Cardinal Pell ties "Loud Fence" ribbon in Lourdes Grotto
(Vatican Radio) The Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, Cardinal George Pell, this weekend visited the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens to pray for all survivors of abuse.
The Cardinal testified overnight on Sunday to the Royal Commission investigating institutional sexual abuse in Australia, and will do so again over the next few days.
Cardinal Pell also offered his support for the Loud Fence movement by tying a yellow ribbon on the fence at the grotto.
Beginning in Ballarat, in the Australian state of Victoria, the Loud Fence movement encourages people to tie brightly-coloured ribbons on the fences of Catholic institutions, as a symbol of solidarity with survivors of sexual abuse, their families and communities.
The people of the Diocese of Ballarat suffered greatly from a sexual abuse crisis, which led to the suicide of several victims.
Loud Fence ribbons had previously been tied to the barricades around St. Peter’s Square, but the ribbon Cardinal Pell tied to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto is the first to appear within the Vatican itself.
"I am aware of the Loud Fence movement and how it has grown rapidly. This is my gesture of support, especially for the people of Ballarat," Cardinal Pell said.
"I think this is an entirely appropriate place to place a ribbon of support and prayed for all survivors of abuse here. I hope the coming days will eventually lead to healing for everyone," he continued.
Cardinal Pell said he hoped people will accept this gesture of support and solidarity for the Loud Fence movement.
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