Monday 2 September 2013

FATHER HUGH KENNEDY- CONTINUED

FATHER HUGH KENNEDY(LEFT)

YESTERDAY'S BLOG ON FATHER HUGH KENNEDY ATTRACTED CLOSE TO 1,000 VIEWS.

68 OF THOSE 1,000 VIEWERS LEFT COMMENTS ON THE BLOG AND THE COMMENTS VARIED GREATLY.

SOME OF THOSE COMMENTS SAID THAT HUGH HAD BROUGHT MUCH OF HIS TROUBLE ON HIMSELF. 

WE ALL KNOW OF COURSE THAT THERE IS A PINK ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM.

BUT THERE IS A VERY IMPORTANT MATTER TO REMEMBER HERE. HUGH KENNEDY WAS ACCUSED OF AN ALLEGED OFFENCE AND THERE WAS A POLICE AND A CHURCH ENQUIRY WHICH RESULTED IN THE FINDING THAT NO OFFENCE HAD BEEN COMMITTED. AND AS A RESULT HE WAS YESTERDAY RETURNED TO MINISTRY. THAT MEANS THAT HUGH KENNEDY DID NOT COMMIT AND OFFENCE - AND ON THAT SCORE HE MUST BE REGARDED, IN JUSTICE, AS 100% INNOCENT.

LIKE ALL OF US WHO ARE IMPERFECT AND SINNERS, HUGH MAY HAVE BROUGHT SOME TROUBLES ON HIMSELF. WE HAVE ALL SINNED AND FALLEN SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD.

WHICH OF US HAS NOT BEEN FOOLISH OR RECKLESS IN OUR LIVES? WHICH OF US HAVE NOT MADE BAD JUDGEMENTS AT TIMES? WHICH OF US HAVE NOT GOTTEN OURSELVES INTO SITUATIONS THAT WE LATER WENT ON TO REGRET? WHICH OF US HAVE NOT BECOME INVOLVED WITH PEOPLE WHO WERE NOT REALLY GOOD FOR US? 

BUT THERE IS A HUGH DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING FOOLISH AND VULNERABLE AND BEING GUILTY OF A "CRIME".

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ISSUES TO CONSIDER HERE:


1 MANY OF US ARE AFRAID TO BE OUR REAL SELVES:

MANY OF US ARE AFRAID TO BE OUR REAL SELVES. MANY PEOPLE HAVE A "SECRET SELF" AND A "PUBLIC SELF". WE ARE AFRAID THAT IF WE REVEAL OUR REAL SELVES TO PEOPLE THAT THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT US - THAT WE WILL BE REJECTED - THAT WE WILL END UP FEELING ASHAMED, GUILTY AND ISOLATED. 

WHEN WE ARE NOT ABLE TO BE OUR REAL SELVES WE ARE TO SOME EXTENT IMPRISONED AND UNFREE. IT'S A LIFE SENTENCE TO BE A PRETENDER - TO BE WHAT WE THINK OTHER EXPECT US TO BE. 

IT TAKES COURAGE TO BE OUR REAL SELVES. AND ONCE WE BECOME OUR REAL SELVES WE GET A FREEDOM THAT WE NEVER IMAGINED WAS POSSIBLE. 

ITS WONDERFULLY FREEING NOT TO BE LIVING A LIE.

2. SOCIETY / CHURCH FORCES US TO HIDE WHO WE ARE

THE SOCIETY WE LIVE IN AND THE CHURCH WE LIVE IN PUTS HUGE PRESSURE ON US TO BE A "PRETEND SELF". 

WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE DIFFERENT. WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE UNIQUE. WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE THE PERSON THAT GOD MADE US TO BE.

WE ARE EXPECTED TO CONFORM - TO BE PART OF THE HERD.

WHEN I WAS HAVING MY DISPUTE WITH THE LATE CAHAL DALY HE ONCE SAID TO ME:

WHEN I LOOK OUT OVER THE OCEAN OF PRIESTS I DO NOT WANT TO SEE YOUR HEAD ABOVE THE WAVES. 

I'M SORRY CAHAL - THERE IS NO "OCEAN OF PRIESTS". THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL PRIESTS - HUMAN BEINGS - FRAIL HUMAN BEINGS - THAT MAKE UP THE PRESBYTERATE.

