“Facing Abuse Is Not Only the Hierarchy’s Task” is the title of an article published by Alfa y Omega on the occasion of the participation of the German Jesuit Hans Zollner in a day dedicated to abuse in the Church organized by the PPC publishing house. In the article, the head of Safe Environments for the Jesuits and Isabel Mónaco, responsible for Safe Environments of Regnum Christi and the Legion of Christ in Spain, are also interviewed about the lessons learned by the Congregation in protecting and preventing abuse, listening to victims, creating paths of healing, and accountability.
Hans Zollner urges that the faithful should take a stand when authorities do not act, as they still “find it difficult to admit past crimes.” The news from the diocesan publication also explains that recently the Jesuits and the Legionaries of Christ have submitted reports on their work in child protection and victim care. The Legionaries of Christ’s report is called “Truth, Justice, and Healing”.
Healing Path with Six Victims: “It is essential to listen, listen to the victim and adapt to what they need,” affirms Isabel Mónaco
On behalf of Regnum Christi, Isabel Mónaco, coordinator of Safe Environments, details that the Legionaries of Christ have embarked, either through the independent channel or the institutional one, on a healing journey with eight victims from the six cases of priests who committed abuses in Spain.
Journalist Fran Otero also asked Isabel about the lessons learned by Regnum Christi and the Legionaries of Christ over these 16 years of journey. Isabel highlighted two: the harm caused by their members, and how to face it, approach it, and listen. “We have taken steps, but we need to keep taking more because, sometimes, even if our intentions are to do good, we make mistakes. That’s why it is essential to listen, listen to the victim and adapt to what they need. This is not easy,” explains Isabel Mónaco. The second lesson is communication and transparency: “Without truth, justice and paths of healing are not possible.”
You can read the article at this link from the Alfa y Omega magazine.
