Priests fast and pray in response to abuse scandals

A CHARRED crucifix has become the symbol for a group of priests who decided to hold a 24-hour fast as a mark of their hurt and sorrow at the Church’s child abuse scandals.

Placed on the altar at the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore — which was rebuilt 25 years ago — the “Black Crucifix” is one of the few relics of the fire which destroyed the building in 1983.

Tullamore’s five priests, who fasted yesterday to acknowledge the hurt and confusion their parishioners feel as a result of ongoing child abuse scandals, see the crucifix as symbolic of the Catholic faith — retaining its original shape, but badly damaged.