Catholic Church accused of ignoring 'laundry slaves'

[Atreyu]

Hi, I realize this thread is quite old but, having stumbled upon it, I feel I need to set the record staright. There has been conjecture on this page about whether laundry ‘slaves’ ever existed at Mt St Canice in Tasmania - the general consensus seeming to be that any adverse claims have been made from those seeking compensation.

I’m only aware of one person seeking compensation; the man from the original story (on behalf of others I’m guessing). Are there others?

Other people have asked for ‘proof’ from people trying to be fair minded on the subject. I am here as ‘proof’ this place existed in the manner it has been described, where women of all ages (12 - 70+) were subjected to a regime of prayer, silence and hard work for no wages.

Were you there?

Some priest has claimed we were ‘bad’ types of girls it appears, therefore deserving of this fate.

My understanding was that they were there because they had broken the law somehow, or because there was nowhere else for them to go.

Lord help us all if this is the opinion people in the church have and no wonder those poor lost souls cannot receive any compensation for years of upaid work and deprivation. I also read he claimed the girls ‘loved’ the sisters. Oh, please, we have all heard of the Stockhom syndrome haven’t we? Again, a condition created through sensory deprivation and forced dependence, is not what one wold call ‘love’.

I also read multiple letters to the editor of The Mercury after the original story was published in that paper, from the girls. They were all positive, and none were negative. If you were there, then yours is the first criticism I have heard from someone who actually was there.

I am a much older woman now, one who has never sought compensation for the stolen years of my life, so I have nothing to gain by telling untrurths. As a writer, I receive mail on a regular basis from women all over the world, including Mt St Canice, seeking closure from past experiences in convents through the writing of their stories. It is sad their original abuse has to be compounded by now being labelled liars in their older years.

Who’s calling who a liar?

Why were these girls at Mt St Canice in the first place?

These things did happen and, until their is due recogntion and reparation, an apology is worth nothing.
Merlene

What happened? And what was the alternative if the girls could not live at Mt St Canice?

 

[Merlene]

I’m only aware of one person seeking compensation; the man from the original story (on behalf of others I’m guessing). Are there others?
Yes, there are many others. Some have already received compensation through the Tasmanian governement following the Tasmanian Inquiry, ‘Listen to the Children: Review of Claims of Abuse from Adults in State Care as Children’ (Tasmanian Ombudsman 2004). Most ex-inmates of Mt St Canice were considered ineligible , however, as they were not under statutory orders, having been placed in the convent by parents or family members. A payment of $60,000 was made to one ex-inmate, despite not being a ward or having other statutory order.

Were you there?

Yes, I was an inmate of Mt St Canice and I speak from my own experience and the shared experience of other women who lack the personal empowerment to speak out.

My understanding was that they were there because they had broken the law somehow, or because there was nowhere else for them to go.

There were some young women on sentence from the courts, but these were in a minority - in my time possibly 2-3 out of 70+ inmates - and these were the lucky ones as they had a definite sentence and outside workers to protect their rights in relation to longer term incarceration. It is possible some of the older women felt they had nowhere to go as that is what the nuns told them and they had become totally institutionalised.
It needs to be stated here that uinmates were not allowed to make any decision regarding their life. we were told when to wake up, when to get out of bed, when to begin eating and when to stop, when and where to work and. most soul destroying of all, when we could speak. Anyone forced to live in this environment for any length of time cedes all control to their captors.
Much has been said about the ultruistic motive of the order, which I will not presume to judge, but it is the interpretation of that motive that became skewed in the hands of those who lacked purity of intent.

I also read multiple letters to the editor of The Mercury after the original story was published in that paper, from the girls. They were all positive, and none were negative. If you were there, then yours is the first criticism I have heard from someone who actually was there.

Not all letters to the editor of any newspaper are accepted for publication. Hobart is a small parochial city with powerful catholic influence so it doesn’t surprise me the points of view put forward were positive. The sad correspondence I receive from ex-inmates tells me quite a different story. Many of these left the state at the first available opportunity and feel they can never return to this place od lost youth and suffering.

Who’s calling who a liar?

I didn’t think I had called anybody a liar but I was there. Were you?

