Archbishop wants bigger inquiry into Irish society
THE Archbishop of Tuam yesterday described the mother and baby home scandal as “deeply distressing” for everyone involved.
In his homily at the Cathedral of the Assumption in the Co Galway town, the Most Reverend Michael Neary said he wished to apologise “for the hurt caused by the failings of the Church”.
And he called for an inquiry that would broaden the focus from one religious congregation to address relationships between “Church, State, local authorities and society generally”.
The Archbishop said: “We can only attempt to understand the emotional
Children & mothers were not welcome, wanted or loved
ARCHBISHOP NEARY CO GALWAY YESTERDAY
upheaval which mothers suffered as they felt so helpless and isolated.
“What is particularly harrowing is the report of high levels of mortality and malnutrition.
“Compassion, understanding and mercy were sorely lacking.”
The Archbishop said that a broader inquiry would “ensure the truth will emerge no matter how unpalatable it may be to those on whichever side of the present discussion”.
He also urged people not to be blinded by anger that might prevent them from fully understanding the past.
And he apologised to victims for the Church’s failings “as part of that time and society when – instead of being cherished – particular children and their mothers were not welcomed, were not wanted and were not loved”.