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Elderly priest refuses to leave parochial house after abuse allegations

Bishop suspended cleric when claims surfaced in September

CATHAL DERVAN,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Monday, December 19, 2011, 7:27 AM

Updated Monday, December 19, 2011, 11:58 AM

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Bishop Leo O’Reilly

Photo by Reuters

An elderly Roman Catholic priest, under investigation over alleged child sex abuse, has refused to move out of a parochial house in the diocese of Kilmore.

Bishop Leo O’Reilly has confirmed in a statement that the priest is still living in the house which he was asked to vacate after he was suspended, pending enquiries.

The diocese, which covers Cavan and parts of Leitrim, Meath, Sligo, and Fermanagh, is taking the allegations seriously and removed the priest from all parish duties last September.

He was also ordered to find new accommodation by Bishop O’Reilly but has yet to vacate his church owned property.

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The Bishop confirmed in his statement that he had informed police and the health authorities of the allegations against the priest last September. He also revealed that the priest is now the subject of a criminal investigation and cannot be named nor his parish identified to protect his victims.

“I should point out that these are the subject of both criminal investigation and legal proceedings and I am in a position to comment only in a general way on what is a complex individual case,” said Bishop O’Reilly.

“In September when child safeguarding complaints concerning this priest came to my attention, I immediately informed the civil authorities.

“I spoke to the priest, who voluntarily agreed to stand aside from sacred ministry. I informed the parish council that complaints had been received and I addressed local Masses so as to directly and personally inform parishioners.

“As Bishop of Kilmore, I am very much aware of my leadership responsibility to safeguard children in the diocese, and I am absolutely determined to discharge those responsibilities fully.”

A report in the Irish Independent states that the allegations against the priest have divided the local community. The paper says that some members of the church have withdrawn from parish activities while the priest remains in the parochial house.

The Association of Catholic Priests has publicly welcomed the stance taken by Bishop O’Reilly but has criticized the manner in which the news of his suspension was released at a mass in the parish.

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IrelandNorth | Dec 21, 2011, 08:19 AM EST

What do they think the County Sherriff is for, i.e. evictions. A tradition left to us by our previous colonial masters, only this time used more conscientiously and justificably. I'm sure many survivors of clerical child sexual abuse would volunteers as a possee.

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warlocks | Dec 20, 2011, 02:30 AM EST

The Priest should be given a written notice to vacate the property within 7 days not only by the Church but by a court order if the priest ignores the order the police should remove him by force if need be. i take no pitty for child Abusers or Molesters. Toss the criminal out on his Arse !

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stephen1553 | Dec 20, 2011, 01:46 AM EST

Assuming the allegations are credible, the Vatican should take him in and put him in a prison. They are , after all a state. But fat chance. The hierarchy has hidden these criminals for hundreds of years. Dont expect any changes from a German born and brought up pope who in 2009 UNexcommunicated Bishop Williamson, a holocaust denier.

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SeamusMor | Dec 19, 2011, 08:35 PM EST

Now everyone can see for themselves the way abuse cases are currently handled. The Bishop immediately informed civil authorities when the allegation surfaced. The Church sometimes takes to long to get it right, but when they do, we should give them credit! That is much bigger news than an accused priest remaining on Church property.

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Collette2 | Dec 19, 2011, 06:23 PM EST

Well said CaptainCon.

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hybernia | Dec 19, 2011, 02:22 PM EST

At this time of the year it's easy to forget the true meaning of Christianity--the lies, the corruption,and the abuse.

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merefalow | Dec 19, 2011, 01:32 PM EST

innocent until proven guilty,that is the law,,if he is found guilty defrock and jail,just like any common criminal.no hiding,no transfer to another parish,no special treatment.

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1314balesdr | Dec 19, 2011, 12:04 PM EST

How ironic! The priest that I was confessing to that "I had impure thoughts", was sodomizing the altar boy! OMG!

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Murph46 | Dec 19, 2011, 11:23 AM EST

rainbowbrew-Do you really think he is not guilty.Bishop told authorities! Just how many times do you think that happened.By the way please inform me -US is innocent till proven guilty,I was under the impression it is the opposite there.Please let me know which is right.

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rainbowbrew | Dec 19, 2011, 11:05 AM EST

Murph is he guilty? I agree with you if he is guilty and we do not know that yet. I agree he should find other accomodations but I would caution assuming that he is guilty.

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Murph46 | Dec 19, 2011, 10:11 AM EST

Kick the effin bastard out!He can room with Larry Sandusky!

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Toonagh | Dec 19, 2011, 08:26 AM EST

most definetly should move out. These alleged abusers have too many priveleges.

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CaptainCon | Dec 19, 2011, 08:02 AM EST

The remainder of Irish priests must surely get by now the idea that they must be above reproach and be seen to be above reproach when it comes to dealing with parishioners. If they have any complaints about the way they are currently perceived let them take it up with a hierarchy whose policies left every catholic priest under suspicion by a rightfully cynical population.

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