*Why were these girls at Mt St Canice in the first place? *

Girls were placed for reasons I have already stated, not necessarily because they had done something ‘wrong’ but simply because it was thought they might. Parents and families were often persuaded to place girls in there (the girl having no say at all). It is worth remembering this convent operated a large commercial laundry where there was a constant call for workers (unpaid) for the enrichment of the catholic church.
I tend not to separate people, particlularly young people into good and bad categories, a philosophy I carried with me into 25 years spent working with youth and families.

*What happened? And what was the alternative if the girls could not live at Mt St Canice? *
I was placed in the convent by my adoptive mother as an act of spite. I had committed no offence nor done anything to warrant this - a fact the policewomen at that time were well aware of, but powerless to do anything about.
The alternative for young girls of working age was to live and work in the community, being paid at the award wage each could have supported themself - as I did upon my release.

I hope this adds to your knowledge.

 

[Atreyu]

I didn’t think I had called anybody a liar but I was there. Were you?

No I wasn’t. But I thought you might have been suggesting that I had said other people were lying, when I had not.

I hope this adds to your knowledge.

It has. Thank you very much for your (name removed by moderator)ut. And I hope that you and all other who may have been wronged may find peace.

Pax tecum.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Merlene,
thanks for sharing with us, and stating the facts as they were.

Unfortunately, many Catholics can not accept the fact that the Church has not always acted holy, at various times in various places. So, they try to change the story by glossing over the facts, and criticizing the victims.

This is what often happens when a person belongs to a religion, but has never had a conversion of heart.

Again, thanks for sharing and God Bless!

Jim

 

[Beautiful]

I wonder what he is looking for.

This comment is derogatory. It is like screaming “ambulance chaser or gold digger” This particular subject has been of interest for me for quite sometime. Unfortunately it never gets very far here because of interjections such as yours.

I’m only aware of one person seeking compensation; the man from the original story (on behalf of others I’m guessing). Are there others?
Yes, there are many others. Some have already received compensation through the Tasmanian governement following the Tasmanian Inquiry, ‘Listen to the Children: Review of Claims of Abuse from Adults in State Care as Children’ (Tasmanian Ombudsman 2004). Most ex-inmates of Mt St Canice were considered ineligible , however, as they were not under statutory orders, having been placed in the convent by parents or family members. A payment of $60,000 was made to one ex-inmate, despite not being a ward or having other statutory order.

Compensation of some kind is in order.

Chances of this sort of thing happening again in the Church decreases everyday with the advent of improved communications around the globe. It is fair to place these things on the table so that we understand where some come from when they speak and move forward positively. A festering infectious wound only lends itself to increased decay when forced under the duct tape of arresting words.

I forgive you Byzcath - we all struggle.

 

[Beautiful]

Merlene,
thanks for sharing with us, and stating the facts as they were.

Unfortunately, many Catholics can not accept the fact that the Church has not always acted holy, at various times in various places. So, they try to change the story by glossing over the facts, and criticizing the victims.

This is what often happens when a person belongs to a religion, but has never had a conversion of heart.

Again, thanks for sharing and God Bless!

Jim

Amen

 

[OriginalJS]

This is old news. The head of the order that ran the laundries apologized some years ago. There was also a movie about these abuses. All in all a very sad chapter.

 

[Merlene]

This is old news. The head of the order that ran the laundries apologized some years ago. There was also a movie about these abuses. All in all a very sad chapter.

Being ‘old news’ doesn’t necessarily make it go away for those affected. I am pleased to hear the head of the order made an apology - but who did she make it to I wonder? And in what state or country. I certainly never received any apology for the time I spent at Mt St Canice, nor any acknowledgement for the ‘donation’ of my time and labour that added to the coffers of the catholic church. An apology that is made to or via the media lacks genuineness and is more about buidling a positive public image than bringing comfort and closure to these aging women.
The movie you refer to was made about the Irish experience - and wasn’t that subjected to shameful disbelief and efforts to discredit the author of the book and filmmakers?
A film or documentary made about the Australian experience would have greater value in getting the detractors to, not only acknowledge this shameful chapter, but to understand time is not always the greatest healer and that love and kindness can be the greatest balm for troubled souls.
Thank you to those who have the generosity of spirit to open their minds to the truth.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

This comment is derogatory. It is like screaming “ambulance chaser or gold digger” This particular subject has been of interest for me for quite sometime. Unfortunately it never gets very far here because of interjections such as yours.

