“Romper el silencio: diez rostros, diez voces,” or “Breaking the silence: ten faces, ten voices,” is a book that summarizes the work of the Marist Brothers to eradicate and prevent the crime of sexual abuse.
The Spanish Embassy to the Holy See hosted the book's presentation. The book contains 10 testimonies that explain the measures implemented by the Marists in the 81 countries they are present. Although sexual abuse has always existed, it has until very recently been kept in silence.
IMMA AMADEO
Co-author of book
“The European Council says one out of every five children will be abused before turning 18. That’s a lot. In reality, we have a social problem, and the Church is part of this society. The Church is taking a stand and bravely taking actions to uncover these cases. In order to do so, people must speak up. They have to fight and face it directly. I think we’re on the way to achieving that.”
Imma and Jordi interviewed these 10 experts, some of whom faced cases in the same institution, as happened in 2016.
One of the testimonies was from a Marist in Chile, where the justice system investigates over 100 cases of abuse committed by people related to the Church. This Marist Brother explains, that among them are the cases of his town’s priest and the bishop who confirmed him.
The book breaks from these shadows to talk about light, forgiveness and the work the institution has developed through unique initiatives, such as the formation and raising of teachers and students awareness.
JORDI MARTÍNEZ
Co-author of book
“The book really emphasizes experiences of personal formation. The Marists have set in motion the first university course for the formation of professionals in child protection.” “The formative course is made to empower children to speak up and to give them the capacity to not be afraid to explain things.”
Also in attendance at the presentation in the Eternal City was Fr. Hans Zollner, president of the Center for Child Protection of the Pontifical Gregorian University. Marists used to launch this university course, from which almost 100 professors and instructors from seven different countries received formation last year.
Msgr. José Rodríguez Carballo, secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, also attended the event.
