Marie Collins, the tenacious Irish survivor
of priest sexual abuse as a teenaged hospital patient, and a charter
member of Pope Francis’ sex abuse advisory commission, explained
inspiringly, candidly and bravely on 4/18/15 to a Hartford (USA) group
of Catholic reformers, including Fr. Tom Doyle and me, her sober
strategy and modest expectations, especially in light of the
commission’s limited mandate and inadequate funding. She endeavored to
be loyal to her fellow commission members, as well as fairly concerned
about her fellow abuse survivors.
Marie Collins spoke in detail of her
commission experiences and concerns and hope at the national meeting of
the Voice of the Faithful (VOTF). A senior VOTF representative indicated
to me that Marie Collins’ very important address will be posted on its
website here,