Mahony described the abuse as a "terrible sin and crime".

It was nestled there, reminding him for life of his terrible sin.

I fear we have committed terrible sins, to bring such punishment.

It was a terrible sin, she said: which means we've got to pray for forgiveness.

Could it be that God had saved him from a terrible sin?

And to a devout Catholic, abortion is a terrible sin.

But I have reason to think that another of them has stained himself with an equally terrible sin.

But it would be a terrible sin to stand in the way of his salvation.

How could she possibly make herself answerable for having committed such a terrible sin?

Why would you see it as committing some terrible sin?