Irish Independent
December 18, 2011
www.independent.ie/breaking-news/national-news/abuse-priest-refuses-to-quit-home-2967162.html
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| A priest at the centre of abuse allegations has refused to leave his parochial house |
A priest at the centre of abuse allegations has refused to leave his parochial house in a diocese recently praised for having the best child protection measures in the country.
The elderly cleric, who has stepped down from his duties in the Diocese of Kilmore, has flouted repeated requests from Bishop Leo O'Reilly to move to alternative accommodation
The diocese was recently commended for having child protection measures that were a model of best practice within the Catholic church.
Bishop O'Reilly said when the allegations against the priest came to his attention in September he immediately informed the civil authorities.
"I spoke to the priest who voluntarily agreed to stand aside from sacred ministry," said Bishop O'Reilly in a statement.
"I informed the parish council that complaints had been received and I addressed local Masses so as to directly and personally inform parishioners."
Neither the cleric, who is subject to a criminal investigation and legal proceedings, nor the parish where he served are being identified by the church as no charges have been brought.
However the controversy is said to have divided the local community, with some members of the church withdrawing from church activities while the priest remains in the parochial house close to the church.
Several alternative addresses where the priest could reside have been provided by the diocese.
Bishop O'Reilly, who is based in Cavan, said: "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."
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