Religious congregations apologise for child abuse by members

The Irish Franciscans religious order have apologised unreservedly “to each and every survivor for the pain and harm inflicted on those who suffered abuse” while in their care.

Provincial Fr Hugh McKenna said: “I apologise for the breach of trust, and the suffering victims and their families endured.

“I also know that no apology can ever be sufficient, and acknowledge with deep shame and sadness that the Franciscan Order failed you.”

It follows publication on Tuesday of a review of religious congregations by the Catholic Church’s child protection body, the National Board for Safeguarding Children (NBSC).

It found that between 1953 and 1998 there had been 109 allegations against 28 Franciscan friars, with three convicted in the courts.

Fr McKenna said the review “also highlights failure on the part of the Franciscan Order to deal adequately with complaints brought to their attention at that time”.

He continued: “We regret that there were significant missed opportunities, as highlighted in the report, in terms of protecting other children from abusive behaviour.”

He was “encouraged that the report noted there was a change in safeguarding practice from 2009 onwards”.

Servite provincial Fr Colm McGlynn apologised unreservedly “for the hurt caused to persons by any of our friars for the betrayal of trust placed in them”. Eight allegations had been made against six of their members, with two convicted in the courts.

Fr McGlynn said: “The Servites uphold the safety of children as paramount”, and the Order had renewed a commitment “to strive towards the highest level of child safeguarding practices in the island of Ireland”.

Abuse perpetrated

The Passionists congregation sincerely apologised “for the pain experienced by those who have been hurt by the abuse perpetrated by our members, and acknowledge the deep suffering of the survivors and their ongoing trauma”.

The review found that 42 allegations had been made against 20 of their members over a 60-year period, with none convicted in the courts.

They said the review “makes 12 recommendations in relation to safeguarding, a number of which have already been implemented. The Passionists are committed to implementing the remaining recommendations within the next six months.”

The Augustinian congregation said they “fully acknowledge the serious and lasting hurt which must be endured by those who have been abused - more especially when abused by persons in positions of trust”.

The review found that between 1958 and 1995, 33 concerns or allegations of abuse arose in regard to 11 Augustinians. None was convicted in the courts.

Their statement said: “Shortcomings in our past procedures, in responding to and dealing with allegations of abuse, have been raised in this report and we fully accept the comments in this regard.”

They will also have all the review recommendations fully implemented this year.

The Discalced Carmelites apologised unreservedly “for the hurt caused to persons by any of our friars for the betrayal of trust placed in them”.

The review found that 11 allegations had been made against six of their members, none convicted in the courts.

Safeguarding personnel

They had revised safeguarding structure, updated policies and procedures and appointed key safeguarding personnel and “ strive towards the highest level of child safeguarding practices in the island of Ireland”.

Fr Derek Laverty, Ireland/England provincial of the Sacred Heart Fathers, said: "We sincerely apologise to individuals who suffered abuse by some of our members over the years. Their suffering shames us."

Every effort was being made to ensure the full implementation of audit recommendations.

The Dominican Sisters expressed deep sorrow “to any pupil or young person associated with us who may have been hurt in any way by any member of our congregation”.

The review found three allegations had been made against three Dominican Sisters, with none convicted in the courts.

They accepted the review recommendations and committed themselves to include these in their policy for safeguarding children.