Saturday 14 March 2015

CLOCK TICKING ON BELFAST BISHOP VOTE

CLOCK TICKING ON BELFAST BISHOP VOTE




THE PRIESTS OF DOWN AND CONNOR DIOCESE ONLY HAVE THE INSIDE OF A WEEK TO CAST THEIR VOTE ON WHO WILL BE THEIR NEW AUXILIARY BISHOP.

In order for the voting papers to be back with Bishop Noel Treanor by Monday 23rd March all priests must post their vote by first class vote by this Friday March 20th.

Of course this is not a vote like any other - the man who gets the most votes may not be appointed. Priests are only being "consulted". The final decision will be down to the Papal Nuncio, Bishop Treanor and a small number of other "insiders". It is very possible that he is already chosen!

The priest's FAVOURITE is not quite emerging. What is emerging is the name of the man that the PRIESTS DO NOT WANT - Father Timothy - By the Grace of God - Bartlett.


Priests seem to feel that he is too ambitious and that he has made his desire to be a bishop too obvious.

"Divine Mercy, please make me a bishop"


They also seem to feel that he has been preparing himself for the purple by taking an even extra interest in his appearance - by going on a diet and by having laser treatment for his eyes. He has certainly invested in a lovely new crombie overcoat with a belt - which he modelled only last week for Cardinal Turkson.

Timo's new appearance reminds me of the first line from Canon Sheehan's novel - Glenanaar:

"He suddenly appeared in our village street caparisoned from head to toe in all kinds of sartorial splendour"

 THE FRONT RUNNER:

Father Eugene O'Hagan - the diocesan chancellor ad interim seems to be emerging as a favourite among the diocesan priests.

Eugene
Eugene is a bright and intelligent man. He has pastoral experience. He still combines very onerous admin duties with being the parish priest of Ballyclare. Ballyclare is just beside me and the parishioners there speak very highly of him. Priests say they find him human. As a canon lawyer he is orthodox. He has proven to Bishop Noel how trustworthy he is. 

And as can be seen there is nothing wrong with his sartorial sensibilities. 

Maybe it is time Noel said:

"Well done faithful and true servant. You have proven you have been trustworthy in smaller things. Come and take care of greater things".

PRIESTS WITH SECRETS:

There is one health warning that must be heeded by any priest who is offered promotion.

IF YOU HAVE A SECRET LIFE - DO NOT ACCEPT - YOU ARE COURTING DISASTER.

In Down and Connor (as in all diocese) there are a number of priests who find clerical celibacy difficult and impossible and as a result they have had - or are having - clandestine relationships with other adult women or men. 

This is extremely human and understandable.

But we live in very different times now and such relationships have a way of becoming public sooner or later. 

Just think of Eamon Casey (Galway), Roddie Wright (Argyll and The Isles), Keith O'Brien (Edinburgh), Kieran Conley (Arundel and Brighton).

Any priest who is in - or prone to - secret relationships accepting promotion to the episcopate is storing up future pain and embarrassment for himself, his partner(s) and the church.

CLERICAL HUMOUR:

I know those priests who proposed The Very Rev Dr Hugh Dean Kennedy for bishop did so for fun?

Anyway he already has a pectoral cross and according to his Facebook page he has recently become CATHEDRAL DEAN.

Fathers, in future please refer to him as Dean Kennedy.

I also see he is wearing a wedding band.


"Do either of you young gentlemen like swimming"?


VERY REVEREND AND REVEREND FATHERS DON'T FORGET TO VOTE BY FRIDAY.

51 comments:

  1. I never saw any announcement about the appointment of Dean Kennedy?

    PP D&C

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  2. Father, you should have a Facebook account.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Does that mean he has being made a canon? In my day the dean - like Dean Montague (St Paul's), was the head of the chapter.

    Old but computer literate.