I'M SORRY CAHAL - JESUS STUCK HIS HEAD ABOVE THE WAVES. JESUS DARED TO BE DIFFERENT. JESUS DARED TO CHALLENGE THE RELIGIOUS STATUS QUO. JESUS TOLD THE CHIEF PRIESTS - THE BISHOPS OF HIS DAY - TO GO AND TAKE A RUNNING JUMP. 

HUGH KENNEDY'S PROBLEM

SO POOR HUGH HAS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT MANY HAVE. FOR WHATEVER REASON HE CANNOT TELL US WHO HE REALLY IS. FOR SOME REASON HE HAS TO HIDE BEHIND HIS CASSOCK WITH HIS D.LITURGY RED BELLY BAND AND PRETEND TO BE A "NORMAL, ORDINARY, JOE SOAP PRIEST".

NOEL TREANOR EXPECTS HIM TO BEHAVE LIKE THIS. NOEL TREANOR HIMSELF BEHAVES LIKE THIS.

DO WE KNOW THE REAL NOEL - OF COURSE WE DON'T. NOEL IS A GREAT TRAVELLER - BUT LIKE SO MANY HE SPENDS MOST OF HIS LIFE IN A RIVER CALLED "THE-NILE".

IF I HAD HUGH'S MONEY I WOULD THROW A BIG PARTY TO CELEBRATE WHO I REALLY AM.

AND THEN I'D START UP A CHARITY TO HELP PEOPLE AND MAKE THAT MY LIFE'S WORK.

AND IF AUTISTIC NOEL STILL WANTED ME IN A PARISH I'D BE IN A PARISH.

AND IF HE DIDN'T WANT ME IN A PARISH - I WOULD SPEND MY LIFE DOING GOOD.

AND WHILE I WAS DOING GOOD - I WOULD HAVE A WHALE (OR AN ELEPHANT) OF A TIME - AND ENJOY THE 20 OR 30 YEARS I HAVE LEFT IN THIS WORLD. 

WHAT AN AWFUL INSCRIPTION ON A HEADSTONE:

"HERE LIES A MAN WE NEVER REALLY  KNEW"

Bishop Pat Buckley 2.9.2013.








63 comments:

  1. Pat - another good blog hitting the nail on the head.

    Many of us in the priesthood are living secret lives. Its partly our own fault and partly the fault of others.

    I am gay. I have had a few flings. I would like to be open about my sexuality. But how can I be? The people would accept me. My family would accept me. But the diocese would despatch me. Where would I start over again? Could I cope with the trauma of it all? Where would I live. Where would I get a job? I actually love being a priest. But what bishop or diocese would want an openly gay priest? I do not want to be alone always. I want love and affection in my life.

    It might not have felt like it at the time - but maybe CB Daly actually did you a favour?

    Down & Connor and firmly in the closet :-(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Friend,

      Yes I think that unintentionally Daly did do me a favour - but it was hard then and for a long time after. But I did survive. I am very happy today.

      I understand all your fears. But you are paying an awful price for your "security of tenure"

      Closets are very lonely dark places. I know. I spent 30 years in one.

      Pat

      Delete
  2. It has nothing to do with 'pink elephants'. PANTS to all that! It is about unacceptable behaviour - that's what got Fr Kennedy in trouble. Him and a certain other character out of their trees and acting in a scandalous way. The talk of the town! I'm surprised you don't now what happened, Pat, if, in fact, you don't know what happened - given all your contacts in Down and Connor diocese. It also about his being unfit for the purpose of being 'in charge' of St Peter's Parish or anywhere else. Observer, Co Down.

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    Replies
    1. Of course I've heard the stories and the rumours. But no one, including Hugh, has given the definitive story. Can you do that?

      And is he sorry ? And has he learned a lesson?

      Pat

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    2. Has he committed the "unforgivable" sin?

      He is not the first Pink Elephant to stick his trunk in the wrong watering hole - and he will hardly be the last

      Pat

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  3. They need to get rid of that scola. There was a brilliant choir in this parish for many many years. This is not an English Cathederal. This is not England (more like Little Britain episodes the carry on here!) That scola has taken over everything. We are not a parish anymore. Laughable reading the Irish News this morning about us being annoyed during fr Kennedy's absence having no priest available!! We had no priest available when he was HERE!! When he was away we have Fr Thomas and Fr Turley and Fr Doran who served us well - two elderly priests and a young priest already carrying heavy burden of hospital duties, I don't know what planet the bishop lives on. Now we are back to square 1! Get rid of that scola and that organ grinder!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I remember the great choir and the great folk group in St Peters when I was there.

