Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - On a cold and crisp Saturday during the Advent season, hundreds quietly filed into the doors of the ornate Montante Cultural Center on the campus of Canisius College in Buffalo. They came to hear words of hope and to hear how trust may be restored to the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo.
Bishop Scharfenberger, in a welcome news conference Wednesday, said he wanted to hear from abuse survivors. And now he has, as the Movement to Restore Trust juggled the agenda of the previously scheduled Saturday session to include abuse survivor Michael Whalen, who drew a standing ovation leaving the stage and saying, "I forgive you Norbert Orsolits", referencing the priest who has admitted abuse following multiple allegations.
.@AlbBishopEd said he wanted to hear from priest abuse survivors. And he has. Michael Whalen. pic.twitter.com/YKvA7EwzdT
— WBEN NewsRadio 930AM (@NewsRadio930)
December 7, 2019 During his remarks before the gathering, Whalen told the crowd more change within the diocese is needed and he reiterated his calls for the resignations of Auxiliary Bishop Michael Grosz and counsel Terrence Connors. "Release the secret files", stated Whalen in referencing documents that may lead to further clarity and evidence of the priest abuse scandal.
