Most Rev Eamon Martin DD Apostolic Administrator, Bishop’s House
44 Armagh Road
Newry BT35 6PN Co. Down
(Please see statement document for telephone numbers.)
Communications Office
DATE: 6th September 2019
Statement in relation to mosaic in Newry Cathedral
Having met with and heard the concerns of victims of abuse in the Diocese of Dromore, Archbishop Eamon Martin has taken the decision to have removed a mosaic of the coat of arms of Bishop Brooks in the side aisle of Newry Cathedral.
The Archbishop said: “As part of ongoing specialist work to the floor area of the Cathedral, I have directed that the coat of arms be removed. A victim of abuse has spoken to me personally of the pain that its presence causes him. The Diocese was also informed by a solicitor representing survivors of abuse that clients are pressing to have the mosaic removed for the same reason. I also understand that certain portraits on display in St Colman’s College, Newry – a matter that was also causing pain to some victims – have previously been removed.
“On behalf of the Diocese of Dromore, I apologise unreservedly for the hurt and damage caused to victims by Fr Finegan, or any other priest or church representative. The Diocese of Dromore finds such behaviour towards children and vulnerable people abhorrent and indefensible, and is fully committed to achieving and maintaining best practice in the area of safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults.”
Archbishop Eamon Martin has responded to a solicitor acting for several victims of abuse in the diocese of Dromore. He asked the solicitor to communicate his readiness to meet victims at any time. He has already met with some victims and will continue to make himself available. Where victims wish to discuss matters in relation to the Diocese of Dromore, Archbishop Martin has asked that they contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer in the first instance who will help to facilitate a meeting
Fr. Feidhlimidh Magennis,
Dromore Communications Office,
Email: comms@dromorediocese.org
Please click the link below to download the statement document.