THE Congressional Leader of the Christian Brothers, Brother Edmund Garvey, has for the first time apologised publicly for any hurtful experiences people have suffered because off the order, or in its schools.
Brother Edmund made the apology last night as he was made a Freeman of his home town of Drogheda in County Louth.
Speaking about the importance of the experience of community in the development of each person, he said "I accept the freedom of the town with pride as a Drogheda man. I feel a real sense of privilege to have been elected leader of our congregation. .. I regret that some people cannot live with anything except negative images or experiences of the past, or without others experiences.
"People have had negative experiences with the Christian Brothers and schools in the past - I cannot deny that nor do I want to.
"For those who did have hurtful experiences, I apologise and ask forgiveness ... I do this at the heart of a unique and special celebration of my life. God has made us to celebrate life, it is not possible unless we can forgive one another."
Brother Edmund, who was last year chosen international leader of the order, said there is a period of growth and change in the order.
"I am as confident as I can be that the Christian Brothers are moving into a new time of development and growth, into a new period of change and growth characterised by very careful actions and processes helping not to repeat the negative aspects of our past, but new beginnings."
He spoke about the bridge building that was done by the founder of the order, Blessed Edmund Rice, and said the Brothers were remembering "who we truly are and why we exist in the first place, while also fundamentally restructuring our lives and our mission with relevance to our lives and the needs of people."