Thursday February 25 2010
Letters to the Editor, Irish Independent.
As a survivor of child abuse, I do not share the sentiments of some fellow survivors — who appear unable to come to terms with their tragic lives and are happy to play out their pain on radio and TV.
I don’t know what the survivors or media expected Pope Benedict to say or do. Even if he had made a full apology, it would not have been enough.
I have come to terms with my abuse. Nobody can live on the stale bread of hate without being consumed by it.
It is only through forgiveness that healing can begin to effect its power over a broken soul. Picked scabs never heal.
If survivors got the opportunity to meet Pope Benedict in private, a civilised discussion and a meeting of minds would bring comfort and healing.
Michael Clemenger
