Full reaction from Alliance survivor group to abbot apology

"The Statement from the Abbot of Holy Trinity Abbey, Kilnacrott, Co Cavan, Abbot Kevin A.Smith. O.Praem reflects on the abuse suffered by countless individuals and families by the Norbertine Order's failure to remove Fr. Brendan Smith from their order once told of his abuse of pupils. Their singular failure is at the heart of what was to follow for so many innocent children and their parents. The Order remained silent. They remained silent up to the publication of "Betrayal of Trust" BBC TV programme by Chris Moore. They remained silent even after they had knowledge of serious abuse of children by Smith from their own church-appointed canon lawyers. They at all times looked to the support of Fr Brendan Smyth and never at how they might support those he abused. The Norbertine Order evaded their own church authorities advice by moving Smyth abroad, then within parishes in Northern Ireland and then throughout Ireland. They at all times looked to protect their congregation first then the church. They never once showed any real acceptance of how abuse affected the children and families in their care. They avoided any discussions about abuse or how this abuse impacted itself on children. Even after the outcry about the Brendan Smyth affair the abbot's statement was more an apology to Cardinal Brady that to the victims he was investigating at the time. Abbot Smith has returned to the spiritual and religious teachings in this statement. He offers "Towards Healing " counselling to those still in suffering from the abuse. He looks towards supporting a "criminal investigation" into all of the activities of the Smyth affair. All this is very good for the Abbot's soul, but for those who were abused by Smyth, they have long since left these beliefs behind them and so cannot be comforted. The religious congregations simple do not get it. A child abused, is abused for life. They will carry that abuse throughout their lives. It will reach into every sinew of their being and will continue to inflict painful memories, whether they are at home, work or on holidays. Night time is the worst. Feelings of guilt, remorse and fear all pass through the mind while heavy sweating is the outward sign of these times. Saddest of all for victims is that they do not even have their religion for comfort during these dreadful times. We see none of this the in abbot's statement! He cannot reach those abused. They have long since left his flock! Every statement will again remind these victims of the acts of abuse perpetrated against them by Smyth and the failure of the congregation and the church to properly protect them." Tom Hayes www.alliancesupport.org