to continue the “path that had been started”, supporting the victims from the very beginning.
“Together with the clearest and most resolute refusal and accountability of views that shame us and contradict our existence, let us have a consistent attitude of justice, support and possible redress for those who have been victims of what should never have happened, especially within the Church. “, also urged the President of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference.
According to José Ornelas, the last few months “have been challenging times.”
“But we are not afraid of the truth, which allows us to identify and decisively deal with the condemned and correct the wrong, but never confusing the forest with the tree and not allowing ourselves to be carried away by the frequent media. and unfair and inconsistent generalizations,” he said.
The saint also emphasized that he “survives the situations of the past with humility and pain”, but assured that he remains committed to living in “the correspondence of faith, dedication and service” that inspires priestly service.
“It is with the truth of attitude that one can say that the Church is a safe place of reception, attentive care and help to grow in joy, faith and hope,” he added.
In his sermon, José Ornelas also mentioned the challenges the world is facing today, “with war, economic crises and their social consequences.”
“We also celebrate the mobilization of the will and means to respond to these dramatic scenarios, inspiring hope for a more fraternal, just and peaceful world,” Bishop Leiria Fatima said.
Confirmation takes place on Maundy Thursday in the cathedral of each diocese, in which the holy oils are consecrated and the priests renew their priestly promises to the respective bishop.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Sandra Hansen, a news website Author and Reporter for 24 News Reporters. I have over 7 years of experience in the journalism field, with an extensive background in politics and political science. My passion is to tell stories that are important to people around the globe and to engage readers with compelling content.