Towards Peace welcomes Clodagh Malone as new committee member

The Oversight Committee of Towards Peace held its bi-monthly meeting in the Columba Centre, Maynooth, on 19 March.  The group welcomed Clodagh Malone as a new member to the Committee.  A survivor of Mother and Baby Homes, Clodagh brings a wealth of experience around this important and sensitive subject that will greatly benefit the work of the Committee.

Towards Peace was established 2014 by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland, as a response to survivors of abuse who were seeking help in understanding the holistic impact of abuse and a service offering spiritual support.

During March’s meeting, the Committee discussed the ongoing work plan for 2024 that includes restorative justice, working collaboratively with Towards Healing – the free and confidential helpline and counselling referral service – and the possibility of sourcing a space where survivors could meet on their continuing journey towards peace.

Attending the meeting were Mr Andrew Fagan, Chair of the Oversight Committee; Bishop Ger Nash of Ferns, a representative of the Bishops’ Conference; Mr Gerard Gallagher, Interim Secretary General of the Association of Leaders of Missionaries & Religious of Ireland; Ms Frances Harrington; Sister Anne Sheehy; Ms Clodagh Malone and Ms Una Allen, who is the Coordinator of Towards Peace.

The committee also comprises of Father Hugh Lagan SMA; Mr Harry Casey and Mr Aidan Gordon of the National Board for Safeguarding Children of the Catholic Church in Ireland.