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E-mailCongregation cheers as Irish Catholic priest says he's in love, quits Church
Priest, 51, believed to be involved with mother of two
Published Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 9:34 AM
Updated Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 12:12 PM
Fr. Sean McKenna
A popular Irish Catholic priest has quit the priesthood to spend his life with a woman.
Fr. Sean McKenna, 51, received a standing ovation from his local parishioners in Ballymagroarty in Derry when he made the announcement.
The congregation wept and cheered when McKenna said he was leaving the priesthood, having embarked on a "loving, beautiful and life-giving relationship."
McKenna is believed to be involved with a mother of two children who is separated from her husband.
Speaking at the Holy Family Church this weekend, McKenna said he blamed celibacy for his decision to leave the priesthood.
He said he had no choice but to leave after embarking on a “loving” and “beautiful relationship."
“I am here today to tell you that I have decided to leave the priesthood. After a long period of reflection and discernment, I have approached Bishop Hegarty this week to inform him of what I have decided.
“He has, with great regret, agreed to accept my decision. Since being ordained in 1985 I have found my experience of priesthood to be very meaningful and spiritually uplifting.
“However, as you are aware, celibacy is an integral part of the commitment to priesthood. In my personal life, I am in a relationship. The nature of this relationship is such that the rule of celibacy does not allow me to continue in priesthood and to be in this relationship at the same time.”
A spokesman for the Catholic Bishop of Derry, Seamus Hegarty, said Hegarty was “floored” by McKenn'a shock resignation.
Fr. Michael Canny said Hegarty, who was just back from an official visit to the U.S., was "shocked and floored" by the news.
“The bishop was absolutely shocked, he was floored. It was totally unexpected and the decision was final. The bishop had no choice but with regret to accept it.”
Canny added: “In a sense there is so much shock because this came totally out of the blue for everybody. We certainly didn’t expect it.
“He was one of the guys who was highly respected in the parishes he ministred in — Creggan, Long Tower, Ballmagroarty — these communities really valued his opinions and contribution. He has served on countless committees in the diocese.”
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Posted by tullamore on Jan 01, 2010, 07:13 PM ESTMarried, the woman is married, isn't that adultery?
Posted by BishopSean on Jan 01, 2010, 05:14 PM EST
3 of the 4 Gospels note that Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law. And Peter was the first Pope. Furthermore, all the first apostles, other than St. John, were married and went on missionary trips with their wives. Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches have married priests even to this day. Celibacy is fine for those truly called by Jesus to this way of life. Married priests and bishops are considered the rule and not the exception in the New Testament. See 1 Cor. 9:5, and I Timothy 3:2 says a Bishop should be married normally. This is why I am happy in my Eastern Catholic Church.
Posted by 2BorNot2B on Nov 27, 2009, 03:02 PM EST
To Kathy Callahan: The Church -if you didn't know- is simply the vessel and the guide, not a magic container where those within it are offered perfection and 'salvation'. That, unfortunately takes work, perseverance and the gracious acceptance of God's grace. Salvation is a process, not a guarantee and those who wish to stray, rather than persevere, will find out what their reward is when in front of their judge. --The fact is that despite your loud protestations, the Church was left to the Apostles (not to the common believers, to guide. It ain't a DEMOCRACY!), and they were given 'authority' to bind and loose. They were also assured that their decisions in matters of faith and morals would be protected from error, hence, decisions made long ago by the successors of the Apostles regarding the discipline of celibacy will hold until God decides to inspire them to change it. But be sure that the defection and sins of a few bad sheep, and the screeching and ranting of those who feel themselves to be wiser than the Pope will for naught. So do us a favor and go bang your head against the wall a few times, maybe that will make you feel better and leave the rest of us - and the Vatican - in happy ignorance of your personal opinions which are ultimately irrelevant.
Posted by 2BorNot2B on Nov 27, 2009, 02:55 PM EST
To Kathy Callahan: Geez, I agree, you'd make a fantastic Pope and new religion foundress. But WHY, OH WHY is the Vatican NOT listening to your "wake up calls"? Maybe because they do not give a flying rat's patootie what you and a bunch of half-a*s practicants have to contribute to the demise of the CC! Ya think? -- Here's a fact for ya honey: it's been some 2000 years and this Church that has been battling with secessionists, heretics and loud opinion-mongers who -frankly, don't do much for it, or for yourselves for that matter- than criticize, tear down and offer corrosive put downs plods along, just as Jesus predicted on Mat 16:18 --So, you put a buck in the collection plate (if that much your anger allows) every other Sunday, when you decide to show up, after the Gospel reading, then leave before the benediction... and that gives you the right to dictate policy and offer solutions for the present lack of vocations, and for the problem with horny priests? -- SAVE THEM FOR THE NEW CHURCH YOU'LL BE SURE TO create AND LEAD! Don't you go worrying your tiny head about the RCC 'losing the masses'. If you had done a cursive reading of the Bible you'd know that Christ spoke plainly about the present situation and guess what..? A lot of people didn't listen, yet the Church abides. The real faithful, however, have no anxiety. We know the Church was founded by THE ONLY ONE who is holy; that it is not full of saints, but that it is a sure refuge for those of us who humbly admit we need to perfect ourselves. continues..
