Appeal to Archdiocese to Speak to Parents Who Saw ‘inappropriate Images’

Tyrone Times
April 14, 2012

http://www.tyronetimes.co.uk/lifestyle/appeal-to-archdiocese-to-speak-to-parents-who-saw-inappropriate-images-1-3719900

THE Archdiocese of Armagh has been urged to speak with parents who saw 16 pornographic images on a projector screen during a presentation by the Parish Priest of Pomeroy, and make its position clear about whether the cleric will be taking part in First Communion and Confirmation ceremonies in the area.

Details of the incident, which took place a fortnight ago at St Mary’s Primary School in the village, have made headlines around the world, with the concerned parents demanding to know why Fr Martin McVeigh has not been suspended pending the outcome of a church investigation.

Cardinal Sean Brady, the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland, said: “inappropriate imagery was inadvertently shown by a priest at the beginning of a Powerpoint presentation,”

He added: “The priest has stated that he had no knowledge of the offending imagery. The archdiocese immediately sought the advice of the PSNI who indicated that, on the basis of the evidence available, no crime had been committed. The priest is co-operating with an investigation of the matter on the part of the archdiocese.”

The public storm surrounding the incident looks set to continue this week, with parents now threatening to withdraw their children from First Communion and Confirmation services if the church refuses to say whether Fr McVeigh will be taking part.

One parent told the Mid Ulster Mail: “If we find that he (Fr McVeigh) will be conducting the service or even in attendance, we won’t allow our children to take part. It is absolutely disgraceful that Armagh have not suspended him from his duties after what took place last week. We have been left in the dark over this matter but we certainly will not be stopping until we get answers.”

Another parishioner from Pomeroy called on the Archdiocese of Armagh to speak to parents and make its position clear.

“This is a public heartfelt appeal to Armagh to sort this out. This is tearing Pomeroy apart”, said the man.

Fr McVeigh has said that he has no idea where the inappropriate images came from and that he was as shocked as the other people present in the room at the time.

The Tyrone Times asked the Archdiocese of Armagh to provide confirmation as to whether Fr Martin McVeigh will be involved in First Communion or Confirmation ceremonies in the Pomeroy Parish over the coming weeks, however, no comment was forthcoming.

Similarly, no answer was given as to when the investigation into the incident is likely to be concluded.