      The church was packed then too - for 7 Masses every Sunday.

      Now there are fewer Masses and a very empty church. From what I understand most of those in the Scola are not even from the parish- immigrants from the Malone Road etc.

      Pat

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  4. You can't get rid of the organ grinder without getting rid of the monkey too

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  5. Pat,

    I am a former parishioner of Larne and I went to school at the St Louis grammar school in Ballymena. I am now a husband and father in Liverpool.

    I had a scary encounter with Father Hugh Kennedy when I was 17 when he was our school chaplain.

    Actually at the Time I told you about it and you advised me to speak to the headmistress and I did. She told me that she spoke to Bishop Daly about it.

    Are there no files in the bishop's house in Belfast - or are they all gone to the papal nuncio's palace in Dublin?

    M

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    Replies
    1. M, you wouldn't be alone in having had a scary encounter with Hans Kennedy. KC

      Delete
    2. M,

      I remember the event very well. It was all very inappropriate. But thankfully no harm was done.

      It's hardly surprising that no action was taken by Bishop Daly. That was par for the course at the time - and still would be only they cannot get away with it anymore.

      I'm delighted you went on to make a great success out of your life.

      Pat

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  6. Word in the diocese is that Hugh and Noel have done a deal for a short sojourn for Hugh in St Peter's and after that the ascension of Ciaran Dallat. No truth, no transparency, no honesty - all a hall of smoke and mirrors. Only those inside of the loop know the details of the deal. I have had parishioners in my parish asking me about this yesterday and especially today since the story appeared in the Irish News. I tell them I know nothing. I know to look at them that they do not believe me. We are all demeaned and dragged into deceit by it all. Sometimes I feel I am working for that magician at Duffy's Circus and not for a church.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Friend,

      In saying nothing are you not supporting the "circus"?

      And yet I know the cost of speaking out.

      But you do have a soul. Tell your parishioners that you are out of the loop and how you feel about being out of the loop. At least then they will believe you and know that you are as much of a victim as they are ???

      Pat

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  7. I'm aware that this is the case where the Catholic priesthood is concerned - which raises the question, what is it about the Catholic priesthood that attracts men of this kind? - but I'm not aware that it is the case in the general population.

    Why not just live an open life and fight for change in the church!

    Paul

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  8. I hail from and live in the great parish of St Peter's parish. I notice that (Rev) Hugh and those of his elk like to speak of being in the cathedral parish!! We are a working class parish with a great deal of socio-economic issues, hence my community active stance.

    Hugh and his carry on was well known, his flower arranging style ministry is ok, but perhaps in a country parish were he can cut the verge on a sunny day. We need men priests, priests who can stick the pace. Fr Tom was a nice guy, but he needed to be looked after as we were afraid of a nervous breakdown of some kind.

    The middle class activities of the cathedral are a far cry from the real pastoral needs of the working class people who are enduring a great deal of social presure.

    I am educated at a community level and all I can say is that the 'clerical' life and imagery here is one of very camp, flower arranging, high pitched singing, gay orintated clergy who enjoy high living. I recall a mother of four suggesting that the cost of the chesse in the priests house could feed her family for a week - I was never sure if she had her facts correct, but perception is perception. Another talked about position was that if these two lovers had fought after downing their fine drink in front of the kids from the Loney area, would he have been suspended. The most recent being, if this was a middle class parish then he would never have been reappointed.

    The people wish this man no harm, but we would actually benefit from knowing the full facts of who this man actually is and what he did, what he was cleared of - he is entering our bloody family homes. This lack of community knowledge will make life difficult for him also which is not fair either.

    Meanwhile, could I ask the Bishop to give us a priest to meet our many needs, not the kind who prefers to arrange the flowers over the conversation and community action with the people. I know of such a man in our very community, but he does not fit your narrow criteria I believe, a real pity as we are all missing out.

    Community activist.

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  9. “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” Said Pope Frances, who are we to judge this situation of clergy and oragn player! Although, who plays what organ?

