Statement by Cardinal Seán Brady on his Meeting with the Justice For Magdalenes Advocacy Group

25 Jun 2010

PRESS RELEASE
25 June 2010

Statement by Cardinal Seán Brady on his Meeting with the Justice For Magdalenes Advocacy Group

Responding to their request for a meeting, Cardinal Brady yesterday (Thursday 24 June, 2010) met with the advocacy group ‘Justice for Magdalenes’ (JFM). The two hour meeting consisted largely of a presentation by JFM of their detailed research into the history of the Magdalene laundries and of their advocacy on behalf of many former residents.

Commenting on the meeting, Cardinal Brady said:  “this was a welcome opportunity to listen to the perspective of JFM on the story of the involvement of Church, State and society in the former Magdalene laundries. By today’s standards much of what happened at that time is difficult to comprehend.”

Cardinal Brady expressed the hope “that the perspective of those involved in the operation of the ‘laundries’ would also be respectfully heard and listened to.” Pointing to the autonomy of Religious Congregations in this area he encouraged JFM “to continue its efforts to establish dialogue and a process of justice and healing for all concerned.”

ENDS

Further information:
Martin Long, Director of Communications 086 172 7678