I am a member of the Missionary Society of St Columban, known as the Columban Fathers. I am posting here the press release from the Regional Director of the Columbans in Ireland, Fr Donal Hogan, after the publication of the Dublin Report.
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE COLUMBAN FATHERS
The Missionary Society of St Columban is shamed by the findings of the Dublin Archdiocese Commission of Investigation.
Shamed because of the trauma, suffering and irreparable damage one of our members, Patrick Maguire, inflicted on his many victims.
Shamed because we failed to act appropriately or in time to prevent much of the harm done.
It is particularly chastening that, as a Society with a history of standing with the poor and the disadvantaged in many cultures, we so continuously failed vulnerable children.
We are continuing with our efforts to reach out to victims. We encourage those in need of independent and confidential advice or help to contact the Faoiseamh counselling service on their confidential help line, freefone 1800-331234 (R.O.I.) and 0800-973272 (Northern Ireland and U.K.)
The laicisation of Patrick Maguire is in process and we expect it will be completed soon.
We apologise to each and every victim as we have done in the past. Each and every one of us is deeply sorry for what he did, for the ongoing suffering he caused and for how badly we managed him.
Fr. Donal Hogan
Regional Director
26 November 2009