22 October 2020
The Liturgy of Lament held in Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral on Tuesday 1 September marked the beginning of Safeguarding Month.
Bishop Anthony Randazzo invited people across the Diocese of Broken Bay to attend in person and participate online to pray together in acknowledging the suffering caused to our most vulnerable and to give public expression to our sorrow.
“This evening as the community of the Church of Broken Bay, we express our grief and sorrow for the abuse of innocent people within our community,” Bishop Anthony said in his homily.
“We ask God, who is mercy and compassion, to forgive us and to give us the humility and the courage to ask forgiveness of the women and men who are survivors.”
Bishop Anthony’s homily was followed by a liturgical action inviting the congregation to express their lament. Following this, Nadia a survivor, stepped forward to tell her story.
The Liturgy of Lament has been held in the Diocese of Broken Bay for the past several years, but it was the first time the voice of a survivor had been heard.
“My name is Nadia and through the grace of God, I am a survivor of child sexual abuse,” began Nadia. She continued to give an account of the suffering she endured throughout her childhood. Whilst a harrowing story of sexual abuse and betrayal of trust, it was also a story about hope and faith.
“I cannot speak about my experience of sexual abuse without speaking about my faith: the two are deeply entwined,” said Nadia. She explained the damage done to her image of God but also the redemption she encountered through meaningful encounters with Christ and the scriptures that have helped her heal and grow stronger over the years.
The theme for Safeguarding Month was “Promoting Rights of the Child” which includes respecting and listening to the voice of the child. in turn she explained, silenced God’s voice in her – the voice of life and truth.
The gradual regaining of her voice has seen her become an advocate for the restoration and recovery of other survivors of abuse. In a powerful address to fellow survivors, Nadia spoke of the encouragement they give her to keep going.
“Your worth inspires me to keep coming forward. You are not invisible. I see you, and speak my truth for you, and your life and survival has given meaning to my own.”
Under the pen-name of Jane N. Dowling, Nadia has published two books, one of them award winning, and both spiritual handbooks for survivors of sexual abuse offering resources drawing from her own experience, scripture, visualisation and art therapy.
Very Rev Dr David Ranson, Vicar General of the Diocese of Broken Bay, noted in his foreword to the first book Child Arise! The Courage to Stand that the challenge to the Church today is to adopt a listening heart. He said “…it is the voice of those who have suffered abuse within the Church who thus bear the retelling of the story of Jesus for us… We can only hear that story of redemption again, for our own time and in our own circumstances, if we are first prepared to listen to another’s struggle to make meaning in the midst of such pain.”
Nadia’s voice was heard clearly at the Liturgy of Lament and it was a privileged moment to receive it.
“The Spirit keeps urging me not to be silent but to keep speaking my truth,” said Nadia.
“Tonight’s Liturgy of Lament is a sign of hope for survivors because… it enables both survivors and the Church to deal with the wounds of trauma.”
Bishop Anthony thanked Nadia for her presence and story, shared with such dignity, courage and trust, and he offered her an apology.
“I am sorry for the pain you have experienced as a result of your abuse,” said Bishop Anthony.
“Nadia, your testimony tonight, gives us great hope. Your witness is a reflection of the light of Christ dispelling the darkness.”