The Irish Jesuits this week made public the name of a former teacher and priest who abused boys while he was on the teaching staff of Dublin’s Belvedere College in the 1970s.
In a statement, the Irish Province said the decision to name Joseph Marmion SJ “is being taken following engagement with a former pupil who was himself abused, in the hope that others who may have suffered would come forward and get the support they may need”.
The Jesuits said that Fr Marmion – who was a teacher in Belvedere from 1969 until 1978 and died in 2000 – “abused boys sexually, emotionally and physically”.
Fr Leonard Moloney SJ, Provincial of the Order, has met personally with this man. Fr Moloney said: “In our communications, he made it clear to me that he was concerned for others who may also have suffered and that they should be proactively offered a response and support.
“This man also conveyed to me that he believed others who were abused may be helped by the recognition that they too were dreadfully harmed. He asked that we name his abuser, Joseph Marmion SJ, publicly and that we make this information widely available in order to reach as many former students as possible,” Fr Moloney said.
He said that the Jesuits have been in contact over many years with others who were abused by Joseph Marmion while they were young students.
Fr Moloney said: “We have in the past apologised and invited victims and survivors of abuse by members of the society to come forward and to seek help. We do so again today. These efforts must always be continuous”.
Anyone who wishes to make direct contact with the Jesuit Safeguarding Office should call safeguarding delegate, Saoirse Fox on 089 2644400 or email safeguarding@jesuitlink.ie