IRELAND
The Journal
Updated 1.30pm
THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS in Ireland have apologised to survivors who were abused while under their care.
In a statement, released today with a report into their current safeguarding policies, the Order said it regretted the “significant missed opportunities” to protect children from abusive behaviour.
Provincial Hugh McKenna said he apologises “unreservedly to each and every survivor for the pain and harm inflicted on those who suffered abuse while under our care”.
“I apologise for the breach of trust, and the suffering victims and their families endured,” he continued.
I also know that no apology can ever be sufficient, and acknowledge with deep shame and sadness that the Franciscan Order failed you.
The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland released its review report into the order today. The Order admitted that it described the “stark reality of abuse perpetrated by members of the Irish Franciscans over a 45-year period from 1953 to 1998″.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.