Boston Archbishop speaks to Pope

"Our recent history is one of great pain because of the tragedy of clerical sexual abuse with its all devastating consequences. As a Church we are striving to bring healing to all of those affected by this crisis. Oftentimes the victims and their families were among those most committed to the life of the Church, and so the abuse has been experienced as the most serious betrayal.

"Our Catholic faith assures us that our God is so loving and powerful that He brings good out of evil. We are humbled by our sins and offenses but confident that God does not forsake us and calls us to strive for healing and reconciliation.

"The pain of these recent years has certainly convinced us of the importance of prayer in our lives. As you reminded us in Novo Millenio Ineunte, Christians cannot survive in today’s world on a superficial prayer life. All of our pastoral programs must have prayer as their foundation in order that we find the strength to carry out the mission of the Church, with humility, love and mercy."

The Most Rev. Sean O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston
Remarks to the Holy Father during Ad Limina visit
September 2, 2004