    Fra

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  10. Though this statement is limited to priests, I dare venture that Pope Francis's message extends to all people and to all sinners. In other words, Pope Francis is challenging us to stop the judgment. If Pope Francis is not a position to judge - as pontiff - than I would think we - as humble Christians - are also not in a position to judge any person. Of course, this is not a new sentiment; the Church has always taught this.

    Cecilia S

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  11. If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?

    Peter

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  12. There is a difference between homosexual orientation and homosexual practice, to at least some degree.

    PP

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As someone wise once said - thats like saying ITS NOT A SIN TO BE A DOG - BUT IT IS A SIN TO BARK.

      You have a very questionable moral theology

      Pat

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  13. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:2-18, esp. v.8)

    Sr

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    Replies
    1. And Sr, thats why all of us need to integrate our spirituality and sexuality ?

      Pat

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  14. I am a catholic and homosexuals SHOULD ONLY ATTEND CHURCH in order to moralise their lives. ONLY ATTEND NEVER WORK FOR THE CHURCH.

    Professional Catholic


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I could not DISAGREE more with you.

      You may be a "Professional Catholic" - but your views are profoundly un-Christ-like

      And I suspect you have unresolved sexual problems yourself.

      Pat

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  15. Since when did you become a psychologist Pat? In fact I am well qualified and experienced in the area of mental health, and a judgement like yours of me would only be made by people like me after a six week session, yet you can do it after one comment! WOW!

    I need to watch out you could have my job soon.

    Dr - Mental Health

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    Replies
    1. I am not a psychologist. But I have been a pastor for 37 years and have dealt extensively with many psychiatrists and psychologists.

      I also have engaged in many years therapy - as a client.

      I do not have your letters after my name but I have explored the human soul and psyche.

      You use very questionable terms. What true Christian would even think of calling themselves a "Professional Catholic".

      With your attitude to homosexuals I am very surprised you are allowed to practice in the mental health area.

      Presumably you think you can write off DSM 4 and 5?

      I'm sorry - the man protests too much.

      Pat

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    2. You scare me in fact with your anti-professional attitude and your questioning of my integrity! In fact my very hypothesis on homosexulaity not only allows my to practice but it has projected me in the area of mental health! Not all mind people are of one mind as you well know through your own experience. I would dare say that you are only a pastor because it was you way of copying with your homosexuality whilst remaining in good community standing! If you can prognose, so can I!

      As for the protest, I fail to see my protest in my writings - a point worth exploring!

      Delete
    3. I am not anti professional. I am aghast at anyone who would call themselves a Professional Catholic, Jew or whatever.

      Faith is not a "profession" - it is a gift from God and does not come from any "professional" training.

      Maybe you mean you are a middle class or upper class Catholic?

      I have never seen an add for a consultant psychiatrist or psychologist that said that one of the requirements for the job was homophobia.

      Maybe you work as a consultant to the Free Presbyterians, The Church of God, Opus Dei or the Neocatechumenate?

      Can you please refer to the writings of someone in the field of psychology or psychiatry who supports your position?

      Pat

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    4. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

      Friend of the Oratory Society

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    5. In Genesis 1:31 it says, "Then God saw everything that He made & indeed it was very good..............."

      Oratory Society Priest

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    6. Gay... Lesbian.... Straight..... WE ALL BLEED THE SAME COLOUR...

      Joan

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    7. Dr I would agree with Bishop Pat. I can not clame to have the extent of life experience as Bishop Pat but I can say that much of what I learned through study is through God's grace being refined in The University of Life. Sometimes it is hard & I need the odd pill from the GP. I can say one thing with certainty I have hope when I face the dawn of a new day. I believe in God Father Son & Spirit... Sean

      Delete
  16. When asked about rumors of this particular priest’s scandalous past, he seemed to be saying that these were sins of the past that have been repented and which are not happening now.

    As harsh a critic of the Catholic Church as I am because of the side it takes in controversial political issues, there is one thing that it does better than just about anyone else. It lets you put your past behind you. For things you are doing now or want to do in the future, forgetaboutit! But, as far as what you have done in the past, there is not a better advocate to be found anywhere.

    FW Ken

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  17. A senior priest in our diocese had, it turned out, abused a 12 year old boy 38 years before. This was before the Boston scandal. He was sent to "treatment" and put out to pasture assisting in a poor parish in the diocese. Of course, everyone knew everything - the diocesan paper broke the story.

