by Mike Bain/cvnznews.com.
The Marist Brothers in Aotearoa New Zealand have issued a formal and unreserved apology to survivors of abuse, acknowledging what they called a “profound shame” and a dark chapter in their history. The apology, delivered at a national gathering attended by survivors both in person and online, marks one of the most direct public acknowledgements yet from the Catholic order.
Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province, Br Darren Burge fms, opened with a stark admission: “I apologise for these crimes and abuse… It is a source of profound shame that child abuse of any type occurred under our care.” He said the apology had been shaped in consultation with survivors and offered with “unreserved and heartfelt” remorse.
Br Darren spoke of his personal sorrow and the limits of his own understanding. “I appreciate that I will never fully comprehend the burden you carry,” he said, adding that the Brothers were committed to “listening, learning and responding in the ways you need.”
The apology comes against the backdrop of the ongoing Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, which has revealed widespread mistreatment across state and faith‑based institutions. The Marist Brothers—who ran schools, boarding facilities and youth programmes across the country—have been the subject of numerous survivor testimonies detailing physical, emotional and sexual abuse dating back decades.
Provincial Delegate Br Peter Horide fms described the day as one of “humility, shame and recognition of dark history,” praising the courage of survivors who have come forward despite the cost. “Your voice matters. Your experiences matter. Your courage matters,” he said. “You will be listened to, honoured, and met with respect, dignity and care that should always have been yours.”
Both leaders committed the order to survivor‑focused redress and to ensuring that past failures are never repeated. Br Darren said the apology must stand as a permanent warning: “We must never lose from our collective memory the experiences of what so many have suffered.”
The Brothers said they welcome any survivor who chooses to come forward.
