Shock-waves are reverberating through Border Catholic churches and the priesthood after it was revealed George Pell was found guilty of historic child sexual abuse, including orally raping a choirboy and molesting another.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Father Brendan Lee from Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lavington said he was shocked, surprised and deeply saddened by the verdict.
Fr Lee said he could not comment further on the Pell conviction while an appeal was going to occur, saying it was prudent judgement was reserved until the process was finalised.
But, the priest welcomed the open conversations on clerical abuse that occurred at the Pope's February 21 to 24 summit.
"It has to be talked about, it doesn't make any sense not to talk about it - it's so much a part of our history and it need to be addressed," he said.
"It's very sad abuse took place, if I could turn back time and change it all I would, I think a lot of priests feel like that.
"It's horrible, it's not like we're indifferent, it hurts us as priests to think one of our own would do this to another one of our own. The people abused were part of our flock when it happened, they were little Catholics."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Fr Lee said at every clerical conference and development session there was a focus on behaviour protocols and how to respond to reports of abuse, so having an international summit was fitting.
He said within the Archdioceses of Wagga the matter was taken very seriously.
"There can never be too much preparation or explanation of protocols," he said.
"Given… allegations were not believed in the 70s and 80s, now every single accusation is taken very seriously."
Pell was found guilty of five charges including sexual penetration of a child under 16, in December but a suppression order prevented media publication.
After the verdict was delivered Pell shook the hands of his supporters, including former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer, who was regularly in court during the retrial. Mr Fischer is also a former Australian ambassador to the Holy See.
Speaking from Peter Mac on Tuesday Mr Fischer said he "had no comment, especially before any appeal is lodged and dealt with."
In 2004, Pell, then a Sydney Archbishop presided over a 150th anniversary mass at St Patrick's in Albury.
If you need support call 1800RESPECT or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Receive our daily newsletter straight to your inbox each morning from The Border Mail. Sign up here.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
