When I first heard a reading of the letter from Pope Benedict XIV to apologise for the child abuse that occurred within the Catholic Church, I was curious to see the reaction of victims and the general public.
I know so many people have been hurt, so many hearts broken and so much trust betrayed. But the most important thing in the process of penitential service is the courage to say ‘I’m sorry’ and the desire to lead a better life.
So what did we learn from the Pope’s letter of apology? First, there is the power of forgiveness, which adds progress to the course of humanity. As the head of the Catholic Church, the Pope’s intent to show remorse over the actions of a handful of clergy touches the heart and soul. As they say: “To err is human, but to forgive is divine.”
Those who know the Bible will attest that before the prodigal son returned to his father’s world of plenty, he truly felt remorseful. In this context, the Church understands the sense of betrayal felt by many over the reaction of the Catholic authorities in Ireland, and they must have learnt their lesson against future occurrences.
That is why this great community of Catholics should forgive and move on. One cannot reconcile fully with God if he has not forgiven those who wronged him. After all, who among us has not wronged before?
As I have written here before, it simply cannot be counted the number of people from this beautiful island who have made important contributions to humanity, particularly among the clergy. They went out of their way to save lives and build a brighter future for mankind in many different parts of the world.
Apart from evangelising their father, important institutions such as schools and hospitals were established by brave Irish men and women at the farthest reaches of the earth. When colonialism was destroying the independent lives of people in the African interior, Irish missionaries were on hand to heal by educating them towards the notion of self-dignity. They walked the same paths as the locals did, and offered hope and strength in the time of tribulation.
While the colonial powers cared little about the quality of life of their subjects, these missionaries challenged the status quo with their presence and vigour.
The Pope reminded us about the sacrifice made by Ireland’s kith and kin in educating and evangelising to the world. History has not forgotten that, and the new generations emerging from those parts are ever grateful. Though a few have erred badly, Ireland should not sink an important quality that’s earned her the world’s respect.
As Pope Benedict stated, perseverance and prayer is needed with great trust in the healing power of God’s grace. Think of what many other people have suffered on their road to triumph. Think of how Nelson Mandela forgave the apartheid leaders after wasting his life in prison for almost three decades just for demanding justice.
People should not be discouraged, as more grace abounds where there is sin. Do not join those who are hell-bent on destroying the most important gift that Ireland gave to the world – your history should tell you more.
It is touching and healing to hear the words ‘I’m sorry’, and to forgive from the heart is quite rewarding.
Ukachukwu Okorie is originally from Nigeria and writes weekly for Metro Éireann. Visit his website at www.olumouka.com