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  4. I reckon the deal is already done and vote is cosmetic consultation. When I came to Heywood I applied for a job in a church based summer project. Amazingly they never even acknowledged my application. Better still I applied for a similar job with the local Rochdale Council & got the job. What can I say Its not not what but who you know.

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  5. One can only have the title "Dean", when one is a Canon, and secondly the Dean of our Diocese is the much respected Very Reverend Brendan McGee. I am therefore somewhat confused by Dr Kennedy's claim to the title.
    HE IS NOT THE DEAN OF ST PETER'S OR ANY OTHER CATHEDRAL !
    He is however a fantasist who I hope will never return to our diocese. Heythrop is welcome to him.

    PP D&C

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  6. Dear Father,

    He has already descended on St Peter's for St. Patrick's Day and to celebrate Mass this weekend.

    The Dean has landed "

    ReplyDelete
  7. Type Hugh P Kennedy into Facebook and read:

    "Administrator (Cathedral Dean) and Chaplain of the Sovereign Order of Malta at St Peter's Cathedral Belfast)"

    Priest D&C

    ReplyDelete
  8. I remember some years ago when Paddy Walsh wanted Tom Toner as an auxiliary and Cahal Daly wanted Donal McKeown.

    What a shock it was for Paddy to be told he was getting 68 year old Michael Dallat.

    It was not the only shock Michael Dallat gave Paddy. Near the end of his life Bishop Michael had an even bigger shock for Paddy.

    His final days and funeral had a dark cloud over it - in Paddys eyes only. The rest of us had known the score for years.

    I hold out no candle for Pat Buckley but people should heed the above warning about secrets.

    Retired Cleric

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  9. The story of Fr Hugh Kennedy and his exile to London, can be summarised in one phrase.
    He is a classic narcissist. As a fellow Priest in Down & Connor I have had many years to converse with him, observe him in ministerial roles, and speak to those who have ministered closely with him, and it is my opinion that his life very sadly has been driven by narcissism.
    Underneath all the external nonsense, is a decent human being crying out for acceptance.
    A narcissist is one who is inordinately concerned with his own needs, appearance, projects, and who is prone to exaggeration and vanity, caring little if anything for the opinions or needs of others.
    A severe form of narcissism is considered a clinical psychological disorder, Narcissism Personality Disorder (NPD).
    A narcissist can rarely admit their mistakes, even when the facts are indisputable. Empathy is also lacking, because to care for the needs and feelings of others is to in the mind of the narcissist, distract from his own needs, real or imagined.
    Any attempt by another authority figure, such as a boss, Bishop, or a wife to challenge the behaviour of a narcissist will be met with fierce resistance, because the limited perception of the narcissist perceives their challenge as an intolerable attack. (Ref Bishop Treanor's attempt to discipline Fr Kennedy after the Cathedral "implosion" a few years ago. )
    Narcissists are found in every walk of life, including the clergy.
    Sadly Fr Kennedy is not the only clerical narcissist in our Diocese. I had the misfortune many years ago to share a house with one, and for my own sanity I had to request a move to another parish - his behaviour literally drove me out.
    Many wives have to leave their marriage, because their husbands live exclusively in mind and body for themselves.
    I wish Hugh Kennedy no ill will whatsoever, I wish him well, but I fear that Heythrop College will do nothing for him - his demons require a different forum of exorcism.

    Priest of D&C.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think your analysis is both accurate and compassionate.

      I believe that Hugh might be a different man in a different organisation if he were able, with support, to be his true self openly and his church accepted people who are "different".

      In the past 30 years people have forgotten the reason why Cahal offloaded me. I believe it was because of his narcissism - nourished by his passionate belief in Anthony of Antioch's statement that: "The voice of the bishop is the voice of God".

      During our last 4 hour conversation on Oct 5th 1985 I asked if this meant that when he broke wind, God broke wind.

      Im sure dysfunctional people are products of dysfunctional families, societies, churches etc.

      Delete
  10. In our Catholic Church cathedrals do not have deans. The dean is the senior member of the diocesan chapter of canons, the second semior being the archdeacon.

