Quilt of Hope Book
In a display of power and hope, family members and secondary survivors of historic clergy abuse have told their stories in an Australian-first book.
The Quilt of Hope book was launched in Ballarat, a collation of tales from inspirational people who took a stand to make their voices heard.
The book comes following the creation of the Quilt of Hope, a blanket made of 80 hand and machine-stitched panels that are embroidered with messages and symbols.
It’s a compelling and tangible piece of art to display the “gruesome” truth of institutional clergy abuse, each square dedicated to honouring the abuse survivors.
The quilt now resides in the Museum of Australian Democracy in Canberra.
It was created by more than 80 Catholic parishioners in Ballarat, the mothers of survivors of abuse who contributed to the quilt between 2010 and 2019. It was envisioned, designed, and made by Beryl Andersen and Carmel Moloney.
Now, Ms Moloney’s daughter Adrianne Moloney — co-author and collator of the Quilt of Hope book — said the book was a powerful companion to the art and a vital step for families and survivors.