    When he died. the Vigil and the funeral were packed, grown men - who had many of them been in his youth group - wept, and I have never seen such affection at a funeral. Old people and young passed the casket, patted his chest and touched his hands with deep emotion.

    God forgives and heals.

    Rebecca - USA

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  18. don't know what the numbers are. I've seen numbers saying anywhere from 25% To 60% of Catholic priests are homosexuals. 35 to 45% seems like a fair number. Am I the only one who sees putting someone in a position of preaching against their own tendencies as a problem? No matter if you are sexually active or not, preaching against the way you just ARE has got to be rattling. Setting someone up for that kind of self loathing can't be good, and would explain a lot.

    I prefer honesty and a good debate - come on Fr Hugh stand up and be a prophet of truth.

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  19. It's true, I despise the Catholic Church, both for what it has done to me and my family, and what it has done to others, and what it has failed to do recently of it's own accord to account for it's own misdoings. But that is not the issue here. The issue here is that, while being technically voluntary, the Church has encouraged gay men to enter the Clergy almost as a form of treatment. Why else would the number of homosexuals in the Catholic Clergy be so high? The Catholic Church wields it's theology with some force, and I imagine that a lot of these men go in thinking that they are damaged and need to be "saved" by service to the church or some such. So, yes, I'd say it is a voluntary type of flagellation that they undertake.

    I thought this man held a doctorate, has he not got the intellect to think - or is it the freedom to think is the issue!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I would say a gay priest could be as open as a heterosexual priest is. Am I wrong?

    Manny

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    Replies
    1. Come to think of it, I don't know of any openly heterosexual priests either...lol.

      Delete
    2. I've been thinking about this since you made the comment Manny, and, speaking just for myself, I don't know why any of us need to know things like this about our priests. Frankly, I'd just as soon not hear all about their sexual problems.

      What I want from them is an authentic priesthood that, by definition, means that they do not engage in sexual activity, whatever activity it is that tempts them.

      I do think that people who can't control themselves sexually should not be priests, or deacons or in any other responsible position in the Church. I don't want to learn that the choir director is having affairs with Hugh or that the head of the child protection is addicted to porn, or that the school principal goes to "gentleman's clubs." I also don't want to learn that they are addicted to drugs or robbing banks on the side, either.

      In short, we all sin, but flagrant, continuous and deliberate violation of the Commandments (mortal sin) should disqualify a person from Church leadership positions. A person like that is in need of conversion.

      Before you ask, I think the same goes for those who advocate for abortion or gay marriage, etc.

      Not that we should stone them. But they shouldn't be in leadership positions, or held up as examples. They need conversion.

      Mary

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    3. Unless you've been living under a rock and missed all the abuse scandals of (mostly) pubescent boys, everyone in the world knows well that there are priests with a homosexual orientation.

      As far as this particular priest, Bishop Noel said he looked into the allegation and didn't find it to be well substantiated.

      In general I agree with your comments, but I do think extra care is required to evaluate seminarians with a homosexual tendency. That can be a problem for some, when most of their close relationships are with their fellow priests.


      Bill

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    4. Homosexuality is not the same thing as pedophilia and it is NOT wrong, Christians that perpetuate that lie are only harming their gay brothers and sisters. Please stop doing this. I only pray that gay priests like to one in your story can one day come out and be supported by the bishops etc. I do not say people, because the people will support them.

      Dave

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    5. Actually, the diocese went to the police with what they had and were told it wasn't criminal. There are real rotters in the episcopate, but Bp. Noel isn't one of them. As far as I can tell, his real crime was not being telepathic.

      Openess needs to prevail.

      Delete
    6. I agree that openess needs to prevail - and I invite Bishop Noel to publish the details of the case in question.

      The secrecy is leading to admiratio

      Pat

      Delete
  21. Clergy at all levels from the pope down to the lowliest parish curate must be quiet and listen. And listen. And listen. Listen to the people of God - they are whispering the truth of the Holy Spirit, but the higher clerics are to high to hear!!

    Listen to our tolerant and open minds please.

    Father of a priest who gives his all to his people.



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  22. Some of the people on this scare me a little, the mental health 'professional' scares me the most - so let me explore a little further for you extreme thinkers please:

    The killing of homosexuals is condoned and encouraged in the wonderful laws of Leviticus. Leviticus 20:13 clearly states "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." Well there you have it, Homosexuality is wrong, and they must pay the ultimate price... IN THE NAME OF GOD!!!

