If you are the victim of sexual abuse by a cleric, staff or volunteer of the
Archdiocese of Philadelphia and need assistance please call 1-888-800-8780.
OFFICE FOR COMMUNICATIONS
News Release
September 13, 2006
CARDINAL RIGALI ASKS PRIESTS TO JOIN HIM FOR
WITNESS TO THE SORROW
On the Feast of Our Mother of Sorrows, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of
Philadelphia, has invited the priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to
join him and the Auxiliary Bishops to hear accounts from victims of clergy
sexual abuse. When Cardinal Rigali asked the priests to join him he said that
one of the most significant things he has learned in the past year is the
importance of listening to victims who are able to convey the hurt, pain and
suffering which is still part of daily life for many of them.
The event will be two-fold. It will begin with the witnessing, which will
take place in the auditorium of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood.
Two victims of clergy sexual abuse, and one parent of abuse victims, are
scheduled to speak to the clergy. Following the witnessing, at approximately
5:00 p.m., there will be a procession to Saint Martin's Chapel at the Seminary
for Evening Prayer.
In addition to those who will speak, other victims and their families have
also been invited to attend. Live streaming video of Witness to the Sorrow will
be available at www.archdiocese-phl.org. to allow parishioners and others who
are interested to participate spiritually. The video will also be available on
the Archdiocesan web site following the event.
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary
100 East Wynnewood Road
Wynnewood, Montgomery County
Important -- Coverage Guidelines:
The Archdiocese is open to coverage of Witness to the Sorrow but we ask media
members to respect the sensitivity of this event. Because of that sensitivity,
special coverage arrangements are being made:
Print media: The Associated Press will serve as the pool for story and
photos. Please contact AP News Editor Larry Rosenthal at 215-561-1133 for
details. Other than The Catholic Standard & Times, no additional
reporters/photographers will be permitted but live streaming video will allow
reporters to view the event from anywhere.
Electronic media: An audio and video mult-box feed will be provided at the
Seminary of both the witnessing and the prayer service. Crews will not be
allowed inside the Seminary.
There will be a seating section provided for any invited guests who do not
wish to appear on camera. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747
---------------------------------
Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV.
