Diocese of Victoria
Join Pope Francis in prayer for an end to the pandemic
May is always a month dedicated to our Blessed Mother Mary. This year, Pope Francis is encouraging Catholics across the globe to mark the month in a special way, with a “marathon” of prayer for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Each day in May at 9:00 am Pacific Time, Vatican News will broadcast a recitation of the Rosary from various Marian Shrines around the world. The broadcasts can be viewed online at https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html.
Bishop Gary hopes that Catholics in the Diocese of Victoria will participate. “This is a very worthy initiative,” he says, “an amazing learning and praying experience at the beginning of the day to create an awareness of our global interconnectedness as brothers and sisters.”
Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you do we cry!
Canadian Reporting System for Sexual Abuse or Cover-Up by a Catholic Bishop
On Thursday, May 6, 2021, the Bishops of Canada launched a national, bilingual service for reporting situations of sexual abuse either committed or covered-up by a Bishop. This service furthers their commitment to responsibility, accountability and transparency in matters of clergy sexual abuse and their commitment to facilitate healing and justice for victims-survivors.
Individuals can access the reporting system online (BishopReportingSystem.ca) or by calling toll-free 1-866-892-3737 from anywhere in Canada, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.
The reporting system was developed by ClearView Strategic Partners, a Canadian provider of an independent reporting platform. ClearView’s technology benefits anyone wanting to make such a report by providing them with a secure and confidential platform, allowing them to remain anonymous if they so choose, and ensuring all communications are documented and preserved.
The Catholic Bishops of Canada condemn the sin and crime of sexual abuse in the strongest possible terms. No one should ever have to endure the pain, humiliation, and long-term suffering it causes, nor should anyone have to doubt that serious consequences await a perpetrator of sexual abuse or cover-up. With this reporting system, the Bishops make themselves accountable to live with integrity and to address reports of sexual abuse according to Church and civil law. The Church grieves with victim-survivors and profoundly regrets the tremendous harm caused. The Bishops of Canada wish to reach out and accompany victims-survivors along the path that restores justice and promotes healing.
Reports of current or historical sexual abuse by any other member of the Diocese of Victoria (clergy, religious, employees or volunteers) may be made by calling 1-800-968-3146. This number connects to an independent reporting service which can assist in contacting the appropriate authorities and help access counselling services. For more information about Responsible Ministry and Safe Environment in the Diocese of Victoria, please visit https://www.rcdvictoria.org/responsible-ministry.
Thank you for your prayers and the support you provide to victim-survivors in the ongoing work of healing.