The healing after the pope's visit

Barbara Thorp, director of pastoral support for Boston, who deals with claims of sexual abuse cases, said "the Papal meeting with survivors was a true balm for the majority of survivors and families, judging by the feedback the archdiocesan office received. The five that met with the pope had given the pope a book with the first names of 1,474 victims. Many of the abused felt they were in the room".

Quoted from "Our Sunday Visitor," June 8.

The healing process will only be complete when the victims and their families forgive those that trespassed against them so they can move on.

By hating the abusers, they only hurting themselves. The abuser in most cases aren't even effected by being hated.

The hatred must be stopped or it will be carried from one generation to the next. I knew of an abuse case that was carried for 80 years.

Besides, the ''Lords Prayer ', says you must forgive or you will not be forgiven.

Ed Smetana

Arlington Heights