HEALING THE CHURCH

How one survivor’s story leads us toward renewal. The one-man play 'Groomed' is coming to the Diocese on Oct. 20.

“Groomed” is a one-man performance by Patrick Sandford, a survivor of child sexual abuse, hosted by the Diocesan Hope and Healing Committee. For information on the play, go to www.rcda.org/hopeandhealing. Due to the content, it is advised that a trusted adult accompany minors who attend.

“Francis, go and rebuild my church which, as you see, is falling down.” These are the words spoken to St. Francis in the early 1200s as he gazed upon the crucifix in the church of San Damiano outside Assisi. He first understood this to mean a physical rebuilding, so he began gathering stones to restore the small church. However, over time, St. Francis came to understand that God’s command was much broader. It referred to the spiritual renewal and revitalization of the Church as a whole, which had become weakened by corruption and a loss of devotion among its members.

St. Francis’ recent feast day on Oct. 4 opens yet another opportunity to reflect on his movement that emphasized living the Gospel in poverty, humility and simplicity, inspiring a widespread spiritual reform in the Church. His work wasn’t just about physical buildings, but about rebuilding the faith of the people and the integrity of the Church.

Today, centuries later, the words that Jesus spoke to St. Francis are just as relevant. And it’s not all about changing light bulbs and painting walls and replacing roof shingles (although those are important), because rebuilding is about a spiritual renewal that, for many, has been lost through fragmented trust in church leaders.

Just as a physical rebuilding involves lots of parts and pieces and people, the same is true for rebuilding trust. Later this month, we have the opportunity to help construct another piece of this new structure.

The call of St. Francis to “rebuild my church” resonates deeply today, especially as we continue to confront the wounds caused by the Church’s own failures in protecting the vulnerable. This spiritual renewal must acknowledge the pain of survivors of abuse. One powerful example of the journey from abuse to healing is embodied in the play “Groomed,” a one-man performance by Patrick Sandford, a survivor of child sexual abuse.

“Groomed” is not just a theatrical production, it is a raw, emotional testimony of the lasting impact of abuse and the long road to recovery. Sandford, abused by his elementary school teacher in England, weaves together his story of trauma and healing, using the tools of the theater to invite the audience into his lived experience. Over the years, “Groomed” has evolved, reflecting not only his personal journey but also a broader conversation about abuse, healing and prevention.

By sharing his story in such an intimate and honest way, Sandford helps to break the silence and shame that often accompany abuse. His performance is a profound act of vulnerability and courage, a reminder that healing requires openness and the willingness to confront painful truths.

“Groomed” won three Outstanding Theatre awards at the Brighton Festival Fringe. It was performed at the Vatican in 2023 and for a month at the Soho Theatre in London. At the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023, “Groomed” was listed in the top 11 productions, and the playwright was a finalist for best male performer in the London of West End Awards.

“I wrote “Groomed” for one reason only — to tell the truth, so that it might lose some of its power over my life,” explains Sandford. “I had no idea it would become an award-winning stage performance, and later a film, watched by many survivors. I am particularly delighted that “Groomed” seems to speak to many who have no direct experience of sexual abuse; we all have wounds from which we need to recover.”

The Diocesan Hope and Healing Committee is hosting a special performance of “Groomed” as the first in a series of performances throughout the Northeast on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m., at Roger Bacon Hall Auditorium on the campus of Siena College This 45-minute play will be followed by a question-and-answer discussion session with Patrick. The performance is open to the public, there is no cost to attend and there will be mental health professionals available for support.

Although RSVPs are not required, it would be helpful for the committee to know how many will be attending. Please email Ann Marie Carswell, Associate Director of Safe Environment, to indicate how many will attend: [email protected]

In the same way that St. Francis responded to God’s call to rebuild the Church, we too are called to participate in its spiritual renewal. “Groomed” offers a unique opportunity to engage with this process of rebuilding, as it sheds light on the painful realities of abuse and the long journey toward healing.

By hosting this performance, we are reminded of the importance of listening to the voices of survivors, acknowledging their pain and offering support. Just as St. Francis recognized that true rebuilding is a spiritual and communal task, so too must we recognize that rebuilding trust and healing the wounds of abuse is the responsibility of the entire Church.

Let us embrace this opportunity to continue the work of spiritual renewal in our Church, to rebuild it in a way that reflects the Gospel’s message for all. The response of St. Francis gives us a path to follow by renewing the Church and striving to restore the faith, love and peace that is offered to each of us by Jesus Christ.

Father Matthew Duclos is a parochial vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle in Delmar, St. Matthew’s in Voorheesville, St. Lucy/St. Berna­dette in Altamont, and Christ the King in Guilderland. He serves on the diocesan Hope and Healing Committee and is involved with national and international safeguarding initiatives.