Published: Thursday, 18th March, 2010 12:00pm

Statement from Norbertine Community

Cardinal Sean Brady.

The Community at Holy Trinity Abbey, Kilnacrott, have been deeply saddened at the controversy surrounding Cardinal Sean Brady in recent days. Fr. Brendan Smyth was a member of our community during the whole of his priesthood. Throughout that time, he was subject to the authority of our leadership in all matters concerning his behaviour.

On many occasions, over several decades, Fr. Smyth availed of psychiatric and other forms of treatment. None of these interventions had any effect. It is clear that the only effective means of dealing with a person of his propensity is through the rigour of criminal law.

We again acknowledge our failure to remove Fr. Smyth permanently from the exercise of ministry. The actions taken by the late Bishop McKiernan in 1975 were necessitated by our failures. Based on the information provided by Fr. Brady, who clearly believed those he had interviewed, Bishop McKiernan prohibited Fr. Smyth from exercising ministry in the Diocese of Kilmore.

Since Fr. Smyth's conviction in 1994, we have dedicated ourselves to making amends for his crimes and our failures. Within the limited resources available to us, we have made restitution to 42 of Fr. Smyth's victims and have helped many others through counselling and spiritual support.

We apologise again to each and every person who was abused at any time by Fr. Smyth, to their families and to the many others who suffered through these events. We apologise also for our failures to Cardinal Brady, to Bishop Leo O'Reilly and to the congregation and friends who have continued to support us here at the Abbey.