The Americans say "the Nile is not just a river in Egypt". This saying plays on the similarities between the sound of "the Nile" and that of the word "denial"! The first is the famous river, the second is a most common method of defence mechanism we all use. It is acceptable as our first line of self defence. It shows immaturity when it remains as one's main defence mechanism.
The Superior General of the Dominican Sisters and her council must at the moment be experiencing the denial phase in its worst mode.
The denial phase was activated two years ago when a number of persons spoke on Bondiplus alleging they were physically and mentally abused during their stay at Lourdes Home in Gozo. The nuns denied the accusations and went on the attack promising all and one that they would produce enough witnesses and other evidence that would tear to bits these allegations. Alas, the picture is far different now. A commission set up by Bishop Mario Grech and headed by a retired judge concluded that there have been abuses. The nuns could hardly sue as they threatened to do!
On receiving the commission's results, Bishop Grech faced reality and, as a true and responsible shepherd, shouldered his and others' responsibilities. The Dominican Sisters, however, activated a second phase of denial.
Bishop Grech accepted the conclusions and recommendations of the commission and instructed the Superior General of the Dominicans to confirm in writing that the recommendations would be put into practice. He asked forgiveness from the victims and offered professional help to those abused. He repeatedly declared his wish that the Home would continue its service to the community, quite naturally after putting into practice the recommendations of the commission. While speaking on RTK last Tuesday, Mgr Grech said that all the decisions he made were taken in active consultation with Archbishop Paul Cremona. Pity Mgr Grech would only speak to the Church media now.
The Superior General of the Dominican Sisters has said nothing in public but her behaviour speaks louder than words. It does not seem she has not removed from the Home the sisters who abused the children. Apparently, the only person removed was a lay person who still lived with the sisters after she grew up in the Home and who was also accused of committing abuse. To make matters worse, new allegations of abuse have now been made and these have been passed on to the police.
The Superior General has approached Appoġġ informing them that the nuns wanted to close the Home and asked them to help in relocating the children living there. This Tuesday, Bishop Grech, for the umpteenth time, reiterated his policy that Lourdes Home will still be run as a children's home. Does it mean the nuns are openly challenging the Bishop's authority?
The Dominican Sisters have so far not found the courage to publicly ask forgiveness from the victims of abuse. This attitude, once more, is in stark contrast to that of the Bishop of Gozo. It also contrasts with the attitude of several of the victims. On public television and in other places they accepted the apology of the bishop and said that they were ready to forgive while expressing the wish that the sisters follow the bishop's example.
One sincerely augurs that the Superior General and her council would bravely face reality. They should give Bishop Grech the written guarantee that he asked for: That the recommendations of the commission of inquiry would be put into practice so that there will not be any more abuses. She has to immediately remove from Lourdes Home and from active work with minors those nuns whom the commission has found guilty of abuse. Finally, a public apology is a must. The Superior General owes that to the victims, to the public, to the Bishop and the Church but in particular to the great many of her Order's members who have been doing such valuable work throughout the years.