Nod to pain caused by Church would be significant
COMMENTARY around the Pope’s visit to Ireland next month has made much of the changed Ireland that he will arrive in – but a visit to a former Magdalene Laundry would be a welcome nod to the pain caused by Catholicrun institutions over many decades.
Hardly a conversation about the papal visit has been had without a rumination on the fact the country he will visit is different from the one encountered by John Paul II. That’s undeniable. The Ireland visited by John Paul II was one where the Church had a hand in almost every State function, where divorce was illegal, homosexuality was 14 years away from being decriminalised – and the laundries were still open for business.
Recent years, with the referendums on marriage equality and the Eighth Amendment, have also marked significant progress.
But a visit to Ireland by the Pope that did not in some way mark the wrongs of the past would do a disservice to those who suffered at the hands of the Church.
It is not known what the intentions behind the proposed visit would be and it would come in a context where the Church has never investigated the laundries itself and has faced criticism for its reaction to inquiries carried out by the State.
However, a visit to a former laundry site would mark a significant moment.
The Dublin Honours Magdalenes group has in recent months worked to ensure the stories of the women who were mistreated at the hands of the institutions are not forgotten.
This year’s landmark event, which welcomed survivors from around the world, was an emotional day with many survivors sharing tears for the warm reception received at the Áras.
Survivors of the laundries have called continuously for their stories to be heard.
If the Pope does visit the Sean McDermott Street building, it may be seen as a signal that he is willing to listen.