Statement from the Provincial Superior of British-Irish (Sts. Peter and Paul) Province
On behalf of the British-Irish Province of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, I thank the reviewers of the National Board of the Catholic Church in Ireland for their work in examining the Case Files of those members of the Province against whom allegations of child sexual abuse have been made, and also, for their assessment of the Child Safeguarding Procedures now in force in the Province. We regret that it is found that some of the criteria for compliance with the National Board Child Safeguarding Standards were not fully met, and we assure the Board that we will implement the Recommendations made by the reviewers as soon as possible.
I acknowledge the deep distress experienced by those who have been sexually abused and that it has lifelong consequences for them. I deeply apologise to those who have suffered as a result of the actions and behaviour of members of this Province, and I assure them that we, the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, will endeavour to see that they are provided with whatever means of healing they may require.
I should add that I again invite anyone who has been abused by any of our members, or by those who work in association with us, to come forward and make themselves known to us. I can assure them that they will be welcomed, treated with understanding and sensitivity, and assisted in every possible way towards healing.
I assure the Church, and society at large, that we, the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, are determined to continue the work of affording safeguarding and protection to all children whom we meet in the course of our ministry and in our lives.
Peter Dowling, SSS
Provincial Superior
I invite anyone who may have safeguarding concerns regarding Blessed Sacrament Fathers and Brothers to contact our Designated Person Jim Campbell, SSS: 01872 4597
TOWARDS HEALING: Counselling Support Service
Free Phone Ireland: 1800 303414; Free Phone UK: 0800 0963315; www.towardshealing.ie
Monday-Thursday 11am – 8pm; Friday – 11am -6pm
TOWARDS PEACE: Spiritual Support Service.
Tel: 00 353 (0) 1 5053028: Mobile: 086 771 0533: Email: www.towardspeace.ie
A PDF Copy of the National Board Report can be found using the following link: National Board Child Safeguarding Review 2016
