THE Christian Brothers order, against which more allegations of abuse were made than all of the other male orders combined, said it was sorry, ashamed and saddened by the report’s revelations."We acknowledge and regret that our responses to physical and sexual abuse failed to consider the long term psychological effects on children," the order stated.
Given the "very comprehensive nature of the report", the Christian Brothers said they would respond "more fully after an initial examination of its findings and recommendations". The brothers apologised "openly and unreservedly to all those who have been hurt either directly or indirectly as a result of the deplorable actions of some brothers, or by the inaction or inappropriate action of the congregation as a whole".
The order said it was deeply sorry for the hurt caused and that many who complained of abuse were not listened to.
The statement added: "Our commitment is to ensure that we learn from the awful mistakes of the past, from the findings and recommendations of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, and from best practice in the area of child protection as it continues to evolve. Our hope and our commitment are that those responsible for the care and education of children will accord all children the dignity that is their right."
The Presentation Brothers, which ran St Joseph’s Industrial School for Boys, Cork, from 1940 until it closed in 1959, also added their apologies.
According to the most senior Catholic cleric in the country, the report documents "a shameful catalogue of cruelty: neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse, perpetrated against children".
Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland, said a great wrong and hurt was caused to some of the most vulnerable children in our society.
"I am profoundly sorry and deeply ashamed that children suffered in such awful ways in these institutions. Children deserved better and especially from those caring for them in the name of Jesus Christ," he said.
"I hope the publication of today’s report will help to heal the hurts of victims and to address the wrongs of the past. The Catholic Church remains determined to do all that is necessary to make the Church a safe, life-giving and joyful place for children," the archbishop said. Another member of the Catholic hierarchy, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, said he was mindful that short superficial comments would be an injustice to victims.
"Their stories of horrible abuse are, in many cases, stomach turning; their courage in telling their stories admirable."
Archbishop Martin said all church organisations involved in this report should seriously examine "how their ideals became debased by systematic abuse. "We must find ways of ensuring that the cries and anxieties of children are heard and listened to. This is not a report to be put on a shelf – it is a real cry for a new look at the way we care for our children," he said.
With an "unconditional apology", the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy said: "We accept that many who spent their childhoods in our orphanages or industrial schools were hurt and damaged while in our care.
"We are mindful of all who, as children, were cared for by us in our institutions. We know that it is a very painful time for you as you read the findings of this report. It is a very difficult time for our sisters and our lay staff who gave long service in caring for children in our residential institutions.
"There is a great sadness in all of our hearts at this time and our deepest desire is to continue the healing process for all involved," the sisters stated.
The Conference of Religious in Ireland (CORI) acknowledged "the pain and hurt experienced by many".
"Most importantly, all of us must now make certain that we continue to learn from the past by ensuring that all vulnerable people are provided with quality care which respects their needs and dignity and reflects the compassion of Christ," it said.
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