I have long admired what Diarmuid Martin is trying to do as head of the Archdiocese of Dublin in the wake of the sex abuse crisis, and the report today that he washed the feet of the victims of abuse in the city's pro-cathedral is another very encouraging sign, I think, and perhaps a spur to others. (St. Peter's on Holy Thursday, anyone?)Martin was assisted by Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley, who is part of the Vatican team sent to assess the Irish situation. I thought I recalled that O'Malley had washed the feet of abuse victims at some point in Boston (or one of his other assignments as a "fixer"), but I can't find mention of it now. In any case, this is symbolic, but a powerful one, to my mind, all the more so if followed by strong actions.The Irish Times account is the most comprehensive, I think:

At the beginning of a moving 90-minute liturgy of lament and repentance, prepared in the main by abuse victims themselves, Archbishop Martin and Cardinal OMalley both prostrated themselves in silent prayer before the altar which was dominated by a large, bare, wooden cross, symbolising the cross of Jesus Christ.Most of the readings, which included excerpts from the Ryan and Murphy reports, were by victims or relatives of abuse victims. A woman victim read from Matthews gospel about Jesus and children, and his words that anyone who is the downfall of one of these little ones . . . would be better drowned in the depths of the sea. ...Archbishop Martin asked Gods forgiveness for the sins of bishops and religious superiors, when they failed to respond as good shepherds to victims of abuse by priests and religious.He sought forgiveness too for indifference in the face of human suffering, for putting the institutional Church before the safety of children, for covering up crimes of abuse, and by so doing actually causing the sexual abuse of more children. He asked Gods forgiveness for the deaf ear, the blind eye and the hard of heart.Cardinal OMalley, who is leading the apostolic visitation to Dublin sent by Pope Benedict,said we confess that we are guilty and our sins fill us with dismay. He also said on behalf of the Holy Father, I ask forgiveness for the sexual abuse of children perpetrated by priests and the past failures of the Churchs hierarchy, here and in Rome . . . to respond appropriately to the problem of sexual abuse.Archbishop Martin said no one, no one who shared any responsibility for what happened in . . . this archdiocese can ask forgiveness of these who were abused without first recognising the injustice done and their own failure for what took place.He said I, as Archbishop of Dublin . . . ask forgiveness of God and I ask from each of you for the first steps of forgiveness from the victims of abuse.

From IrishCentral:

For them to get down on their knees, it was humbling, said Darren McGavin, 39, who was abused as a child.Ive found it hard to forgive, but today I found a small bit of closure.

ADDENDUM: John Allen just moved this item:"Irish bishops reject 'bonus culture' of capitalism run amok"Also good news from the Land of St. Patrick.