IRELAND
The Anglo-Celt
Paul Neilan
A former abbot at Kilnacrott has finally issued an apology to the victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by paedophile priest Fr Brendan Smyth.
In a statement issued yesterday, Fr Kevin Smith said: “Having had some time in prayer and reflection in Medugorje on the past when I was Abbot and Superior of Holy Trinity Abbey, Kilnacrott, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, I wish to acknowledge and apologise to all those who were abused in any way, their family, friends and fellow priests for mistakes which happened within the Church and various Institutions from August 1969 – March 1995, when I retired.
“I thank the present Prior and Superior for the counselling help being made available through “Towards Healing” (freephone 1800 303 416).
“However, I believe that the real permanent healing comes from inviting Jesus Christ, The greatest Healer of all, into our lives and handing over to him all our hurts. There has been a call for a criminal investigation and or international enquiry – I promise that I would be open to and give all information to either or both of those bodies. The Truth will set us all free.
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