Acta Benedicti Pp. XVI 927

Archdioceses. Furthermore, each priest who has graduated from the semin-

ary in the previous three years will be given the opportunity for a private

interview.

In conducting his examination of each institution, the Visitator will

follow the directives set out by the documents of the Holy See and of the

local Church concerning priestly formation and the protection of minors.

Regarding the Visitation to Religious Houses

Sr. Sharon Holland, I.H.M., Fr. Robert Maloney, C.M., Sister Máirin

McDonagh, R.J.M. and Fr. Gero McLoughlin, S.J. have been appointed to

serve as Apostolic Visitators of those Institutes of Consecrated Life and

Societies of Apostolic Life with houses in Ireland.

The first phase of this Visitation will consist in responding to a Question-

naire which seeks information regarding the involvement of Institutes in

cases of abuse, the responses offered to victims, and the compliance of the

Institute with the protocols contained in Safeguarding Children, Standards

and Guidance Document for the Catholic Church in Ireland. The Question-

naire also seeks to ascertain how each community is dealing with the revela-

tions and their consequences. Additionally it asks what is being done, in the

light of past experiences, to assist members in their primary mission of radi-

cally witnessing to Christ's presence in the world.

The Visitators will meet afterwards to assess the responses to the

Questionnaire. They will then make recommendations to the Congregation

for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life regarding

the next steps to be taken in the Visitation process.

When the Apostolic Visitation is complete, the Visitators will submit

their findings to the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and

Societies of Apostolic Life. After having carefully studied the Report of the

Visitators, the Congregation will determine what further steps should be

taken to contribute to a revitalization of consecrated life in Ireland.

Conclusion

Given the delicate nature of the subject matter and out of respect for

persons involved, the Visitators will exercise great discretion and will not

grant interviews during the first phase of the Visitation.