Write a commentSouth Down MP, Chris Hazzard has said that victims of abuse inflicted by Fr Malachy Finnegan must be supported in their efforts to get to the truth about the failure of the authorities to protect vulnerable children. The MP's comments follow a BBC Spotlight investivation in February into the priest.
Fr Finnegan who died in 2001 was President of St Colman's College in Newry from 1976 to 1987 and was appointed Parish Priest of Clonduff in 1988.
Commenting on the abuse revelations involving Fr Finnegan Chris Hazzard said “The abuses inflicted by Fr Malachy Finnegan on vulnerable children over many years are reprehensible acts which have left the entire community in shock.
“The victims have highlighted a systemic failure of the authorities to exercise a duty of care and protect vulnerable children.
“I am advising victims of this awful abuse to go to the Police Ombudsman to ask his office to investigate failings in the police inquiries into the activities of this serial abuser.
“The Catholic Church has a responsibility to provide any and all information it possesses on the activities of Fr Malachy Finnegan and on its response when that information came to light.
“The PSNI has a responsibility to investigate claims that this abuse was covered up enabling Fr Malachy Finnegan to continue to abuse children.
“The victims of Fr Malachy Finnegan must be supported in their efforts to get to the truth about the failure of the authorities to protect vulnerable children.
“And it is vitally important that anyone coming forward with new information on this vile abuse is supported by the relevant statutory bodies both in justice and those tasked with dealing with the deep hurt and trauma caused by this abuser.”
The revelations have seen the resignation of the Bishop of Dromore, Bishop John McArevey who sent a letter of resignation to Pope Francis at the weekend.
"Today I am writing my letter of resignation as Bishop of Dromore to Pope Francis. I do so with a heavy heart. I wrestled with this decision over recent weeks; it was not an easy decision to take. Following recent media coverage which has disturbed and upset many people, I decided on Thursday to resign."
Until further arrangements are in place Canon Liam Stevenson, the Vicar General will take responsibility for the day to day administration of Dromore Diocese and the priests of each parish have been delegated to minister Confirmation.
Bishop McAreavey added "To serve as Bishop of Dromore, my home Diocese, has been the greatest privilege of my life, though not without its challenges.
"Finally, I want to say thank you for your kindness and co-operation over my time as Bishop. Please keep me in your prayers, as I will keep you in mine."
