By Gretchen Crowe
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 9/16/04)

Last Thursday evening marked the first in a series of Masses offered for the Healing of Victims of Sexual Abuse sponsored by the Arlington Diocese and celebrated by Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde. Held at St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax, nearly 100 community members joined together to pray in solidarity for all children who have been abused sexually, especially those who have been abused by representatives of the Church.

"St. Paul tells us that the Church is the body of Christ; when one member suffers, all the members suffer," Bishop Loverde said as he welcomed those gathered. "All of us together are truly affected by the sexual abuse of children. We come together to pray for healing for those who have been victims of such abuse. There is hope and healing because all things are possible for God and for those who love him."

The tone of the Mass, set by songs such as "All Are Welcome," "With the Lord there is Mercy and Fullness of Redemption" and special meditation hymn "The Cloud’s Veil," with the repeated refrain line "God is by my side," was solemn, yet hopeful.

The first reading, from the second letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, reminded those present to focus on the future. "The old things have passed away," read lector Pat Mudd. "Behold, new things have come."

In his homily, Bishop Loverde directly addressed the "tragic and painful situations" of child sexual abuse.

"I am sorry — profoundly sorry — for the terrible pain you have experienced because of sexual abuse," Bishop Loverde said. "It is a pain which lingers in the lives of those who have been abused.

"To forgive is not to excuse the evil or to pretend that something terribly harmful and wrong did not happen," he said. "Actually, to forgive necessarily implies that something wrong and evil did occur and, in addition, that we are willing to get beyond the pain and the hurt."

A reception was held in the Church immediately following Mass. On hand were representatives from Catholic Charities who were available to talk with victims or their family members. Cathy McAdoo, a member of Holy Trinity Church in Washington, was present to help the healing process in that unique way.

"I thought that the tone (of the Mass) was very respectful," she said. "I hope that it was of comfort to those who were seeking that."

James T. Gaetjen, a member of St. Mary of Sorrows Parish, said the Church is clearly trying to heal itself. "The big message is forgiveness on both sides," he said. "It’s the universal message."

Father Terry Specht, director of the Office for Child Protection and Safety, was also present and said the Masses are "very healing.

"They are very effective ways to reach out to people who have not felt included because of what they have experienced," he said.

Tatiana Vollano and her mother, Barbara Morris, members of St. Mary of Sorrows, both said the Mass was "beautiful."

"I haven’t been touched this deep inside in a long time," said Morris. "It’s really hard to say I’m sorry. That was the thing that touched me most."

"I felt extremely humbled to see Bishop Loverde so humbled," Vollano agreed.

Vollano said that her love for children and hearing so much about this issue in the media made her want to attend the Mass. "Children are such a precious gift," she said.

The next Masses for the Healing of Victims of Sexual Abuse are scheduled for Oct. 22 at All Saints Church in Manassas and Nov. 8 at St. Mary Church in Fredericksburg, both at 7:30 p.m. Additional Masses are being planned to cover all six Diocesan deaneries. For more information call Pat Mudd at 703/841-2530.