    Who else shouldn't people do?

    Don't let cattle graze with other kinds of Cattle (Leviticus 19:19)

    Don't have a variety of crops on the same field. (Leviticus 19:19)

    Don't wear clothes made of more than one fabric (Leviticus 19:19)

    Don't cut your hair nor shave. (Leviticus 19:27)

    Any person who curseth his mother or father, must be killed. (Leviticus 20:9) Have you ever done that?

    If a man cheats on his wife, or vise versa, both the man and the woman must die. (Leviticus 20:10). I wonder if Dr. Laura would like that one to be enforced?

    If a man sleeps with his father's wife... both him and his father's wife is to be put to death. (Leviticus 20:11)

    If a man sleeps with his wife and her mother they are all to be burnt to death. (Leviticus 20:14)

    If a man or woman has sex with an animal, both human and animal must be killed. (Leviticus 20:15-16). I guess you should kill the animal since they were willing participants. Are they crazy?

    If a man has sex with a woman on her period, they are both to be "cut off from their people" (Leviticus 20:18)

    Psychics, wizards, and so on are to be stoned to death. (Leviticus 20:27)

    If a priest's daughter is a wh ore, she is to be burnt at the stake. (Leviticus 21:9)

    People who have flat noses, or is blind or lame, cannot go to an altar of God (Leviticus 21:17-18)

    Anyone who curses or blasphemes God, should be stoned to death by the community. (Leviticus 24:14-16)

    Why are you all not experts on the rest? Why not so strong, biased and arrogant on the rest? Please educate your mind in the Spirit of love and understanding!

    Oratory Scoiety Priest



    ReplyDelete
  23. Cause and effect...

    Closet gays hang around other closet gays more often, more so when alchohol is involved. Hence this case - but the closet door was open and the parish was looking in!

    Ok it is only the people of Divis.



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  24. Roman chronicler Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus, better known as Pliny the Younger, in his capacity as imperial magistrate once wrote to the Emperor Trajan (98 – 117 C.E.) as follows:

    “...For the moment this is the line I have taken with all persons brought before me on the charge of being Christians. I have asked them in person if they are Christians, and if they admit it, I repeat the question a second and third time, with a warning of the punishment awaiting them. If they persist, I order them to be led away for execution; for, whatever the nature of their admission, I am convinced that their stubbornness and unshakeable obstinacy ought not to go unpunished. There have been others similarly fanatical who are Roman citizens. I have entered them on the list of persons to be sent to Rome for trial.

    Now that I have begun to deal with this problem, as so often happens, the charges are becoming more widespread and increasing in variety. An anonymous pamphlet has been circulated which contains the names of a number of accused persons. Amongst these I considered that I should dismiss any who denied that they were or ever had been Christians when they had repeated after me a formula of invocation to the gods and had made offerings of wine and incense to your statue (which I had ordered to be brought into court for this purpose along with the images of the gods), and furthermore had reviled the name of Christ: none of which things, I understand, any genuine Christian can be induced to do...”

    In the early years of the Christian faith, the litmus test of belief for the followers of The Way was a veritable life-or-death proposition: pagan idolatry or (ofttimes grisly) annihilation.


    Oh Lisbreen, what has changed?

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  25. I am a sexually active clergyman in D&C. I am just waiting to be brought in and told off. I have never felt as bold as I do in recent months, I am willing to defend myself, defend my rights and go the whole way, to the highest courts in church and state to present my case.

    Time for a serious rethink people - p.s. I am not alone in my lifestyle and we are not bad people.

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  26. It will be interesting to see if there is any increased activity from the organ grinder again in St Peters (strange that he has hardly reared his head in Hugh's absence!) I hope for all our sakes that this "partnership" dissolves and quickly. Fr Hugh once
    suggested that it was an act of foolish pride to think that the cathedral belonged to us, well i can state categorically that many of us are guilty of that pride. All visitors welcome, but please recognise that the cathedral is in our parish, a church our ancestors worked hard to build. Why shouldn't we be proud of it! As for "haranguing people from the pulpit" for daring to stand up to him, it's time he practiced some humility. Isn't that what's expected from our Clergy. St. Peter's parish is in dire need of proper leadership and more fool Bishop Treanor in thinking he has provided it. Previous priests such as Fr Matt Wallace and Monsignor Toner RIP are certainly hard acts to follow (many more also) but there are many steadfast and reliable priests out there who could easily reform the Parish. Simply by listening to what is needed! Good luck to Fr Dallot, I am sure he will have his work cut out for him. God be with him.

