Archbishop Vincent Nichols' Chrism Mass

Today in the Westminster Diocese Archbishop Nichols gave a wonderful address to 300 priests in a congregation of 1,000. What an excellent exposition of the gift of Eucharistic ministry priests are able to have. God bless our priests and keep them safe in the loving prayers of Our Lady! What was also wonderful was Archbishop Nichols' last words touching on the abuse scandal. He does not hold back the pain and mistrust that this has caused but he is equally as clear that the media's implicating of the Holy Father is unfounded and UNTRUE! So, maybe the media will pick up on some facts now? I'll watch to see what happens. In the meantime give the homily a good read and below I put the final comments from the Archbishop on the scandal. Thank you Archbishop Nichols!

Just before we end Mass today, I would like to add a few words about the widespread reports of child abuse in the Catholic Church and all the accompanying comment.

First, and most importantly, we think of those who have been damaged by childhood abuse with all its lasting effects. We must readily express our sorrow and apologies. We are properly and shocked and shamed by each and all such acts which are a dreadful breaking of trust. We are also firmly resolved to continue all our work of safeguarding.

Secondly, attempts to implicate Pope Benedict are unworthy. Every time you read that the 2001 document from the Holy See imposed a duty on bishops to keep these things secret and hidden from public authorities, know that this is simply untrue.

There is nothing in that document to deter or hinder a bishop or a victim from reporting cases to the police. In fact since that time, when the Holy See directly called for greater vigilance and scrutiny, bishops have been urged to take that course of action.

Thirdly, please remember that in the last forty years the vast majority of priests in England and Wales – 99.6% to be precise – have never had such allegations made against them. But even one case is too many. Every single case is, and always will be, a sin and a scandal, damaging its victims and shaming us all. All of this we commit to the Lord in this Holy Week. From him alone, through his wounds, can come the healing we need.

There is a vivid phrase to recall: Trust comes on foot but leaves on horseback. It is on foot, through our daily actions, that trust is strengthened. We know that. That is what we do. And there is great trust among us – rightly given and received.

So, before the blessing, let me again thank all our priests here today for their goodness and hard work. I appreciate them and assure them of my love and support. I am sure you all do the same!

+ Vincent Nichols