    The cathedral administrator Is the priest in charge of the cathedral parish - the parish being a "mensal" parish. This means that the bishops "table" or "mensa" - not the bishop - in canon law is a legal entity and the "parish priest".

    Mensal parishes are canon law's way of providing the bishop with an income.

    I hope professional canon lawyers will support me on this.

    Cleric.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Given what went one in the Cathedral Parish 3 years ago, Fr Kennedy has a "brass neck " of monumental proportions to stand behind the altar in St Peter's.
    My co-diocesan has " hit the nail on the head firmly", when he identifies Kennedy as a Classic Narcissist - it is the only way to explain how a Priest can behave as he did in the Cathedral Parish and still come back for more. NO SHAME WHATSOEVER.
    Bishop Treanor tried to get rid of him but unfortunately he failed !

    D&C Cleric.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Father,

      What can you mean when you say Bishop Treanor tried to act and "failed"?

      Who / what blocked Bishop Treanor?

      Have bishops lost their power?

      Delete
    2. Obviously Hugh had someone or something on his side to prevent Noel acting - something or someone that people like Paul Symonds could not match - although their "sins" were different in respects.

      Delete
  12. I mean what I say; + Noel tried to remove Hugh P from active ministry & failed. He did however send him to Heythrop College because Dr K had become an embarrassment both in St Peter's and in the Diocese, and he wanted him out of his sight.
    God help the people of the Cathedral Parish, what a St Patrick's weekend present they have received !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My understanding is that Dean Kennedy was sent to Heythrop for 2 terms in October - which have just expired.

      That seems to mean that he is now back and student days have ended?

      Delete
  13. For those interested - Hugh Kennedy is conducting Sunday Service today from St Peters on Radio 4 at 8.10 am and on Radio Ulster at 10.15 am.

    Obviously the "dean" is back with a vengance.

    "He never went away you know". :-)

    PP D&C

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  14. I'm speechless ! If Kennedy is back in the Cathedral I for one will never darken its door while he is there. That is Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday cancelled for me ! The parishioners of St Peter's continue to be treated with contempt. A disgraceful scenario unfolding before our eyes.

    D & C Cleric.

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  15. Obviously Dr Kennedy has exhausted all that Heythrop College had to offer.
    I see him as a 21st century St Patrick type figure, coming back to Ireland to confirm his brothers and sisters in the faith.
    What a gift to our diocese, once more. DEO GRATIAS.

    LUX.

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  16. QUESTION: What has the Lower Falls and the French composer de Rufle in common?

    ANSWER: The Rev Dr Hugh "Dean" Kennedy - (Sermon today from St Peter's - courtesy of BBC Radio 4 and Radio Ulster)

    At last a solution to all the problems of St Peters and The Falls!

    PP D&C

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  17. Is it true that ST Peter's Square, Belfast BT 12 4 BU is to be renamed De Rufle Square BT12 4BU ?

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  18. Dear fellow Priest , the French composer is spelled Durufle - we would not want to offend the "Dean's" obvious passion for the organist/ composer. Hugh always liked organs.

    D&C cleric.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Esteemed Colleague,

      Please forgive my ignorance.

      By the do you not think the "dean" looks rather handsome today in his Rose / Pink vestment.

      PP D&C

      Delete
  19. Alas, I have only heard the words of Dr P on Radio, and not seen him on the internet.I will try to remedy that later on.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Durufle is a fine composer, but I prefer a bit of Poulenc myself.
    Who says D&C clergy are not in touch with the "common man" ?

    D&C cleric.

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  21. I've just heard that "Dean" Kennedy is to host a special dinner this evening, to mark his return. Having preached on Durufle this morning, he wants to continue the French theme and has chosen some exquisite Lalande de Pomerol vintages, from the Bordeaux region, to accompany the cuisine.
    Bishop Noel, is a well known francophile; I wonder has he been invited to the "Dean's" table this evening ?

