THE rector of Clonard Monastery has urged victims of historical abuse to contact police after a man was convicted for sexually abusing an altar boy at a Novena in the 1980s.
Martin Cassidy was placed on probation for three years on Monday for abusing the 14-year old in 1988 at the west Belfast novena.
The court heard Cassidy, of Orchard Mews in Belfast, was volunteering at the church at the request of his brother, who at the time was a priest.
Cassidy admitted two offences arising from the incident, namely indecently assaulting a male and gross indecency with a child.
The 67-year-old, who has a criminal record that includes 13 previous sexual offences, was also made the subject of a five-year Sexual Offenders Prevention Order.
In a statement yesterday, rector of Clonard Monastery Fr Noel Kehoe described the abuse as an "appalling crime".
"The Redemptorist community at Clonard are deeply saddened to learn of this appalling crime. Our hearts and prayers are with the victim who has carried this burden for so long," he said.
"This is a historic case, which only came to our attention yesterday as it was never reported directly or indirectly to the Redemptorists at Clonard, nor brought to our attention by the civil aurthorities.
"I wish to state that the Redemptorists are fully compliant with legislation and best practice in safeguarding children.
"We are also committed to the comprehensive safeguarding policies and procedures of the National Board for Safeguarding children in the Catholic Church in Ireland.
"The abuse of any child or vulnerable person is deplorable and we would encourage anyone who has suffered abuse or has concerns to contact the PSNI and/or our designated safeguarding officer."
