NORTHERN IRELAND
The Irish News
Bimpe Archer
26 March, 2016
A PRIEST who left his west Belfast parish amid accusations he had a two-year relationship with a woman is to return after Easter.
Fr Ciaran Dallat “stepped aside” from ministry a year ago to seek “spiritual guidance and counselling”, promising to “repair the hurt and damage that I have caused” ahead of an anticipated return.
It followed revelations of the affair with a Co Down businesswoman in her forties.
There was some surpise on Thursday when the cleric appeared in full robes at the Chrism Mass in St Peter’s Cathedral to take part in the service where priests renew and reaffirm their vows and commitment to the bishop and wider church.
One parishioner who contacted the Irish News expressed disappointment that the parish had not prepared them with an announcement ahead of Fr Dallat’s inclusion in the ceremony.
Fr Dallat was a popular priest and, following his temporary departure last year, a group of parishioners mounted a campaign for his return.
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