...the grounds at Maryvale, saddened, anguished, at the latest revelations about sex abuse in the Church - involving Fr Kit Cunningham in the years, half a century ago, when he worked at a school in Africa. Fr Kit went on to become a well-known and popular priest at St Etheldreda's, Ely Place and in that capacity knew many journalists and his death drew obituaries celebrating his life. He was an eccentric and a true London character. St Etheldreda's was known as a centre for those who loved the Tridentine Rite. It was also the headquarters for many years for the Catholic Writers' Guild. All this and more...
And now these ghastly revelations.
Fr Kit clearly died penitent, writing to those he had abused and returning the MBE he had recieved from the Queen.
I remember that when Fr Kit died some one asked me indignantly why there hadn't been a proper big memorial Mass to honour him. I said I was sure there would be, and meanwhile we at the Writers' Guild remembered him at our monthly Mass and had a short talk paying tribute to him as Mass ended. Now the absence of a big event is explained - there were those who knew it would be unsuitable, and perhaps he had indicated that he didn't want it...
2 comments:
As someone in RC Care in the 1950's, I can't say that I am surprised about ongoing revelations such as this.
Those Religious and laity who cared for Children in those days, while outwardly devout, had an element of cruelty and sadism in how they treated the children in their care.
These things can effect those involved lifelong and will eventually be revealed as they cannot be contained.
I hope that Father Cunningham and the others involved did repent, but more pertinent, his Order, who remain in denial over it, need to be acknowledge the hurt and pain caused a their hand. If necessary, the police must be asked to investigate the outstanding allegations. Why should those who are still alive, life safely in seclusion, supported by the Order.
The Pope made an apology for known abuse, can we expect another for this newly revealed abuse?
Joanna,
I am sorry for all of this. All the pain.
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