Memorial plaque is “solemn recognition” for abuse victims, says Archdiocese of Santa Fe

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (OSV News) – The Archdiocese of Santa Fe has placed a plaque near the entrance to the Pastoral Center in Albuquerque “as a solemn recognition and remembrance” of all living and deceased victims of clergy sexual abuse in the archdiocese.

There will be a brief unveiling ceremony for the plaque on September 23, “and as requested by the victims in the recent Chapter 11 settlement agreement, there will be no religious rites or ceremonies,” the archdiocese said in a press release.

In December 2022, a federal bankruptcy judge approved a $121 million reorganization plan for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe as part of its years-long effort to respond to clergy sexual abuse. The settlement concluded the archdiocese's four-year Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

The inscription on the plaque reads: “In memory of all victims of sexual abuse, living and deceased, in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. The Archdiocese recognizes your pain and apologizes for our failure to listen, intervene and protect. We are determined that this will never happen again, and we are committed to the healing process and to reconciling our past with our hope for the future.”

Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe said the plaque was “a lasting and painful reminder of the suffering endured by victims of clergy sexual abuse in our archdiocese.”

“As we dedicate this plaque, we must face our past with humility and sadness and acknowledge the grave wrongdoings that have caused immeasurable suffering,” he said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring that these tragic events are never repeated, and the path of healing and reconciliation remains our top priority. This dedication is not just a moment of reflection, but a vow to uphold the dignity and safety of every member of our community.”

In an open letter published on March 16, 2023, following the December 29 bankruptcy agreement, the archbishop wrote to abuse victims: “I want to express my deep regret and sadness for the tragic and inexcusable harm caused to you by clergy sexual abuse. As Archbishop of Santa Fe, I apologize to each of you and to all who have been harmed by Roman Catholic clergy sexual abuse in this archdiocese.”

Archbishop Wester added that the archdiocese “takes full responsibility for the abuse.”

“I am ashamed of what happened to you and even more so that it happened within the auspices of the Catholic Church,” the archbishop said. “There are no words that can express how sorry I am and how committed this archdiocese is to the safety of children and young people.”

In a press release on the inauguration of the memorial plaque, the archdiocese said it was “determined to ensure that such tragedies do not happen again and to continue to support the ongoing healing process of all those affected.”