CATHOLIC priests were left to hear the "awful details" of the Ryan Commissionreport without support from religious groups, it was claimed at the weekend.
Popular curate Fr Kevin McNamara, a native of Co Clare but now serving in Killarney, told parishioners during Mass in St Mary's Cathedral that the "damning report" made him ashamed as a priest.
But he said he was also hurt "that those of us in the religious life, trying to do our best, were left alone to hear the awful details of this report through the media".
"I could have done with some support and contact from religious groups on Wednesday last," the priest wrote in a newsletter. He added that he was saddened and shocked by the report's contents.
He said the Church had "learned very little over the last 15 years" and was offering "repeated emotionless apologies rather than saying, we believe you, we're sorry".
Separately, a letter from the Bishop of Kerry, Dr Bill Murphy, was read out instead of a homily at all masses in the diocese, detailing his shame and sadness at "the catalogue of crimes, the acts of cruelty, the suffering" delivered by men and women who had dedicated their lives to Jesus.
"For far too long, the victims of abuse were not listened to or believed. They have now, at last, been heard and their sad story has been told. We must admire the courage of the victims who have thrown light on this dark period of our history. I hope and pray that this will bring justice and healing and reconciliation," it said.
Vigilant
The bishop also called for the full implementation of the recommendations of the report.
He said: "The Church must be continually vigilant and do all in their power to create safe environments for children and young people.
"The Diocese of Kerry is fully committed to safeguarding children and young people and has put in place policies, procedures and personnel in every parish to see to it that they are cared for as they participate in the various church activities."
Church-goers spoke of their disgust and shock at the report after masses yesterday.
"The worst thing is these children had no one. They were on their own. I am not sure things have changed for vulnerable children," one woman said.
Prayers were said at the Methodist Church in Killarney for the victims who were re-traumatised by the publication of the report.
Prayers were also said for the Church, asking that believers would not turn away from Christianity.
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