Posted by liseuxx on Nov 24, 2009, 09:06 AM EST
That's sad. What in the world is going on over there across the pond? Seems like the Irish church is the American church of the 1970s.
There's hope though! We have many strong families and bishops now who are leading us CLOSER to Christ instead of closer to the culture of death with its materialism, birth control, abortion, homosexual marriage, etc.
Back to the subject-do you think the rest of the Apostles would have cheered if one had chosen to leave Jesus and his mission in this way?
Yeah, kickstar, I agreee- an adulterous relationship shouldn't warrant applause.
Posted by kickstar on Nov 23, 2009, 08:56 PM EST
The only thing that tuis devious looking pope could do to cheer me up would be to throw himself out of the top floor of st peters
Posted by kickstar on Nov 23, 2009, 08:53 PM EST
An Adulterous and sinful relationship warrants applause and cheers....doesn't it.
Posted by JillisIrish on Nov 22, 2009, 01:06 PM EST
We should all be happy he left straight up instead of being found out later. Happier still that he has not gone down the path of fallens with little boys.
Posted by Watereskhill on Nov 22, 2009, 12:02 AM EST
Fr Sean McKenna is the talk in cafes in Milan these days. Long standing friends in Italy recently e-mailed that he is in the newspapers there. Not as a scandal or disgrace to The Cahtolic Church but lauded an Irishman who quit the the priesthood in an honorable way. His standing ovation from the congregation in Derry has rippled beyond Ireland's shores. Unless 'Benedict and Co' wake up from their stubborn static coma of 'celibacy' there will be numerous men of the Gospel of McKenna's ilk handing in their notice some Sunday at Mass. To place his relationship under a microscope of morality here is to ignore the numerous children of Prelates and priests who walk this world not knowing their father is a so-called sacred figure. The unalterable truth is The Vatican has sins in it's echelons so skillfully clouded over with puffs of incense that even The Holy Ghost has to cough to get a breath of fresh air. Fr Sean no longer has a job. No guaranteed income. He has my applause in tossing all of it to the wind that blows the barley. I wish himself and his woman every happiness.
Posted by Sungold on Nov 21, 2009, 12:01 AM EST
I agree with Roseofengland. His parishioners gave him a standing ovation for announcing he was leaving the priesthood, reportedly for a woman who is still married to someone else? Not many would find that something to cheer about.
Posted by roseofengland on Nov 20, 2009, 02:51 PM EST
Inability to keep vows of celibacy are something one can understand, embarking on an adulterous relationship with a married woman is something else. The Church has always taught that sex outside marriage is wrong. Why is it right for this man? Why did the woman's marriage break down?
Sad, but typical of our modern "I want what I want and I want it now" society. I wonder why the woman's marriage broke down and how her children are affected, Those things don't seem to matter any more.
Posted by irishmexican43 on Nov 20, 2009, 01:44 PM EST
sad but true; better to leave by the front door. I did it myself but did not have a woman lined up at that moment
Posted by jacersisityourself on Nov 19, 2009, 07:16 PM EST
Interesting debate. No experts, so far.
Posted by McNamara31 on Nov 19, 2009, 06:43 PM EST
Response to Downunderyan posted Nov 17th
Posted by KathyCallahan on Nov 19, 2009, 01:31 PM EST
who is downunderyan
i'm callahan (:
Posted by McNamara31 on Nov 19, 2009, 08:34 AM EST
Well said, Downunderyan "I re-read the First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy, Chapter 3, which spells out the qualifications for a Bishop and Deacon. These include being 'blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;"
Another example is (1 Corin 9;5) "Peter and the other apostles took their wivews along the apostolic journey, they did not "put away" their wives." Forced celibacy was a man made law, as was Papal Infallibility declared by Pope Gregary in 1075. Catholic's should go back to the original source, read the Bible and Catholic Church history and find that for centuries the church had married priests and also 39 married popes. The original Orthodox (Greek) Church still have married priests to this day. I have no judgement on Fr. McKenna but I do feel forced celibacy in this century has taken the church in an unhealthy direction. I do not understand how this pope can make a judgement allowing the married Anglican priests to come over and be married catholic priests and not feel this will be viewed as unfair and hypocracy. There must be a greater understanding of the laws of God, when compared to the laws of men.
