CLONLIFFE SEMINARY DUBLIN
CLONLIFFE COLLEGE WITH BISHOP CARROLL'S ROOMS MARKED IN RED |
CLONLIFFE SEMINARY DUBLIN was a venue for "STRANGE GOINGS ON" before it closed it's doors in 2001.
When I was there from 1970 - 1973 homosexuality was quite common and a number of the sexually active seminarians have gone on to be sexually active priests around Dublin. Diarmuid Martin knows who many of them are.
But there was a MUCH MORE WORRYING aspect to sexual activity in Clonliffe and some of its seminarians who went on to hurt children.
Some time ago I spoke to a man who alleges that he was sexually abused in Maynooth as a boy in a room that was the former dressing room of the college president - Bishop Joseph A Carroll.
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#We know of course from the MURPHY REPORT that there were a number of former s
minarians of Clonliffe who went on to abuse children as priests in parishes:
Looking back I think that there was a very sexually charged atmosphere in Clonliffe.
When I was there from 1970 - 1973 homosexuality was quite common and a number of the sexually active seminarians have gone on to be sexually active priests around Dublin. Diarmuid Martin knows who many of them are.
But there was a MUCH MORE WORRYING aspect to sexual activity in Clonliffe and some of its seminarians who went on to hurt children.
Some time ago I spoke to a man who alleges that he was sexually abused in Maynooth as a boy in a room that was the former dressing room of the college president - Bishop Joseph A Carroll.
BISHOP CARROLL |
There is ABSOLUTELY NO SUGGESTION that Joe Carroll had anything to do with this. He had long since vacated his Clonliffe rooms.
Did he later know about the abuse ? I do not know.
ARCHBISHOPS HOUSE (LEFT) AND BISHOP CARROLL'S ROOM MARKED RIGHT |
The man claims that the room he was abused in had floor to ceiling mirrors.
By the time he came to see me he had already been in touch with the Garda and with the Dublin Archdiocese authorities and in fact the Garda had accompanied him into Clonliffe to identify the room or rooms he was hurt in.
He came to see me because he knew I had been a student in Clonliffe and that I would be able to tell him where certain rooms were and who they were used by.
I have not heard of the case coming to court and I do not know if it is pending or if the man has reached some kind of settlement with the Archdiocese of Dublin?
FATHER BILL CARNEY |
FATHER PAUL MC GENNIS |
FATHER IVAN PAYNE |
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minarians of Clonliffe who went on to abuse children as priests in parishes:
FATHER TONY WALSH |
For all of us it began with a long one to one visit to Archbishop John Charles McQuaid for a long interview about the "FACTS OF LIFE".
During this interview John Charles would draw diagrams for us of a penis, a vagina and a penis penetrating a vagina.
He also used a finger to show us a penis, fingers made into a circle to show us a vagina and a finger penetrating a finger circle to show us a penis penetrating a vagina.
McQuaid also spoke to us 18 year olds about masturbation and gave instructions about how to clean under the foreskin !
Is it any wonder that the whole thing was and is crazy crazy?
MAYNOOTH is just a continuation of the craziness..........................................
McQuaid also spoke to us 18 year olds about masturbation and gave instructions about how to clean under the foreskin !
Is it any wonder that the whole thing was and is crazy crazy?
MAYNOOTH is just a continuation of the craziness..........................................
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The letter reproduced below arrived by post:
"Dear Bishop Pat,
I hope you are keeping well. I have not visited The Oratory in Larne yet but I hope that please God if I have good health I will visit there next year.
I don't drive so I would have to get one of the family to drive me. I am a regulat Mass goer but I miss some Sundays because I am getting on in years.
I am a grandmother and live in an area of Dublin called TALLAGHT. It's been my home for many years and I've seen priests come and go in the different parishes.
I have a lot of respect for the Church and I like going to Mass. I decided years ago that I would keep going to Mass even after the abuse scandals.
But what I am writing to you about makes me very disappointed. AL PORTER is a comedian who has grown up in the area and is getting on great with shows in different places. I hope that things go well for him because he has worked hard.
Part of AL PORTERS SHOW is making fun of the Mass and telling his experience of going to World Youth Day with a parish from Tallaght.
He also said that he wrote about it in a religious magazine called INTERCOM.
I know what parish he is talking about. His sketch is well known at this stage in the parish because it has become a joke around the area. I find it embarrassing and my own family try to bring it up when I try and get them to go to Mass.
AL PORTER describes how he went with a group of young people from the parish.
He says that one of them was training to be a priest in Maynooth and BOTH OF THEM ENDED UP KISSING AND SO ON.
He also says he laughed so much when another member called SISTER JANE who worked in the parish was SMOKING MARIJUANA and telling him that she doesn't believe in God.
She was not a nun but worked as a parish worker for a while there.
I don't like to see the Church made fun of but that is how he makes people laugh.
It was some of my family who have shown me your website to tell me that they have no intentions of going to Mass because of all the carry on and I don't know what to say to them because I can see where they are coming from.
