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Priest in Cloyne report to face internal church probe

Only one of 19 clerics named has been convicted

By
ANTOINETTE KELLY,
IrishCentral Staff Writer
Published Friday, December 23, 2011, 8:07 AM
Updated Friday, December 23, 2011, 8:07 AM

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The elderly Irish priest at the center of the worst child abuse allegations mentioned in the Cloyne Report is facing an internal church investigation that could see him defrocked
The elderly Irish priest at the center of the worst child abuse allegations mentioned in the Cloyne Report is facing an internal church investigation that could see him defrocked
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The elderly Irish priest at the center of the worst child abuse allegations mentioned in the Cloyne Report is facing an internal church investigation that could see him defrocked.

Known only by the pseudonym Father Ronat he is expected to face a formal canonical review early in 2012.

The church investigation will send canon lawyers to interview each of the individuals who claimed they were sexually abused by the priest, and they will also hear his version of events.

______________
Read More:
Final chapter of Cloyne Report unearths more damning evidence of cover up by Bishop and police

Calls for full Cloyne Report to be published as diocese awaits new Bishop appointment

Clerical sex abuse victims slam Vatican’s response to Cloyne Report
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According to a report in the Irish Independent, the canonical review will take several months to conclude, and it could recommend to the Vatican that Father Ronat be laicized or defrocked.

Several of Father Ronat's alleged victims have already indicated their willingness to participate in the church review, but others have balked at it citing their criticism of the church's original handling of their abuse complaints.

The Vatican authorities will determine if Father Ronat will be allowed to perform all future priestly duties.

Complaints against 19 clerics were examined as part of the Cloyne report, with just one of the clerics convicted.  A number of the clerics have died, whilst others had prosecutions initiated against them that failed to secure convictions.

Father Ronat, who lives in Ireland, has never been convicted of a sexual offense.

The Cloyne Report found that former Bishop Magee left the issue of child protection entirely to his vicar-general Monsignor Denis O'Callaghan, and that both men failed to ensure that recommended measures were properly implemented. Both Bishop Magee and Monsignor O'Callaghan have apologized over their failings.

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See more: Irish Catholic Church , News from Ireland
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6 Comments

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stephen1553 | Dec 25, 2011, 02:33 AM EST
CAnnon law, collette2 - it should be called the code of OMERTA.

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stephen1553 | Dec 25, 2011, 02:32 AM EST
It never ends - the endless hidden molestation of children by the catholic church.......................Total shame on anyone who supports this church...............Wonder what you would do if it was your kid............Which it easily could be if they seem to have problems adapting to society in general..................Be sure to find a psychologist skilled in ferreting out the self blame and fear and embarrassment that is implanted by the priests who molest children....................That why the pick on children - because the kids are so easy to convince that the priest can send them to hell if they tell of the vast crimes against humanity - our children by the unmarried priests.

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Collette2 | Dec 23, 2011, 09:09 PM EST
It's a rort, this canon law, there to protect the interst's of the church and its "good name", get hold of the book of codes, and reference book, they don't come cheap but good value as far as being informed goes. How many have been able to 'fess up to their dastardly deeds, as commanded in scripture, regardless of what pursuasion, to do the time and be set free, spiritually that is.

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CaptainCon | Dec 23, 2011, 07:27 PM EST
Or at least one that isn't confused about the Irish Taliban and their primitive escapology routines for degenerate priests and their ethically confused leadership.

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LoyalCitizen | Dec 23, 2011, 02:22 PM EST
Another sign that Ireland needs a judicial system that works.

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CaptainCon | Dec 23, 2011, 09:03 AM EST
'canonicaL' investigation? In other words a golf club membership discipinary. I'd be far more interested in why the Garda reports on this man sat in a filing cabinet drawer for years. I'd also be quite interested in hearing why a retired Garda was advising the Cloyne diocese on how to minimise statements to the Gardai and why that retired Garda was so sure that the DPP wouldn't recommend charges. Stuff canonical investigations- they are aimed at finding a way out for the priest and the church and have absolutely no concern for the victims.

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