    Clerical Observer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would have thought that the "Dean" would have liked to break open a bottle of Chateau Petrus for his homecoming.

      Is it true that two very handsome young American priests were guests at Durufle Square on Saturday evening? I saw them celebrating the Vigil Mass with the "Deans" able assistant Fr. Dallat.

      Dear ! Dear ! its all happening in Durufle Square these days.

      PP D&C

      Delete
  22. Perhaps the young American priests were also on "Sabbatical" in Heythrop College ?
    Our "Dean" always looks out for the needy, and offers support.

    LUX.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alleluia.

      Praise God for the greatness and goodness of our "Dean".

      Delete
  23. The more i read these comments the more I feel lost in space-and I am not talking about the film. Mind you the term Strange Aliens comes to mind

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  24. The commentator who identified narcissism as a trait in Hugh Kennedy hit the nail on the head. There are two priests in our diocese and, when their names are mentioned, they invariably elicit either a chuckle or a roll of the eyes: Hughie Kennedy and Timo Bartlett; both men have strong narcissistic personalities. I have never worked with either of these men but I know others who have.

    HK is a buffoon. He told priests that he was about to become a bishop on various occasions - Dromore, Auxiliary in D & C and Clogher. All of these were filled by others and, of course, this was before Nigella-gate. Now he will never be a bishop. For all his nonsense about "Dean", he will never even be a Canon. Poor old Hughie is a delusional buffoon.

    Bartlett is another very driven narcissist and totally unsuitable to be a bishop. I am reliably informed that he is capable of very nasty "pranks" and underhand behaviour towards his fellow clergy.

    Eugene O'Hagan, I think, would be very acceptable. However, I don't think I will bother filling in the form, Pointless really. I will maybe write to the Nuncio to keep Bartlett out though!!

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    Replies
    1. I was going to say several times that people who feel very strongly about Timo not getting it should include that comment on their voting paper.

      Delete
    2. A soap opera with plenty of fairy liquid even today! It long predates Coronation St too!
      Any suggestions for a name?

      Delete
    3. "Abomination Street"?

      Delete
  25. "The Schola Around The Corna" ?

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  26. I listened to the broadcast from St Peter's Belfast this morning. When I heard it was Belfast I was expecting some earnest Protestant service, and was surprised to hear that it was from the Roman Catholic Cathedral. And even more surprised to hear the sonorous tones of Father Hugh Kennedy ! I must say it was a pretty ponderous service, a bit self-important sounding, and I wasn't really sure what it was trying to say for this 4th Sunday of Lent, or even Mothering Sunday ! Father Dallat, who I think was the other voice, was pretty heavy too. It wasn't a service of joy which uplifted the soul. I think they were trying to be too BBC and Radio 4, rather than themselves.

    Anyhow, it looks like Hugh is back from London. And it looks as though he will stay. What puzzles me is that after all the trouble that has gone on in the past, and with seemingly things not completely resolved (namely, the other young man involved is still around and employed, I think), you would like to think that Hugh would move to pastures new and start afresh. He would do himself, the bishop, the diocese, the people, the priests, and himself a favour if he just moved along to something else. Because, it does seem at present as though he continues to be a bit of a laughing stock and an embarrassment, as well as divisive. I'm sorry to say all that, because I don't wish any ill-will upon Hugh. But, the reality is that too much of the Cathedral story is about him, and not about what really matters, namely the people and the ministry.

    I know Hugh from years ago in Rome. And from a little bit of time in NI. He is not a bad man, he's not evil, but he is a bit self-important and grand. If he wants to be like that, I don't think inner city Belfast is the place for him. Rome, yes. Although, in the Francis era, even Rome is becoming a bit more level and egalitarian.

