Apology to abuse survivor delivered in Samoan ceremony

The apology came by way of an Ifoga, a traditional Samoan ceremony of apology and a crucial part of the process for resolving serious disputes involving family.

A representative of the brothers told Ms Tagaloa: “There have been a series of failings on our part in responding to you. There have been failings in honouring the courage which you took to share what happened to you.”

On behalf of the Marist Brothers, “deep regret” was expressed, the abuse perpetrated by a member of the brothers was acknowledged, and a “sincere apology” was offered by the brothers for what she endured as a child from abuser Br Bede Fitton.

Ms Tagaloa said “the pain has been deep, the journey long, and the silence heavy, but through it all God has never left us. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, nor does it excuse wrongs. It means I chose to let go of the burden that has weighed on my heart and allow healing to take its place”.

Ms Tagaloa was the first survivor to give evidence in the Catholic Church hearing of the Royal Commission and served on its Survivor Advocacy Group of Experts (SAGE). Earlier this year, she was appointed to a Ministerial Advisory Group on the follow-up to the royal commission.

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

Abuse survivor receives official apology from Marist Brothers (Tagata Pasifika/Facebook)

Survivor experience: Frances Tagaloa (Royal Commission on Abuse in Care)

Abuse in Care ministerial advisory group established (Inside Government)

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