French bishops to meet children of priests

Several French bishops are to talk with the children of priests about the need for recognition of their suffering, not least from carrying a burden of secrecy.The nation's bishop's conference made arrangements for the unprecedented event to take place on June 13."I was made to understand that I should not have been born, " said a 49-year-old woman, who we are giving the pseudonym of Maria.Her priest father is still active in ministry, but for the sake of confidentiality, she will not say any more about him or her mother.

Daughter of a priest and a nun, Anne-Marie Mariani-Jarzac, president of the Association Enfants du Silence (Association of Children of Silence) also researched her origins.This practicing 68-year-old Catholic, who differentiates between her faith and the Church, speaks of healing through a compassionate priest who listened to her."I understood that I existed in the eyes of God and that God loved me as I am," Mariani-Jarzac said."Too many priests' children are suffering when we are not responsible for our history."