    Belfast needs a holy, sane, and human auxiliary bishop. He doesn't need to be the brain of Ireland, or the best looking. He just needs to love the people and the priests, and they need to love him. Then, God will work the wonders that are needed. If Hugh gave himself a chance, I think the Holy Spirit has a place for him. But, I don't think it is as auxiliary bishop, or running the Cathedral. Somewhere else. He might find he would find contentment and happiness there, wherever it might be. Life can't be great for him with people saying all the things that have been said in this blog, and no doubt elsewhere. He owes himself to give himself a break. If he had a Bishop who could talk to him and have his best interests at heart, then maybe something could be achieved in that direction. But.....the Bishop is just as bad as Hugh !

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  27. What does the "Dean's" return to St Peter's mean for the good people of that parish ?
    They have been treated with contempt by both Noel Treanor & Hugh Kennedy, and this has never been acknowledged. The arrogance and lack of awareness of hurt caused by them is breathtaking. I doubt very much that they would have treated the people of St Brigid's Parish in such a way. They simply don't care about the sensitivities of the St Peter's parishioners - a classic case of the clerical world trumping the needs of the lay. As a Priest in this diocese I find their behaviour offensive. Sadly clericalism is alive and well, from Bishop Treanor down.
    How is the "Living Church" addressing that issue ?

    Priest of Down & Connor Diocese.

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  28. CAN ANYONE FROM DOWN AND CONNOR EXPLAIN TO ME HOW AND WHY NOEL TREANOR DID NOT ACT MORE DECISIVELY WITH REGARD TO HUGH P KENNEDY?

    AS A CANON LAWYER I CANNOT UNDERSTAND THIS INACTION - RESULTING IN THIS ONGOING "SCANDAL".

    UK PRIEST.

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  29. I have yet to here any plausible explanation. The situation in St Peter's is bizarre and utterly dysfunctional. Very strange too, the involvement of Ciaran Dallat in bolstering it up and giving it credence. Does anyone remember that awful BBC documentary about Hughie, Nigel and the Schola, "Choir Boys", a few years ago? There they were - those young lads - at some garden party, singing the Gay Anthem - 'Somewhere over the Rainbow'!! The whole business is shocking and, as has been repeatedly said here, the parishioners (the few that are left) of St Peter's are being treated with utter contempt! someone should write ICHABOD on the doors of St Peter's - for the glory of God has departed from that building (I Sam 4:21-22). They can trill Duruflé all they like. The "worship" there is a mere performance - devoid of God's Spirit. So so sad, when you think of many great people and priests of the past. What Noel Treanor is thinking of is anyone's guess!!??

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  30. I read the above comment just before retiring to bed at 00.11.

    As a former curate of St Peters (1978 -1983) It filled me with feelings of great sadness.

    Whats more sad is that things at St Peters are about to get worse.................

    ReplyDelete
  31. I totally agree with the midnight blogger who stated that yesterday's Mass was a "performance" rather than an act of worship of God.
    However it was an act of self worship (narcissism), for the "Dean", who took over the Cathedral some years ago and turned it into an "Opera House".
    Paddy Walsh & Noel Treanor allowed that to happen ; an utter disgrace !

    D&C Cleric.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is very true. Parishioners have been calling St Peter's "The Waterfront" or "The Odyssey" - a concert venue - not a Church. There is certainly plenty of "front" and it is, indeed, an oddity!

      Apart from the more grave spiritual problems and the scandal being given, with their esoteric "Anglican" hymns and chants, Hugo and Nigella make no effort to involve the congregation in the singing and worship - something we all try to do in our Parish Churches.

      The choir is at the service of the community at worship. In St Peter's, you have a reversal of these roles that is at variance with the Church's understanding of Worship.

      You have "actors" and "performers" being watched and listened to - no sense of a community united in an Act of Worship. And that is the very least of the problems there which are of a much more fundamental nature. The Judgement of God will fall upon Hughie and Nigella.

      Delete
  32. Yes, I remember that nauseating BBC doc. People were calling it "Queerboys"!!

