Prymas Poland Abp. Wojciech Polak celebrates Mass for victims of abuse

Archbishop Wojciech Polak celebrated Mass on September 30 during a training session for diocesan and religious chaplains for victims and sisters serving on the Sisters for the Abused support helpline. The meeting took place at the Centrum Edukacyjno-Formacyjne Gnieźnie.

In his homily, Archbishop Polak stated that the Church understands God is not responsible for the innocent suffering of exploited and harmed people, noting that victims were hurt by people who were supposed to protect them. He said that those exploited by clergy may feel as though God himself permitted the abuse.

The program included reflections on the roles and limitations of chaplains, an analysis of support forms, and the needs of victims. Participants studied roles and responsibilities to learn how to recognize moments requiring intervention and the principles of interdisciplinary cooperation.