STATEMENT BY BISHOP BRENDAN KELLY
CONCERNING SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN IN THE DIOCESE OF ACHONRY
CONCERNING SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN IN THE DIOCESE OF ACHONRY
Peter Kennedy, a former priest who was a member of St Patrick’s Missionary Society, Kiltegan, was recently arrested in Brazil and extradited on charges relating to child abuse. He temporarily ministered in the Diocese of Achonry thirty years ago.
All priests ministering in the diocese today, either permanently or temporarily, are: known to me; vetted by An Garda Síochána; and, possess supporting documentation from their diocese of origin or religious congregation to establish their bona fides.
It is my earnest hope, as Peter Kennedy faces justice and accountability before the law, that those who have suffered may receive some alleviation from their anxiety, and, that they now may have growing confidence that the truth will be served.
On behalf of the Diocese of Achonry I wish to express my profound apology to those who have suffered abuse, and to their loved ones. This terrible betrayal of trust is particularly abhorrent when the perpetrator of abuse is a priest.
I wish to assure everyone that the Diocese of Achonry is committed to the protection and well being of all its young people. In this regard the diocese works in full co-operation with the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, the Health Service Executive and An Garda Síochána.
I invite anyone affected by this particular case or with any concerns regarding child safety to contact the Gardaí, the HSE, their local parish Child Safeguarding Representative or the designated diocesan contact person, Fr Joseph Gavigan at The Presbytery, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon (094) 986 0011.