The Jesuit Order has made public today, Wednesday 12 February 2025, the names of fourteen deceased Jesuits as recommended by an Independent Working Group established by the Order which examined the files of deceased Jesuits against whom complaints of child sexual abuse had been made. The Order has also taken the decision to name one further Jesuit about whom additional information has become available.
The Order has set up a special page on their Province website where all the documents concerning this naming process can be accessed. This includes the full list of the fifteen named Jesuits, with short biographies, and a statement of accountability. Three Jesuits have already been named by the Order including Joseph Marmion SJ who had complaints of abuse against him relating to his time in Clongowes. Marmion had two spells in the College in the 1950s and 1960s. Between 1951-1952 he carried out his Regency, teaching and training for his Certificate in Education (equivalent to the Higher Diploma in Education). He was later appointed to the senior position of Prefect of Studies in Clongowes in July 1962 and stayed at the school until 1965. It is harrowing to learn that in the past, some other Jesuits, like Joseph Marmion SJ, have used their position of power in a school setting to abuse young boys rather than protect and educate them.
To any student who suffered abuse in Clongowes we apologise sincerely and quote the words of Jesuit Provincial Fr Shane Daly in his statement today:
“We are truly ashamed that innocent young people were abused by those Jesuits who were supposed to be serving them and caring for them. To learn that much of their abuse could have been avoided, had timely and necessary action been taken by those to whom the abuse was made known, must surely compound the suffering of those who were abused. We put the good name of the institution before their suffering and for this we are truly sorry. Our expression of sorrow and regret is real but it will mean little if it is not accompanied by effective action such as the public naming we have done today, which is part of an ongoing process. Again, I want to invite any person who was harmed by any Jesuit to consider speaking with us. We really want to hear from you.”
The Jesuit Order says it is engaged in an ongoing process of acknowledging the child abuse perpetrated by some of its members over the past 70 years. It says the process is about accountability, transparency and atonement. And that in future they will make public the names of other deceased Jesuits who are the subject of child sexual abuse complaint if further information is received that fulfils the criteria identified by the Independent Working Group.
Anyone with concerns or complaints regarding the Jesuits now named or regarding another Jesuit can contact the Order’s Child Safeguarding Office and/or the relevant authorities. The Jesuit Order has set up a special helpline which operates from 8am until 8pm daily including weekends. The Helpline number is 083 087 4254 or, by email, safeguarding@jesuit.ie. Or contact the Jesuit Provincialate Reception (Monday to Friday, 9am -4pm) phone number 01 4987333.
We want to be clear that in Clongowes Wood College, the safety and wellbeing of our students is of absolute importance and the College follows all Department of Education protocols with regard to child safeguarding matters as a priority.
Chris Lumb
Headmaster
