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Accusations of Abuse in
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Sunday Star Times
October 6, 2002
Nun saddened by accusations
by Deidre Mussen
A
nun accused of sexually and physically abusing needy children more than 40
years ago says the complainants have convinced themselves the incidents
happened.
Sister Bernard Mary, 69, who now lives in
She says she first heard of the complaints stemming from her time at the
Sisters of Nazareth's home in
After interviews with
"I wasn't surprised because (the allegations) were so outrageous - some of
them were impossible."
It was the last time she heard from police.
But some of the alleged victims went public with their claims in recent months
in
Intrigue was added last year when the order told a court hearing into abuse
allegations that Sister Bernard was dead, later explained as an administrative
mistake.
She denies abusing children but says discipline was tougher in those days in
all sectors of the community.
"Say you had 50 or 60 children, you've got to have a bit more discipline
than for one or two.
"The children had some rules and regulations they were expected to
keep."
Some of the children came from broken families, some were unwanted, some
orphaned.
They ranged in age from five to 16.
Sister Bernard has fond memories of her time at
She is yet to meet any of her accusers.
"I feel more sorry for them rather than angry with them. They sort of can
convince themselves that these things happened."
The Sisters of Nazareth has paid out nearly $2m to some of the alleged victims
and has apologised but denies any abuse occurred.
Hindsight hasn't changed the way Sister Bernard would act but living with
intense public scrutiny has been a struggle.
Stress and broken sleep are frequent companions.
"The thing that really keeps me going is I'm not guilty and I have a clear
conscience.
"And I've had tremendous support from others who were children in Nazareth
House, great support from people in
She became head of Christchurch's Narareth House, an 80-bed rest home, in
February last year for three years, which may be extended a further three
years.
Sister Bernard's faith remains stronger than ever.
"It makes you pray a little bit harder," she says.
So are others.
At mass yesterday, the priest told her he would offer a prayer for her to help
her face an interview with the Sunday Star-Times.
Sister Bernard originally trained as a primary school teacher but soon changed
direction.
Sisters of
"You would always see the sisters with the children.
"I realised that's what I wanted to do - look after those sort of
children.
"As well as that, that was what God wanted me to do. It's just something
that you sort of know," she smiles.