    St Peter's Cathedral is a disaster - the "Mother Church" of the diocese - the "seat" of the Bishop is a spiritual, moral and pastoral SHAMBLES!

    The Adm (not the "Dean") has been carrying on shamefully with his - to all intents and purposes - "boyfriend". And no one is doing ANYTHING!. I agree with Bp Pat. It is going to get worse!

    The Bishop is the PP of St Peter's. He has particular and grave responsibility before God for the spiritual and pastoral care of that Christian community. Parishioners have complained to him personally. Parishioners have signed a petition.

    They are being studiously IGNORED! It seems that it take an explosion for anything to change. There has already been an implosion to no avail.

    Kennedy swans back and continues his shameless mincing and 'lover boy' carries on too, regardless of the scandal they are giving to the People of God, in the Cathedral and throughout the diocese.

    And, by the way, should the Church give its blessing in the morning to priests being married to either women or men, HPK would STILL be utterly unsuitable for ministry!!

    And so would his lover for any role in a Catholic Church. Along with everything else - 'loverboy' has no concept whatever of the spirit and theology of Catholic Liturgy.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Indeed, this mess is mainly the legacy of P Walsh - Narcissist in Chief - who "preferred" narcissists like himself!

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    Replies
    1. I agree in many ways. But Noel has now had 7 years even to BEGIN changing things. But things are just getting worse.

      Believe me - there is BIG EXPLOSION coming upon our diocese.

      PP D&C

      Delete
  34. Let us recall, as was intimated on this blog before, that a friend of Rev Timo (a VP of a 3rd level Ecclesiastical Institute), once received a 'sub secreto' correspondence from the Papal Nuncio asking about Timo's suitability for the episcopate. VP friend promptly gave it to Timmy who filled it in accordingly. As one might imagine, in great humility, he deemed himself unworthy for the fullness of the priesthood as he once, inadvertently, sang an "Alleluia" during Lent. It was understandable though, as he had just won a flutter at Paddy Powers bookies (another one of his little weaknesses). He has a gift, some call it an uncanny second sight, for predicting future candidates for the episcopate. Rumour has it, he has quite a tidy wager placed on himself - anonymously of course. He's a very anonymous kinda guy :-)

    ReplyDelete
  35. As a Priest of the Diocese I am very reluctant to propose the following, but I think a certain point has been passed with the return of Fr Kennedy from London.
    In order to protect the integrity of worship within the Cathedral, and also to publicly express their grave concerns about the ongoing Fr K / Organist situation, I would encourage the parishioners to publicly confront Fr Kennedy ( and Bishop if necessary) by standing in front of the altar b4 Mass and refusing to allow Fr Kennedy to celebrate the Eucharist. He has lost all credibility as a Pastor and he refuses to treat the parishioners with respect, using them rather than serving them.
    His tenure as Adm has been a disaster, and if he won't do the right thing then he must be forced out.

    Priest of Down & Connor.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I am shocked and horrified that so many of these unchristian, mean, ugly and unsubstantiated comments are made by people claiming to be PP's & clerics. God help us all. You should all be ashamed! A pack of baying salivating beasts in waiting. God forgive you and pardon you. I've done well to stay away from the Catholic church I was baptised into if this is anything to go by. DISGUSTING!!!!

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  37. If these comments are really being posted by PP's and Clerics of the diocese then all we can do is pray for the state of the diocese as it is clearly full off petty jealous up starts.

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  38. I hope all who make these scurrilous and unsubstantiated comments realise that their 'fingerprint' is available for tracing and that the blogmaster Is ultimately responsible for them as well

    ReplyDelete
  39. Well folks, to my recollection the "votes" [or whatever one chooses to call them] should be in (presumably with +NT) by now.
    But I'm wondering if there's anybody at Lisbreen even to look at them, quite apart from the issue of whether or not they'll in any way influence the decisions to be made, .....by whom? .........No sign of the bishop or anybody else around.
    MMM

    ReplyDelete