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  27. Let Fr Dallat run the place and Hugh for some fur and let him dress up and listen to the high voices of schola!

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  28. I am so sorry to read the comments relating to St Peter's Parish,
    a parish that has diminished rapidly over the past few years. Credit to the Clonard priests for maintaining the stalwarts from the actual parish. Credit should also be given to Fr McGlynn (for his endurance throughout any scandals). This man does remarkable work as hospital chaplain and should be praised for such. I wish Fr Dallat the very best of luck and should he continue as he has
    already just recently started, St Peters will have a chance!

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  29. Flaming internet. My pc is lucky it did not join the big electronic junkpile in the sky. Problem is as I found out later the internet was playing up and I was focusing my effing & jeffing on an area of the problem that missed the main point. I was banging on a keyboard when I should have been trying to contact SKY to find out what might be wrong. Whats this got to do with Fr. Hugh? Well here goes. As Bishop Pat said Fr. Hugh has been cleared of wrongdoing so in the external forum all is done and dusted. If anyone has a further concern I'm sure there are appropriate channels which can be followed up (In my opinion). The crux of the problem now is appropriate representation for clergy by way of union or other professional body. What I propose to do is contact my union UNISON. I will ask them if in theory clergy (including RC priests) could be members(I'm not sure if UNISON work in ROI but I’m sure they have a comparable provider) I will pass any response I get to Bishop Pat so he can see evaluate the response. It’s time to now look forward, set concrete goals & review progress as appropriate. Doing any further dissection on Fr. Hugh Kennedy is counterproductive. Leave the man in peace. His own conscience should prompt him to do what if anything to do next. Sean

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  30. Sean,

    You are right.

    But what if he does not have a conscience?

    Pat

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    1. Who? Bishop Noel or Fr Hugh? If there are genuine current concerns then somebody needs to step up to the mark. I shall contact you with my response from UNISON. Sean

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  31. Fr HK has been out of control for years. His relationship with his boyfriend has been a public scandal. His position as PP of St p's is going to be virtually untenable. This not the result of his being a gay man but the result of his own stupidity and basic lack of judgement. a very foolish man indeed is 'Dr' K! The kids on the street here know about his antics. also he is not a pastor,shepherd. he basically doesn't care about this community. This parish has been atrociously served except during Kennedy's absence when Clonard and Fr Thomas served us well. Lots of trouble ahead I think, this could be the final nail in the coffin of this parish. Good grief Bishop Trainor what are you thinking off sending that guy back here???? Parishioner.

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    1. Gay folk have the same duty as non gay people-I don't like the word straight & don't know why-to act responsably in personal relationships. Simples! By the way I don't think the word Gay bestowes any favours either. Is it time for my nitetime meds? With empathy, Sean

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  32. He has a clerical or "clericalised" conscience ???

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  33. Rem a few years ago? 'Don't Go Fr Joe!' campaign? Maybe now a 'Fr Hugh Must Go!' campaign. What Joe did wasn't as bad as what Kennedy has done btw.

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    1. Well stated! But does anyone think we are flogging a dead horse here. Hugh Kennedy is a dictating bully, but he is also a scheming manipulator. He still has some of the 'old-school' generation eating out of the palm of his hand. There are still some who believe it is wrong to speak ill of the clergy and Hugh would play to that without doubt. Fortunately many more believe that if something is wrong it should be fixed! So please no applause or standing ovations after the homilies Hugh, because too many of usd know the reality of the situation. And for those backing Hugh from outside - perhaps you would like to have him in your parishes for several years and walk in our shoes. Also a word to those who attended Hugh's after parties, any chance we could have some of that money back? I realise Champagne and nibbles are costly, but spare a thought for us who struggled to donate the money! Perhaps a more affluent parish like St Brigids would be more to your liking

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  34. Make Shuey Kennedy a Mons immediately, Bishop Trenor. It's the least you can do after his terrible ordeal and he loves to dress up in pink skirts! Lol.

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