The Catholic Education Partnership, and individual bishops, responded to the publication on 3 September of the Scoping Inquiry Report into Historical Sexual Abuse in schools run by Religious Orders by Mary O’Toole SC. The CEP provides an authoritative and unified voice for the Catholic education sector at primary, post-primary and tertiary levels on the island of Ireland.
In its statement the CEP stated, “The publication has again laid bare the criminal treatment of children and young people in what was a gravely dysfunctional and abusive education system with respect to child safeguarding. The Catholic Education Partnership – on behalf of the entire Catholic education community across Ireland today – wishes to acknowledge the significance of this report, the grave harm caused to survivors and their families, and those who suffered but are no longer with us. The Catholic Education Partnership wishes to publicly commit the Catholic education sector to fully cooperate with the Commission of Inquiry when the Government publishes its terms of reference.
“It is painfully clear that children and the trust of their families were betrayed in the most devastating of ways. The Catholic Education Partnership commits to working with our stakeholders and the State to ensure that we uphold our moral, civic, and statutory responsibilities.”
Speaking from Lourdes, Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin – who was leading the archdiocese’s five-day annual pilgrimage with 1,400 volunteers and sick people attending the Marian Shrine in France – spoke to his congregation during Mass at the Grotto of Our Lady, saying, “The act of kindness or generosity can melt a hardened heart, just as an act of violence or aggression can wound the heart, can destroy a life, as we have been so tragically reminded of in recent days.”
In his statement Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Achonry, said, “It is not easy reading by any means, but I am conscious that, behind every paragraph is the experience of real people who, as children, suffered abuse and violence in a place where they should have been safe. They have the right to tell their story. The tragedy of the report is not simply that there are so many of them, but that so many of them had to carry their experience alone for so many years, before they felt sufficiently free to tell someone else.
“While the report relates specifically to Religious-run schools, it would be naive in the extreme to suggest that child abuse was not also a reality in other schools, whether Catholic or of any other tradition. Sadly, sexual abuse, has been endemic in our society. Both the Dioceses of Achonry, and Elphin, supported the work of the Scoping Inquiry, and we will certainly respond to any further enquiry that is deemed appropriate.”
Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick said, “Throughout the Diocese thousands of Catholics go to our weekly celebration of Mass, receive pastoral support in their homes, in person or online through Masses. I am conscious that as we engage now following the publication of the Scoping Inquiry into historical sex abuse at Religious-run schools, we do so with a very heavy heart. We pray for those who have voiced the 2,395 allegations of sexual abuse by 884 abusers in 308 schools run by Religious Orders. The cries of abuse pierce heaven. The destruction of innocence, of lives is beyond comprehension. As much as we try, there is no combination of words that can match the pain and evil inflicted.
“The whirl of the reports of devastation visited upon these survivors is a sword also through our own hearts. The level of it, and not a single case of abuse is understandable, too is appalling; 17 special schools recorded 590 allegations involving 190 alleged abusers.”
Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare and Leighlin said, “I am appalled at the depravity of abuse outlined in that report. It is not easy reading. Behind every sentence, paragraph and page is someone who as a child suffered hugely in the very place where they should have felt safe. I commend the survivors and their families who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward to share their story.
“While we have become accustomed to reports in recent years, it is worthwhile to bring all of them together to help us appreciate and seek to respond to the extent and seriousness of this epidemic that has plagued Irish society for far too long. Church schools should always lead by word and above all by example on how to look after children in their care and particularly children with special needs.”
Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore said, “The revelations contained in this report are harrowing and serve as a stark reminder of the failures that have occurred within our institutions. It is an imperative that we confront this dark chapter with transparency and accountability. The suffering endured by these children is unimaginable, and we are committing and must continue to commit ourselves to ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.
“Abuse against children is an especially heinous crime. It not only violates the sanctity of childhood but also robs these innocent ones of their fundamental right to safety and security. Children are inherently vulnerable, and when they are subjected to such atrocities, it inflicts profound psychological and emotional scars that can persist throughout their lives.”
The full texts are available from the Catholic Communications Office by emailing [email protected]
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