John Salveson, the author of the "I
Was Abused" story, contacted the University after learning
of the existence of the Church Study Committee appointed by Father
Malloy, CSC, University president, to determine Notre Dame's response
to the sexual abuse scandal.
"I am writing to offer my help on this issue to the University,"
Salveson said. "In my view, two of the rare voices of wisdom during
this crisis have been Scott Appleby and Father McBrien. I have
been proud of the stands they have taken." Appleby is director
of Notre Dame's Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace
Studies; Father Richard McBrien is the Crowley-O'Brien chair of
theology at ND.
In his letter, Salveson also said, "I think the voice of the
victim/survivor is critical to this process. . . . I really don't
know how I can help but want to make the offer. It might be as
simple as speaking to the group about the experience of being
an abuse survivor. Whatever helps."
Salveson subsequently met on campus with two members of the
committee. That meeting spurred both the appearance of his story
in this magazine and a new determination by the committee to reach
out to others affected by clerical sexual abuse at Notre Dame.
So far this year, committee members have met or corresponded with
three more individuals who are either abuse survivors or have
raised allegations of past abuse. Father Malloy has designated
three people as a special committee to take the lead in these
efforts: John Cavadini, chair and associate professor of theology
and director of the University's Institute for Church Life; Carol
Kaesebier, vice president and general counsel; and Carol Ann Mooney
'77J.D., vice president and associate provost, who will chair
the committee.
A special Mass for reconciliation of all those affected by the
sexual abuse crisis in the church was celebrated June 5 on campus
in conjunction with this year's alumni reunion. Father William
Dorwart, CSC, provincial superior of the Indiana Province of the
Congregation of Holy Cross, presided.
"The University wants to hear from sexual abuse survivors and
to be guided by their experiences in our present and future policies,"
Mooney said. "At the very least, we embrace the opportunity to
express our profound regret that they were victimized at Notre
Dame."
Anyone wishing to make contact with the University on a matter
of clerical sexual abuse may contact Mooney at 300 Main Building,
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556; telephone (574)
631-4590; or e-mail mooney.1@nd.edu.
