Reaction of priests around Ireland to the revelations contained in the Ferns Report
Fr Brendan Hoban (parish priest, Ballina, Co Mayo)
"I was taken aback at the scale and depth of the abuse set out in the Ferns Report. Going out to say 8.0am Mass I was a bit daunted given the coverage since the publication of the report. However, the reaction of the public has been mostly positive. Most people are able to make a clear distinction between the minority of priests who offended and the majority who did not."
Fr John Littleton (president of the National Conference of Priests in Ireland)
"Priests are embarrassed and saddened at the revelations in the Ferns Report. The majority of priests are decent human beings who are totally disgusted that some of their colleagues misused their position of trust to abuse children. Most priests believe that any priest who abused children should face the full rigours of the law, just the same as any other person in society."
Fr John Donworth (parish priest, Our Lady Queen of Peace parish, Limerick)
"I think it can only be a good thing that this is being brought to light. The secrecy we were operating in was not good. At least the whole thing has come to light. That can only be a good thing for the church."
Fr William Cummins (parish priest, Mervue Holy Family Church, Galway)
"I feel so sorry for the people it happened to. The damage to them I fear can never be repaired.
Transparency has to be there. If it is not, we are only wasting our time."
Fr Eamonn Cahill (parish priest, Sandyford, Dublin)
"I am 34 years a priest and I have never felt as supported as I am now. People don't presume anymore that you are okay, they ask. We've all grown up and realised we need each other. It's not about our embarrassment on a Sunday morning - it's about the children who were abused. I would be very angry about the situation. But it is not about my feelings."
Fr Vincent Sherlock (curate, Ballaghaderreen parish, Co Roscommon)
"Listening to some of the victims who have spoken, and to Bishop Eamonn Walsh, we hope a new journey has begun. This can only be welcomed.It's a time to re-focus, echo words of genuine sorrow, renew our own priestly commitment and do all in our power to bring about a lasting healing."