Marist priest pleads guilty on sex abuse charges

Father Michael O’Donnell pleaded guilty to one charge of unlawful sexual connection of a male between 12 and 16 years old, and to several other related charges, in the Palmerston North District Court on February 10.

It is understood that the other charges concerned indecent assaults and that the offending involved five victims.  

Hato Pāora College is a boarding school for Māori boys, which was founded by the Society of Mary.

In a statement, the Society of Mary said police first investigated a complaint against Fr O’Donnell in the late 1980s, but never laid charges. Even so, he was removed from his post, was subject to a psychological assessment, participated in a personal assistance program and later returned to teaching in a non-residential school.

“In late 2021, the Society was advised that the complainant was asking police to reopen the case. In line with Church protocol, inquiry processes were halted when the police advised a new investigation was under way. Fr O’Donnell was removed from ministry in December 2021,” the statement reads.

“Another complainant contacted the Society in the 2000s stating that he had been abused by Fr O’Donnell at the same place in the late 1980s. An independent investigation commissioned by the Society recommended assistance be offered to the complainant and it was accepted.

“We deeply regret any hurt or harm caused by a member of the Society of Mary.”

Fr O’Donnell will appear for sentencing in April.

He is the third former staff member of Hato Pāora to be convicted for historical sex crimes against students.

Anyone who has a concern or complaint about abuse in a Catholic setting is encouraged to contact the Police or the Church’s National Office for Professional Standards on 0800 114 622.

FULL STORY

A priest has pleaded guilty to abusing five boys at a Feilding boarding school – 11-Feb-2025 – NZ National news (NZ City)

https://cathnewsnz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Society-of-Mary-statement.pdf (Society of Mary)