How a St Bede's College priest was revealed as sexually abusing boys

Photo: Nathan McKinnon / RNZ

Warning: The story contains references to sexual abuse

More than two decades after departing St Bede's College Fr Rowan Donoghue was unmasked as sexually abusing boys in his care. National Crime Correspondent Sam Sherwood investigates.

It was the end of the 2000 school year, another group of students were ending their five years at Christchurch's St Bede's College, the only Catholic boys' boarding school in the South Island.

Like most schools, the end of year was marked with an annual magazine, the Bedean, which celebrated the students' successes and also acknowledged staff that were leaving and who had just started.

Among the list of staff departing was a section devoted to the head of boarding Fr Rowan Donoghue, accompanied by a photo of the priest smiling back at the camera.

"Since 1993 Rowan has ensured that year after year the boarders are happy and totally confident in his genuine care and concern for them, and grateful for his extraordinary and limitless patience and generosity," the newsletter read.

He had taught math, religious education, and directed several musicals. He had also coached cricket and rugby and even edited the Bedean magazine. The newsletter went on to list several other ways he contributed to the school including being the musician and celebrant at liturgies.

"And these are only the things that the school administration knew about!," it ended.

It appeared to be an impressive resume.

However, behind the man's smile was a secret. A secret that would not be revealed for more than two decades when police were notified of historical allegations that he sexually abused boys who were under his care.

On Wednesday, a suppression order was lifted allowing RNZ to reveal Fr Donoghue had pleaded guilty to six charges including indecent assault on a boy aged 12-16, indecent assault on a boy 16 and over and sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection. The offending related to four boys.

The plea had been suppressed until other charges were dismissed. At the end of the hearing, Fr Donoghue was remanded in custody by Judge Jane Farish. He will be sentenced on May 13.

The court room was packed during Wednesday's hearing. Crown prosecutor Courtney Martyn acknowledged the victims who were in court.

RNZ has spoken to two of the victims about the life-long impact of Fr Donoghue's offending, how they feel it was "normalised" and why they believe there are others.

Photo: RNZ

'Silverstream's loss is St Bede's gain'

Fr Donoghue arrived at St Bede's in 1993. The school's end of year magazine says he began in term three.

"Fresh from renewal and students in Australia and America during the previous ten months, including a stint teaching at our College in Atlanta, Georgia, he did not take long to establish himself as the third form dormitory master and a very competent mathematics teacher."

He had earlier spent 11 years teaching at St Patrick's College Silverstream.

"He involved himself enthusiastically in many facets of school life from dean to producer of musicals, from co-ordinator of the Māori and Polynesian Club to teacher in charge of audio visuals, from dormitory master to sporting coach and referee.

"Silverstream's loss