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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

Spokesman Fr Sean McDonagh said, “We welcome the courageous leadership from the bishop.

“We have no special pleading that the priest be treated in a particular way. The association is very much opposed to the public nature in which priests are being stepped down. The Mass is a place to listen to the word of God, and it’s a mis-use of Mass.

“We are beginning to have a feeling that once these accusations are made you have to prove yourself innocent.”

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Elderly priest refuses to leave parochial house after abuse allegations

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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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