During two lengthy and raw wide-ranging interviews, Father John was able to express his thoughts through the symbolism of the ribbons placed by community members at the front of St Joseph's Church In Warrnambool's Lava Street.

He said the ribbons represented the victims of clergy abuse and the great sorrow he felt for those people.

"Overwhelmingly the ribbons represent shame. That's what I feel," he said.

"Every time I walk past those ribbons they are a constant reminder.

"The ribbons also represent the solidarity that many people have with the victims, survivors and their families.

"They don't carry the pain alone.

"But the ribbons also symbolise hope, the hope I have for the future."

While Warrnambool does have a shameful history of clergy abuse, Father John and Emmanuel College principal Peter Morgan have also tried to lead healing efforts in the community during recent years.

Fr John at times refers to the abuses during his sermons.

In September last year the college recognised the failure of leaders within the Catholic Church to respond to reports of historical sexual abuse and the terrible consequences by unveiling a plaque.

Mr Morgan said it was now understood that former Bishop of Ballarat Ronald Mulkearns failed to act when complaints of sexual abuse were made to him.

"As a result children and young people were preyed on and submitted to physical, emotional and sexual abuse, sometimes repeated over many years," he said.

"His failure to provide the protection that is the right of every child, left the door open for damage to occur, damage that destroyed the lives of individuals, of families and sometimes whole communities."

Mr Morgan said that over time society had come to understand that the wounds caused never disappeared.

The principal said that Edmund Rice Education Australia had also issued a national apology on behalf of all Catholic Schools.

Mr Morgan said Emmanuel College was also considering another initiative which would be announced later this year.

It's very clear that both men feel the burden of shame caused by the offending members of the clergy.

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