Statement by Bishop Martin Drennan, Bishop of Galway, in response to the publication of the Ryan Report.
This is a time to accept the truth of what happened in the past. It is not a time for excuses. The truth accepted will eventually set us free.
If we see or hear an angry victim talking about their hurt, we need to see inside that person an innocent child whose childhood was damaged, maybe destroyed.
The Gospels remind us that reconciliation, healing and forgiveness were at the heart of the ministry of Jesus. Reconciliation is the way forward. Jesus shows us the way.
We are living a Pasion experience in the sufferings of others. We are pained by the sad stories that they are recalling. We pray for reconciliation and healing that they may bring some closure to a painful past and lead all of us to knowing the power of the Resurrection, New Life and Easter Peace.
On Wednesday last, the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse issued its report. It is deeply distressing to read about the suffering and abuse inflicted on children in institutions run by Religious. Hearing personal stories of experiences of humiliation and cruelty makes us ashamed of what was done by people acting in the name of the Church. Abuse happened in our own diocese. Children were denied the care and dignity that was their due. On behalf of the Church, I offer my sincere apology for our failure to provide protection and support for some of the most vulnerable children in our society.
There are lessons to be learned from this report. It is vital that structures be put in place to ensure best practice around the safety of children who are in the pastoral care of the Church. Our own vigilance in these matters is crucial. As a diocese, we are fully committed to implementing best practice, to doing all we can to make sure that what happened in the past will never be repeated.”
Ráiteas ón Easpag Máirtín Ó Droighneáin mar fhreagairt ar fhoilsiú Thuarascáil Ryan
Anois an t-am le glacadh le fírinne na rudaí a tharla san am atá caite. Ní tráth do leithscéalta é. Má ghlacaimid leis an bhfírinne, scaoilfidh an fhírinne saor muid ar ball.
Má fheicimid nó má chloisimid íospartach feargach ag caint faoin ngortú a bhain dóibh, ní mór dúinn a fheiceáil istigh iontu leanbh gan urcóid a ndearnadh dochar dá n-óige nó b’fhéidir ar scriosadh ar fad í.
Cuireann na Soiscéalta i gcuimhne dhúinn go raibh an t-athmhuintearas, an slánú agus an maiteanas i gcroílár mhinistreacht Íosa. Is é an t-athmhuintearas an bealach chun cinn. Agus is é Íosa a thaispeánann an bealach sin dúinn.
Is tuiscint bheo ar scéal na Páise atá againn i bhfulaingt daoine eile. Gortaíonn na scéalta brónacha muid a thugann siad chun cuimhne. Guímis ar son an athmhuintearais agus an tslánaithe sa gcaoi is go dtabharfaidh siad dúnadh éigin ar thaithí phianmhar agus go dtreoróidh siad muid uilig le go dtuigfimid cumhacht an Aiséirí, na Beatha Nua agus Síocháin na Cásca.
Attn: Newsdesks, Photodesks and Religious Affairs Correspondents
Statement by Archbishop Michael Neary in response to the Ryan Report
The report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, by Mr Justice Sean Ryan, makes for sad and disturbing reading. The abuse, suffering and harm caused to so many young children in religious run institutions is a source of deep regret and disgrace. It is most disturbing to hear the stories of personal pain and the indignity inflicted on the most vulnerable children in our society.
I apologise unreservedly, on behalf of the Church, for our failure to protect children. As Archbishop of Tuam I am particularly ashamed of the abuse that occurred in Letterfrack and Clifden. I ask forgiveness of those who suffered. Abuse of children when perpetrated by a priest or religious is both a terrible crime and a betrayal of sacred trust.
It is good that this report offers the opportunity to many to have their story heard and believed. In this way I hope and pray that healing may come about.
It is absolutely necessary for the recommendations of the Ryan Report to be implemented. Appropriate structures and resources need to be put in place to ensure the safeguarding of children, and we must always be vigilant in this regard.
The Archdiocese of Tuam is fully committed to implementing best practice in terms of safeguarding those children who are in the pastoral care of the Church. If anyone has a concern regarding the safety and well being of any child, I would urge them to contact the relevant authorities without delay.
ENDS
Further information:
Martin Long, Director of Communications 086 172 7678
