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Statement from the Franciscan Province of Ireland
21st November 2022

We, the friars of the Franciscan Province of Ireland, apologise unreservedly to any child or young person who was abused whilst in our care, either in our school, Franciscan College, Gormanston, or in other ministry settings.
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Provincial's Foreword

Every Franciscan learns about living the Gospel by reflecting on the enduring example of St. Francis of Assisi. His eyes were opened to teach him that Gospel-living demanded that he be a “brother to all” and that in doing so that he must become a “lesser brother” who would never use any human force to harm another person.

Being a “brother to all” highlights the “fraternal” dimension of Franciscan life. While being a “lesser brother” reminds us that we must live with humility in relationship to the entire created order, especially those who are vulnerable or in need.

Aidan McGrath, OFM

Minister Provincial
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Invitation

We invite anyone who may have been abused by a Franciscan, living, former or deceased,
and who has never come forward to do so, in order that they can receive help and support.
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Franciscan Province of Ireland

Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures

The purpose of this Handbook is not to replace the contents of the NBSCCCI National Policy and Standards but is to provide policy guidelines, operational procedures, and copies of the relevant forms to support its implementation.

These policies and procedures also include measures to ensure that the rights, in natural justice, of a person against whom an accusation of abuse is made, are respected and that appropriate pastoral care is provided for them and their families.

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Safeguarding standards

The Franciscan Province of Ireland signed up to Safeguarding Children: Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2018,
produced by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI) in 2018.

As Franciscans we are committed to upholding these seven safeguarding standards.