Some 50 VOTF members from all over the Fall River (MA) diocese participated at the 10:00 AM Mass at St. Patrick’s Church in Falmouth on Pentecost Sunday, June 4. They gathered in the parking lot prior to Mass and a photographer for the Falmouth Enterprise captured the scene as they processed into the Church, all wearing red sashes. Local affiliate leader Bob Moll had previously sent a letter to the pastor, Msgr. John Perry, informing him of the group’s intentions in support of VOTF’s Campaign for Accountability. “We will be identified by wearing a red sash. The group will be silent and only intending to show its unity for this Campaign and to pray for acceptance and dialogue within the Diocese of Fall River,” wrote Moll.

The group also handed out explanatory flyers to all those in attendance. In this flyer the group explained the reasons for their actions. “We must seek reforms to protect children from sexual abuse by anyone in the Catholic Church. The vulnerable must be protected and the injured must receive justice. Abusers and their enablers must be held accountable. We must proclaim to public officials and all people of good will that our society has an obligation to love and protect the innocent. We must ask public officials and Church leaders to do so today. “

The notice went on to say: “The well-publicized goals of Voice of the Faithful are threefold:

• To support those who have been abused,
• To support priests of integrity, and
• To shape structural change within the Catholic Church

In supporting these National goals, the Cape Cod Voice of the Faithful focuses its energies on educating members and friends on issues facing our Church now and in the future.”

The action was not lost upon Fall River’s Bishop George Coleman who has banned VOTF from meeting on church property in the diocese. He arrived for the next 11:30 Mass to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation.

Photo in the Falmouth Enterprise

Visit votf.org for more information about Voice of the Faithful.

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