Bétharram: The Congregation Acknowledges Its Responsibility and Launches Initiatives to Compensate Victims

The Congregation of the Fathers of Bétharram spoke out on Tuesday, March 4, to acknowledge its responsibility in the case of physical and sexual abuse that occurred at the Catholic institution Notre-Dame de Bétharram in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Laurent Bacho, a priest of the congregation, expressed deep regret for the suffering inflicted on the children, emphasizing that they came seeking protection and education but were “devastated” by these abuses. This statement, highly anticipated by the victims, marks a turning point in the institution’s communication, which had long been accused of silence.

Creation of an Independent Inquiry Commission

The congregation also announced the establishment of an independent inquiry commission, which will work to identify the causes of the abuses that took place over several decades in this school under contract with the French Ministry of Education. This commission, funded by the congregation, will be made up of external members and will look into the institution’s operations in the various countries where it is present. Its mission will be to gather testimony from victims, review the archives, and implement tools to prevent any future “blindness” on the part of the institution.

Expanded Compensation for Victims

In parallel, the congregation announced the expansion of its compensation program, which will now also include victims of sexual violence committed by laypeople, who had previously been excluded from the scope of the Church’s Recognition and Reparation Commission (CRR). This measure, in addition to the ongoing compensation for victims of abuse by clergy members, will be financed through the sale of real estate properties owned by the congregation. To date, 19 victims have been compensated to the tune of 700,000 euros, which has already absorbed 60% of the available funds.

The congregation also plans memorial actions, such as erecting a monument or installing a plaque, and will participate in a forum on sexual violence organized in Bayonne on March 15 by the French Institute for Justice and Democracy (IFJD), which has been assisting the congregation in its efforts with the victims since May.

Ongoing Judicial Investigation

The case follows over 150 complaints filed by former students for physical violence, sexual assault, and rape. After a year of investigation, a former supervisor has been placed under investigation and in provisional detention. However, the majority of the allegations, which date back to the 1950s and span half a century, are now time-barred.

The congregation is therefore facing major challenges but has expressed its commitment to take responsibility and implement concrete measures to make amends for the harm caused to the victims.