Ulster Resident Recalls Catholic Church Abuse, News Letter, May 21, 2009

Ulster Resident Recalls Catholic Church Abuse

News Letter
May 21, 2009

http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Ulster-resident-recalls-Catholic-Church.5288526.jp

Cardinal Sean Brady

A MAN from Richhill who suffered abuse in church care has called on Cardinal Sean Brady to put all complaints made by children into the public domain.

Tom Hayes, from Limerick, was put into church care as an orphan at two years of age and suffered bullying, beatings and sexual abuse until he left at age 16 in church care.

As an orphan he was in the care of the Sisters of Mercy in Kerry until he was eight. Then he stayed in the Christian Brothers-run reform school in Limerick until age 16.

"I was subjected to serious bullying and physical abuse. And I also suffered sexual abuse from other boys," he said. "Although I never saw any sexual abuse by the Christian Brothers themselves, I knew it was happening while I was there.

"I have met Cardinal Brady on three occasions and I do believe he would be shocked by this report. But I would say to him that many children complained of abuse to the curates of these homes and there appear to be no records which have ever been acknowledged or produced.

"I do believe Cardinal Brady could work more with the bishops to look for this documentation. I do believe he is genuine, but he could do a lot more to bring these records of complaints from children out into the public domain."

After he left the Christian Brothers at age 16, Mr Hayes moved to London where he got a job as a dishwasher and joined the Territorial Army. He went on to join the Royal Irish Fusiliers, which he said became "my true home and my saving grace".

He served with them for 22 years in locations all over the world, including Northern Ireland, leaving in 1986.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Brady, the most senior cleric in the Roman Catholic Church, has apologised for the abuse and neglect inflicted on young children by Catholic priests and nuns.The harrowing incidents were brought to light following a report by the Child Abuse Commission in the Republic.

The Armagh-based Cardinal said: "This report makes it clear that great wrong and hurt were caused to some of the most vulnerable children in our society.

"It documents a shameful catalogue of cruelty, neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse, perpetrated against children.

"I am profoundly sorry and deeply ashamed that children suffered in such awful ways in these institutions."

He added: "Children deserved better and especially from those caring for them in the name of Jesus Christ."

Leaders of the religious orders have contended that the claims of widespread abuse are exaggerated. They also have argued to the commission that, according to the mores of the day, the sexual abuse of children was not regarded as a criminal offense but rather a moral failing.