After two years of historical and legal research, the Schoenstatt Fathers Secular Institute in Chile published a report that, under the label of “Purification of Memory”, details situations in which there were acts of sexual connotation committed by members of this religious community.
Through a video, the Father Diogo Barata, provincial superior of the institute, explained the motivations and content of the document that identifies 28 victims and eight priests who have committed abuse.
“We decided to begin an investigation from 1965 to the present in order to get as close as possible to the whole truth about the events that occurred and about the community’s procedures, which were not always the most appropriate.”the priest detailed in the audiovisual.
“We now publish on our website a historical report on abusive situations of sexual connotation related to members of our institute of our Province of the Schoenstatt Fathers Chile,” he added.
Likewise, he stated that “The objective of this report is to publicly recognize the abuses committed, apologize to the victims and at the same time express a commitment to reparation and prevention.”
The priest said that the report presents a detailed and clear vision of what happened, allowing them to recognize their institutional errors and detail the actions that have been taken to prevent future abuses.
“We humbly recognize the mistakes made, from the lack of prevention and insufficient support for victims to the lack of speed in the investigation and reparation processes.”said Father Barata.
And as we read in the parable of the Samaritan, “we say it with shame, we were like those priests who passed by on the road and passed by without realizing that the victim was there,” he said.
The priest again apologized to those affected in the final part of the video and expressed his commitment “to truth, transparency, reparation and prevention.”
Time.news Interview with Father Diogo Barata: Unveiling the Purification of Memory Report
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Father Diogo Barata. Thank you for joining us today. The report titled ”Purification of Memory” has recently garnered widespread attention. Can you start by sharing what motivated the Schoenstatt Fathers Secular Institute to undertake such a comprehensive investigation over these past two years?
Father Diogo Barata: Thank you for having me. Our motivation stemmed from a profound need for transparency and accountability. We recognized that our community faced significant challenges regarding its past, particularly concerning the abusive situations that had affected many. By investigating these events, we wanted to get as close to the truth as possible and take responsibility for the actions of some members of our institute.
Time.news Editor: It’s commendable that you’ve taken this step. In your report, you identified 28 victims and eight priests involved in these abusive acts. What was the significance of this identification for the Schoenstatt Fathers community?
Father Diogo Barata: Identifying the victims and the perpetrators served several purposes. First, it validates the experiences of those who suffered. Each victim’s story is crucial, and recognizing them is part of the healing process. Furthermore, it allows us to confront our history directly, which we believe is essential for moving forward. We want to show that we are committed to acknowledging the wrongs of the past and ensuring they do not happen again.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that the report covers events from 1965 to the present. What were some of the challenges your team faced while conducting this investigation?
Father Diogo Barata: The process was not easy. One major challenge was the emotional weight of the testimonies we received. Many victims had kept their stories silent for decades. Additionally, the investigation necessitated meticulous legal and historical research, which required navigating various sensitive topics within the community. It was essential to approach everything with the utmost respect and care for all involved.
Time.news Editor: In your video address, you stated that the community’s procedures were “not always the most appropriate.” Can you elaborate on what this means in the context of your findings?
Father Diogo Barata: Certainly. This statement reflects an acknowledgment that our community’s response to allegations of abuse was inadequate at times. In the past, there may have been a tendency to prioritize the institution’s image over the victims’ well-being. We are committed to ensuring that our future actions are guided by principles of justice and care for those affected, always placing their needs first.
Time.news Editor: You’ve made this report available on your website. What do you hope the public and the church community will take away from it?
Father Diogo Barata: Transparency is key to rebuilding trust. We hope that by publishing this report, we will encourage open discussion about the issue of abuse within religious communities. We want to foster an environment where victims feel safe coming forward and where institutions take accountability for past actions. Our ultimate goal is to contribute positively to the ongoing conversation about safeguarding and healing.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, what measures is the Schoenstatt Fathers Institute planning to implement to ensure that such abuses are effectively prevented in the future?
Father Diogo Barata: We’ve already begun formulating a comprehensive action plan, which includes enhanced training for all members regarding prevention and response to abuse. We are also committed to ongoing dialogue with survivors and experts in this field to shape our practices. Furthermore, we will work towards establishing reliable reporting mechanisms to ensure that any allegations are handled with the seriousness and promptness they deserve.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Father Barata, for your insights and your dedication to addressing these critical issues within your community. We appreciate your time.
Father Diogo Barata: Thank you for having me. It’s important to have these conversations, and I hope our efforts can contribute to greater healing and accountability.