Nine altar boys and three girls were preyed on by Farrell, also known as “Father F”, between 1979 and 1988 in Armidale, Moree and Tamworth. 

He will spend at least 18 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of 29 years.

The former priest was informed of his fate at Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court.

 Bishop Kennedy issued his apology in a statement after the sentencing hearing. 

“I cannot change past actions and failures, however, I do once more offer all victims of abuse and their families my deepest, heartfelt and unequivocal apology,” he said. 

“My thoughts and prayers are with all victims of abuse, especially the victims of John Farrell. 

“What you have gone through is unimaginable and totally unacceptable. 

“I again apologise to you for the past failings of the diocese.”

He admitted the Armidale diocese’s handling of the abuse allegations at the time was not good enough. 

“The 2013 Whitlam Report ... provides a comprehensive report on the historical abuse in the 1980s by John Farrell and the subsequent response of the diocese,” Bishop Kennedy said. 

“I am on record as acknowledging that the response and actions by the diocese at that time were inadequate.

“This included poor record keeping, ineffective assessments, inefficient inquiries, inadequate response to and treatment of victims and their families, and a failure to share important information.”

While the bishop’s apology may bring comfort for some, Armidale Loud Fence group’s Alison Armstrong said she wanted more from the church.

She said the response from the church was “too little, too late”.

“Of course it’s good to hear him condemning that sort of thing,” Ms Armstrong said.

“I think the bigger issue and the more important issue is who in the church was part of the concealment of John Farrell’s actions.”

Ms Armstrong helped coordinate the Loud Fence group’s public display of solidarity with victims of child sexual abuse, which was launched in the city last month. 

Having known a number of victims and their families personally, Ms Armstrong said she wanted answers about how Farrell was able to carry out his abuse for so long. 

“The 29 years is very satisfying,” she said.

“Now it begs the question, why so long – why was he allowed to continue to have access to children for so very long?

“It was a foreseeable risk and there’s clear evidence that was case.

“We need to keep asking questions.

“Who knew about Farrell and what did they know?”

Farrell, 62, showed no emotion as he heard he would be eligible for parole in June 2033 in Sydney's Downing Centre District Court on Monday. 

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Peter Zahra spoke of how Farrell groomed many of his victims and exploited his position as a priest.

“The offender admitted he had a great deal of influence over the altar boys and he abused that position,” Judge Zahra said.

He  said Farrell, “disregarded and took advantage of the vulnerability of the child victims”.

“In relation to the altar boy victims, the offender knew there would be continuing opportunity because of the relationships he had developed with the victims and their parents.

“The offender created situations where he was confident he would not be detected even where his sexual abuse was, at times, brazen in the extreme.”

Ms Armstrong praised Judge Zara’s decision, saying it reflected the public expectations. 

“It’s a very satisfying and significant period of time,” she said.

“That sentence was very strong message about how the justice system views the crime.

“It sends a very strong message to survivors in particular that you will be supported. 

“It’s not a slap on the wrist - it’s a very substantial.”