Acta Benedicti Pp. XVI 219

I take this opportunity to thank in anticipation all those who will be

involved in the work of organizing the Apostolic Visitation and the Mission,

as well as the many men and women throughout Ireland already working for

the safety of children in church environments. Since the time when the grav-

ity and extent of the problem of child sexual abuse in Catholic institutions

first began to be fully grasped, the Church has done an immense amount of

work in many parts of the world in order to address and remedy it. While no

effort should be spared in improving and updating existing procedures, I am

encouraged by the fact that the current safeguarding practices adopted by

local Churches are being seen, in some parts of the world, as a model for other

institutions to follow.

I wish to conclude this Letter with a special Prayer for the Church in

Ireland, which I send to you with the care of a father for his children and

with the affection of a fellow Christian, scandalized and hurt by what has

occurred in our beloved Church. As you make use of this prayer in your

families, parishes and communities, may the Blessed Virgin Mary protect

and guide each of you to a closer union with her Son, crucified and risen.

With great affection and unswerving confidence in God's promises, I cor-

dially impart to all of you my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of strength

and peace in the Lord.

From the Vatican, 19 March 2010, on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph.

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI

Prayer for the Church in Ireland

God of our fathers,

renew us in the faith which is our life and salvation,

the hope which promises forgiveness and interior renewal,

the charity which purifies and opens our hearts

to love you, and in you, each of our brothers and sisters.

Lord Jesus Christ,

may the Church in Ireland renew her age-old commitment