Posted by KathyCallahan on Nov 19, 2009, 12:54 AM EST
It's another major loss and wake up call to the Vatican hierarchy and Archbishop Timothy Dolan. But they won't heed the call. Instead the Roman Catholic church will continue to lose the masses; and close churches and schools because they are profoundly stuck in a antiquated and ill served moment. The former priest from Derry is obviously very happy, glowing, fulfilled and well rounded healthy. As a married priest in Derry he would be a tremendous asset and have even more to give to the parish and everyone that he ministers to. It's very sad to watch the church waste away right before your eyes and not so slowly, anymore. The pace is quickening...I hope their is a movement to retain the best of the Irish Catholic Church' break with the Vatican; and leave the antiquated Mess behind that is replete with evidence of extreme systemic toxicity.
I'd sign the 'breakaway now' petition.
Jesus, all of the saints, priests like Father Sean McKenna, nuns, fellow parishioners, missionaries and all of the beautiful children are where it's at; and most certainly not at the Vatican where Bernhard Cardinal Law is living large.
Any feeling and thinking person who read the detailed history of what went on in Boston and surrounding towns alone...and the back stories about children, suicides, the indoctrination of next generation pedophile predators, cover ups, wasted and tormented lives: and billions of dollars paid off in settlements by the Vatican...We as a people -my ancestors survived the famine and thrived...
Father McKenna should open a new Irish Catholic Independent Church in Derry...I would send him regular donations. I pray that he will...The pews would be full and overflowing
Posted by ciarrai on Nov 18, 2009, 09:11 PM EST
Another one bites the dust. Usually they are the other way, but by all means don't let them get married, pontiff.Imagine, a straight Catholic priest.
Posted by Betteboop on Nov 18, 2009, 08:06 PM EST
I am all for his relationship. I think priests should
be able to marry.
Posted by klmsmom on Nov 18, 2009, 02:56 PM EST
Is nothing sacred? The debate over celibacy is one thing, as well as broken vows of his own, but the woman, folks, is not free yet either. How many commandments do we set aside until we say that the dear father may be a little confused about Christian, let alone catholic tenets?
Posted by mrkennedy on Nov 18, 2009, 02:23 PM EST
I wonder were his vocation was and why he became a priest. In addition what will he say to Our Lord when he confronts him on his death???
Posted by ganjadec on Nov 18, 2009, 01:57 PM EST
Good for you, Father Sean. It is time to allow priests to marry. It's almost 2010.
Posted by beachline on Nov 18, 2009, 12:49 PM EST
Good Luck and God Bless this relationship. And the same good wishes to every other priest who chooses to live life to the fullest.
Posted by Irishlassred on Nov 18, 2009, 10:23 AM EST
Good luck and God's blessing on Sean.
Have to say I'm always a bit reluctant to cheer when two people are involved in a relationship, when one is not legally entitled to (not saying morally, just legally.) Hopefully, that will soon sort itself out and each will be free to live the life that GOD (not Man) defined. Men and their stupid rules about what does and doesn't make a life rich and meaningful. How can something as wonderful as loving and being loved by another, be deemed wrong? Stupid men and stupid men rules.
Posted by lightnord on Nov 18, 2009, 10:15 AM EST
Good Luck to former Fr McKenna. May The Goddess & God bless your up-comming union. Praises for the congregation at Ballymagroarty for not raising a stink, but being in favor of Fr McKenna's decision. As Downunderyan has noted, soon, out of attrition, The Catholic Church in Ireland, will only have to shut down and consolitate parishes inorder to keep its self alive. Again Fr McKenna, I wish you and your bride, the best of everything in life.
Posted by Downunderyan on Nov 17, 2009, 05:55 PM EST
Good for Fr Sean McKenna and many others like him. At least he's being honest about his humanity and in declaring his relationship. Many a good prospect for priesthood and many a good ordained priest was lost through the inhuman expectation of celibacy. As the old saying goes "Up there for saints, down here for sinners". We are all human, we are all sinners, who live in hope of achieving heaven. Whenever the issue of married priests arises, I re-read the First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy, Chapter 3, which spells out the qualifications for a Bishop and Deacon. These include being 'blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; etc
If the Pope and Catholic Church can accommodate married Anglican Priests defecting from the Anglican Church because of disillusionment with developments there as regards women priests, gay and lesbian clergy etc, surely the Cathloic Church can in these modern days accommodate married Catholic Priests? Have I not read elsewhere in this online news that there is now only one priest per parish in Ireland? Soon there will not be even that through natural attrition, departures such as Fr McKenna and failure to attract new candidates for priesthood. If it was good enough for JC and the Apostles 2,000 years ago, why cannot we 'enlightened' 21st century inheritors of the flame of Christ be able to accept it as healthy and desirable?
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