Compensation of some kind is in order.

Chances of this sort of thing happening again in the Church decreases everyday with the advent of improved communications around the globe. It is fair to place these things on the table so that we understand where some come from when they speak and move forward positively. A festering infectious wound only lends itself to increased decay when forced under the duct tape of arresting words.

I forgive you Byzcath - we all struggle.

Thank you but I neither asked for forgiveness nor have I done anything that needs to be forgiven.

I asked a simple question that was not covered in the original story. I made no judgments. It is not my fault that you chose to make a judgment based on a simple question.

But I forgive you for your unfair judgment as to what you assume I was thinking rather than actually asking as well as for your condescending attitude.

Other than that, this thread is over a year old and should not have been resurrected.

 

[Merlene]

Thank you but I neither asked for forgiveness nor have I done anything that needs to be forgiven.

Is there a use by dates for posts? Given this issue is still topical, and one that continues to cause pain for those affected, I would think it should remain open to allow better and broader understanding of the compexities involved.
This is not a swipe at the catholic church, it is a statement of fact. There are many people who continue to hurt and, I imagine, frustration at the denial by the uninformed leads some to extreme action.
It is interesting to note the order who were responsible for the slave laundries in Australia, the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, support a social justice charter that advocates payment to lost wages for indigenous Australians and yet do nothing to offer reparation for the lost wages of the tens of hundreds of women and young girls who worked gratis in these laundries.
An odd justice indeed.

 

[Beautiful]

A film or documentary made about the Australian experience would have greater value in getting the detractors to, not only acknowledge this shameful chapter, but to understand time is not always the greatest healer and that love and kindness can be the greatest balm for troubled souls.

Merlene – I love you.
These words are rarely if ever seen or heard on CAForum. I do mean them at this moment because I want you to know that your past pain is understood and that I care for you and all those women who may have been hurt. I pray for your deliverance from all painful afflictions this terrible incident incurred. I also pray that the damage stops and does not continue on to others who might read or hear about the incident and not understand the hope and success that people live and learn from mistakes. Movies and other media don’t always do justice or help in the healing process but any communication - even this thread can serve as balm that leads to understanding healing. Thankfully – God helps us to change. With good communication, love, patience and time we can all learn and move forward. I pray you accept my love and know in your heart that there are others who understand and pray for your peace. Time is a precious gift from God. I pray that the present moment now and forever is a loving time for you and all those who suffer from this sort of affliction.
In Christ, In His Church,
Beautiful

 

[Beautiful]

Thank you but I neither asked for forgiveness nor have I done anything that needs to be forgiven.

I asked a simple question that was not covered in the original story. I made no judgments. It is not my fault that you chose to make a judgment based on a simple question.

But I forgive you for your unfair judgment as to what you assume I was thinking rather than actually asking as well as for your condescending attitude.

Other than that, this thread is over a year old and should not have been resurrected.

ByzCath - I love you. Thanks for your forgiveness.

 

[itsjustdave1988]

A southern Tasmanian child abuse campaigner has accused the Catholic Church of ignoring the state’s so-called “laundry slaves”.

Former ward of the state and abuse victim Walter Tusyn says hundreds of girls were forced to work in commercial laundries run by the church’s Magdalen Home in Hobart after World War II.

Mr Tusyn says girls, like his mother, who worked at the home received no education and were effectively slaves.

According to the article, “…the Government is not aware of the allegations and has received no approach for an inquiry.”

He seems angry at the lack of “interest” in this case. Why has it taken so long “after World War II” for this to be an issue? The veracity of his claim seems dubious. What took him so long to make his accusation? He’s probably sharing his frustration to the media, perhaps because he has a weak case and no other recourse. Perhaps there is a case of injustice here, perhaps not. However, we generally assume innocence until proof of guilt is presented and adjudicated by lawful authority.

