It is with sadness that I share the news that Bro. Bernie Hartman, who has been in Australia for more than a year awaiting trial, will appear in court on April 20. There are four plaintiffs who claim abuse, two men and two women, dating from the time when Bernie was stationed in Australia from 1972-78 and 1980-85. The two men were students at St. Paul's College in Altona North in Melbourne; the two women were in families that Bernie visited. Not all the alleged abuse is of the same nature or degree.

The two cases involving the men will be tried separately from the women. The cases could extend for 3-4 weeks, followed by a sentencing trial if there is a conviction.

These cases are part of the "Royal Commission" that was set up in Australia several years ago. Although the commission was mandated to examine many groups, the Catholic Church has been its strong focus.

When the trials begin, there probably will be media coverage in Australia that will find its way to U.S. media outlets. We have alerted all the schools and the dioceses in which Bernie served while in the U.S. We also wanted the members of the Province to be alerted and prepared. If there are any inquiries about these events, I ask that you direct them to Diane Guerra in our Communications Office.

During these days before the trail, and during the trial itself, please keep everyone in your prayers: the victims of abuse, Bernie, and the members of the Province.