Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland Archbishop Charles J Brown celebrated his first Mass in
Dublin’s Pro-Cathedral Sunday, where he told those present that Pope Benedict XVI
“knows the recent years have been difficult for Catholic believers in Ireland”.
In
his homily the New York native, who was appointed papal representative to Ireland
by Pope Benedict XVI in January, said the Holy Father “was scandalised and dismayed
by the abuse perpetrated by some members of the clergy and of religious congregations”.
Speaking
from personal experience Archbishop Brown, a former official at the Congregation for
the Doctrine of the Faith, told those present that the Pope has been relentless in
trying to make changes within the Church and help those abused by clerics and that
he “felt deeply the wounds of those who had been harmed and who so often had not been
listened to”.
He concluded: “From the beginning, Pope Benedict was resolute
and determined to put into place changes which would give the Church the ability to
deal more effectively with those who abuse trust, as well as to provide the necessary
assistance to those who had been victimised”.
Archbishop Brown presented his
credentials to the Irish President Michael D Higgins during the week.