 

[Merlene]

Merlene – I love you.
These words are rarely if ever seen or heard on CAForum. I do mean them at this moment because I want you to know that your past pain is understood and that I care for you and all those women who may have been hurt. I pray for your deliverance from all painful afflictions this terrible incident incurred. I also pray that the damage stops and does not continue on to others who might read or hear about the incident and not understand the hope and success that people live and learn from mistakes. Movies and other media don’t always do justice or help in the healing process but any communication - even this thread can serve as balm that leads to understanding healing. Thankfully – God helps us to change. With good communication, love, patience and time we can all learn and move forward. I pray you accept my love and know in your heart that there are others who understand and pray for your peace. Time is a precious gift from God. I pray that the present moment now and forever is a loving time for you and all those who suffer from this sort of affliction.
In Christ, In His Church,
Beautiful

Thank you, Beautiful, for your kind words. I have been very blessed in my life, having used the lessons of my childhood and youth experiences to build strength and resilience to move forward in life, sadly, not everyone is able to do this and it is for those people I speak out - that they might share my strength and grow from this to spread the healing. The first step out of their pain is built on acknowledgement of past wrongs against them and this is where it all begins to fall down. I hope others who shared the laundry experience happen upon these pages and your healing words and take cmfort in your prayers. Merlene

 

[Merlene]

According to the article, “…the Government is not aware of the allegations and has received no approach for an inquiry.”

He seems angry at the lack of “interest” in this case. Why has it taken so long “after World War II” for this to be an issue? The veracity of his claim seems dubious. What took him so long to make his accusation? He’s probably sharing his frustration to the media, perhaps because he has a weak case and no other recourse. Perhaps there is a case of injustice here, perhaps not. However, we generally assume innocence until proof of guilt is presented and adjudicated by lawful authority.

This news item is a little hard to understand the way it has been reported. I beieve Mr Tusyn, when referring to post WW II, is actually referring to the period his mother was incarcerated in the convent, which actually operated from 1893 - 1974. I think we should always assume innocence until ‘proof’ is presented, and this is precisely his issue, for how can one prooof guilt if they are not given the opportunity.
His stance is confusing, however, given the Tas government has already held a lengthy inquiry and would not be expected to begin another. Mr Tusyn is aware of this as he claims credit for beginning this inquiry in the first instance.
It is admirable that he is seeking some recognition for his mother’s suffering and deprivation but, unfortunately, this only serves to muddy the watersand detracts from first hand accounts and claims from other women.
At the end of the day there will never be justice for these women. One only has to read the majority of the posts on this subject to see there is a reluctance to give any credence to the history of these convents. The good sisters have re-written history and that is the end of that.
Merlene

 

[JReducation]

I believe that what has happened on forums such as CAF is that those of us who are more to the centre have become weary of the debates with those who are to the left and to the right. Many of us have slowly faded out. Once in a while we pop in to see what’s new and take a vacation again, because it’s very stressful dealing with the same arguments day after day.

There are those to the extreme left who enjoy nothing better than taking cat swipes at the Catholic Church at every opportunity. Then there are those to the extreme right whose main preoccupation in life is the restoration of the Gregorian mass. I’m speaking about the concerns that people bring to CAF. I’m sure that on the street these Catholics express broader concerns.

If truth be told, there are many of us who are very interested in these issues. And we are convinced that the Church is holy and good. We are also convinced that religious communities have made great contributions to the Church and society as a whole. Thanks to some of the older Orders we have managed to preserve Western culture.

That being said, there have been very serious violations of justice, charity, human rights, and serious moral corruption in different situations around the world, throughout the Church’s 2000 year history, some in the name of the Gospel and some in the name of personal satisfaction… Unfortunately, there are people out there who cannot separate the sin from the Church.

The sinner was a member of the Church or continues to be a member of the Church. That’s not going to change. The Church is for sinners. It is a community where God gradually transforms those who are sinners into saints, if they want to be transformed. But the media cannot make this distinction. Often neither can the victims. The same is true of those to the right who want to protect the reputation of the Church at all costs. If they acknowledged that the Church is not the sinner, but individuals are, they would be able to face issues such as this and respond to it more appropriately without having to apologize for the Universal Church. Those on the other side, call it the left side, can’t separate the sinner from the Universal Church either. They too peg the Church with the blame for every sin committed by a Catholic or group of Catholics.

The facts are simple. This situation happened. There are survivors who are still suffering the effects. There is probably very little that most of us Catholics can do about it, other than express our regret and confess our shame as a community. As to compensation of any kind, if there is a means to do so, then justice demands that it be explored and executed. It there is not a means to do so, then justice also requires that the fact be stated openly.

The best balm that we can place on sin is humility.

Fraternally,

JR