Sisters of Mercy order apologizes for abuse of children in Ireland

Published: 2004-05-07

DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) -- Ireland's largest order of religious sisters, the Sisters of Mercy, has apologized unconditionally to people who were abused while in their care at children's homes between the 1940s and 1960s. Sister Breege O'Neill, head of the congregation's leadership team, offered the apology during a May 5 press conference in Dublin. Addressing former residents of the order's schools and orphanages, Sister O'Neill said, "We express our heartfelt sorrow and ask your forgiveness. We ask forgiveness for our failure to care for you and protect you in the past and for our failure to hear you in the present." She said, "We are distressed by our failures. We have been earnestly searching to find a way to bring about healing. We need your help to do this."

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