The Marist Brothers in New Zealand have offered a formal apology to survivors of abuse, acknowledging the profound harm caused under the brothers’ care and the lasting pain carried by those affected, their families and communities. Source: CathNews NZ.
The apology was delivered on Saturday at the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre, in Orakei, Auckland. The event was attended by the provincial of the Marist Brothers Star of the Sea Province, Br Darren Burge, the provincial delegate of Aotearoa New Zealand, Br Peter Horide, as well as survivors and their supporters.
Br Darren said the apology had been developed in consultation with, and shaped by, survivors. It was offered with “unreserved and heartfelt” remorse for what had occurred.
He spoke of his personal sorrow, humility and great respect in joining survivors in person and those attending the apology online across New Zealand.
“I appreciate that I will never fully comprehend the burden you carry or the language and traditions that have guided you to this point. Above all, I come here today with sadness and remorse for the harm you experienced and to continue listening, learning and responding in the ways you need,” Br Darren said.
“To all those who have suffered as a result of child abuse within Marist Brothers institutions in Aotearoa New Zealand, with deep respect I acknowledge the immense pain, anguish, betrayal and lasting scars caused by the actions of brothers and staff members – crimes that have hurt young people, their whanau [extended family] and families, and the wider community.
“I am sorry,” Br Darren said.
Br Peter described his “total humility, admiration and respect for the courage and resilience of the survivors of abuse perpetrated by our brothers”.
“Today is a day of humility, shame and recognition of dark history for the Marist Brothers in this country. We do not seek to minimise, explain away or distance ourselves from this history.”
One survivor of abuse who addressed the gathering told news website Stuff that she would explain some of the issues survivors have had, adding that it would not be “a pleasant response . . . it’s important for them to hear from a survivor perspective”.
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Marist Brothers offer public apology for abuse in NZ (CathNews NZ)
