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Triggered by the scathing report of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury
and the news about Archbishop Theodore McCarrick, several people made calls to
the diocesan Office of Victim Assistance this summer.
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“(People call and say), ‘I’ve been thinking about this for years
and trying not to think about it for years and now is just the time I need to
go on record. I need to have my story told,’ ” said Dr. Frank Moncher,
coordinator of Victim Assistance. “It takes a lot of courage.”
Moncher and Deacon Marques Silva, director of the Office of Child
Protection and Safety, recently sat down for the “Catholic Herald Podcast” to
talk about their professional and personal reactions to the allegations of
abuse in the Catholic Church.
“It was not just shock — it was anger and frustration,” said
Deacon Silva. “But there was a sense from me that we need to keep doing what
we’re doing because I know that since the policies and procedures were put in
place back in 2004, that they’re working to help keep our kids safe. Of course,
never perfectly, but there’s a way to ensure that we know more about those who
are coming into contact with our kids.”
When asked what the laity can do to affect change, Moncher urged
Catholics to talk about their thoughts and emotions in community.
“This has been happening spontaneously, but I think it’s worth
encouraging, for the laity to dialogue with each other and with the church
about what their reactions are,” he said. Both men spoke about the importance
of truth being proclaimed.
“I think for a long time people may have held back and not wanted
to speak about these things, (but) without knowing the truth we’re not going to
get to justice,” said Moncher. “Our church is one of both mercy and
justice. Our God is a God of mercy and justice. So for justice to be had, truth
needs to be known.”
“In the church we never wish or want scandal,” said Deacon Silva.
“But there’s this great quote by Pope St. Gregory the Great that says it’s better
that scandals arise than the truth be suppressed.
“Because once the truth is revealed — because secrets have power
— we’re able to start treating the wound and bringing about healing,” said
Deacon Silva. “God-willing, a good healing process will come out of this and the
church will be stronger. But most importantly, the victims who have not
experienced the care they were seeking, hopefully we now can provide it.”
