From Mr J. Portelli

I think Bondiplus did not deal correctly with the Lourdes Home case.

Did Lou Bondi ever work with such children or teenagers? What I mean is that living with children or teenagers who may have many needs or be emotionally disturbed is very trying. It is one thing saying things should have been done differently and quite another when you are in the middle of things and trying to cope.

Did Lou Bondi explain that some of the disciplinary measures that involved beatings took place 20 to 30 years ago? In those days, these disciplinary measures were commonplace in many homes. So we are judging past events with a present day yardstick. I am not saying that there were not a few incidents, which, when compared to what happened in normal families back then, exceeded the boundaries of normality.

Why did Lou Bondi not say that had it not been for the Church, many children and teenagers would have ended up much worse? Even today the State does not have the resources to deal with this problem.

I wish to suggest to Lou Bondi to make a programme on the effects suffered by children when one of their parents leaves the family home because s/he feels impelled to do so for some reason that is not necessarily the best one.

I also wish to ask the Church authorities: Are these homes being run by crisis management? If the nuns and other operators are stretched to the limit, is it not more likely that certain things will happen?

I wish to address everyone who works in voluntary organizations under the umbrella of the Church and other NGOs. First and foremost, hearty congratulations for what you are doing. Second, if you feel you are getting tired, or the motivation is waning, or maybe other intentions are motivating you rather than the right one, is it not better to slow down, maybe stop, because you are moving too fast and may get hurt and hurt others?

Joe Portelli

NADUR