They saw that I am hurt by what they said and one of them said that he would type a letter for me to send you and that maybe I would feel better then.
At this stage of my life I don't know what to make of the Church. For the first time in my life I have thought of not going to Mass and staying at home but I would miss meeting others.
I hope that you keep doing good work. I have asked some of my family to keep me up to date on your website.
God bless.
Mrs Margaret XXXXXXXXXXXX
Dear Margaret,
Thank you for your letter and good wishes. You would be welcome here at The Oratory and if you want to break your journey when you visit us you and your family member can stay here overnight.
The very best thing you can do is to keep your relationship with God TOTALLY SEPARATE from what you see bishops, priests and others do.
When you go to Mass - go for God and talk and listen to him.
Meet your friends and have a chat.
Deal with priests you trust and give the others a WIDE BERTH.
I had not heard of Al Porter until you wrote to me.
I like his humour.
He was going to be a priest you know :-)
Pat x
But what I am writing to you about makes me very disappointed. AL PORTER is a comedian who has grown up in the area and is getting on great with shows in different places. I hope that things go well for him because he has worked hard.
Part of AL PORTERS SHOW is making fun of the Mass and telling his experience of going to World Youth Day with a parish from Tallaght.
He also said that he wrote about it in a religious magazine called INTERCOM.
I know what parish he is talking about. His sketch is well known at this stage in the parish because it has become a joke around the area. I find it embarrassing and my own family try to bring it up when I try and get them to go to Mass.
AL PORTER describes how he went with a group of young people from the parish.
He says that one of them was training to be a priest in Maynooth and BOTH OF THEM ENDED UP KISSING AND SO ON.
He also says he laughed so much when another member called SISTER JANE who worked in the parish was SMOKING MARIJUANA and telling him that she doesn't believe in God.
She was not a nun but worked as a parish worker for a while there.
I don't like to see the Church made fun of but that is how he makes people laugh.
It was some of my family who have shown me your website to tell me that they have no intentions of going to Mass because of all the carry on and I don't know what to say to them because I can see where they are coming from.
They saw that I am hurt by what they said and one of them said that he would type a letter for me to send you and that maybe I would feel better then.
At this stage of my life I don't know what to make of the Church. For the first time in my life I have thought of not going to Mass and staying at home but I would miss meeting others.
I hope that you keep doing good work. I have asked some of my family to keep me up to date on your website.
God bless.
Mrs Margaret XXXXXXXXXXXX
Dear Margaret,
Thank you for your letter and good wishes. You would be welcome here at The Oratory and if you want to break your journey when you visit us you and your family member can stay here overnight.
The very best thing you can do is to keep your relationship with God TOTALLY SEPARATE from what you see bishops, priests and others do.
When you go to Mass - go for God and talk and listen to him.
Meet your friends and have a chat.
Deal with priests you trust and give the others a WIDE BERTH.
I had not heard of Al Porter until you wrote to me.
I like his humour.
He was going to be a priest you know :-)
Pat x
----------------------------------------------------------
Is VAMA only against Maynooth or does it include other seminaries?
ReplyDeleteVAMA is not AGAINST Maynooth.
ReplyDeleteIt is against abuses in Maynooth.
Pat can I ask a question of you - will you guarantee to protect those on your blog? I think we are coming close to something major being revealed.
ReplyDeleteI know there are some monitoring this blog and the comments on a day to day basis.
Do you promise to protect the contributors here?
There is no need to bite my head off! I was only asking if VAMA focused on Maynooth along or does it include other seminaries like Clonliffe.
ReplyDeleteAre you feeling ok this morning Pat?
There is no need to attack me, I am feeling a bit sad at your rudeness. I would like an apology. I like to respect others and I feel you were aggressive towards me.
Is this appropriate behaviour from a bishop. If my local parish priest was to be uncivil towards me I would feel upset and I feel you have acted in a similar fashion.
I asked for clarification, that is all.
I too feel we are building up to SOMETHING VERY BIG - a BIG CRESCENDO.
ReplyDeleteI will protect my sources 100 %
I always have - as you can see.
I will take the whole weight myself.
Pat, among many things, is a good journalist and a good journalist will protect his sources to the bitter end.
DeleteI am sorry if I sounded abrupt.
ReplyDeleteIt is computer speak.
Straight answers.
Please forgive me if I hurt you.
It is not my style.
I am sorry if I did not make my point clear. You did hurt me. I believe it is your style to sometimes attack people if they ask questions of you. You give very straight talk. This can bring clarity and can also wound deeply. I sought to be respected that is all. Thank you for your apology.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeletePat you are the truth warrior - continue in the search - can you tell me about the viewing figures have they improved ? Im hoping you are receiving more followers now - it seems to me your the only one being honest in this situation.
Viewing figures are 5,000 - 15,000 daily and vary
ReplyDeleteViewers come from Ireland, UK, Italy, Germany, USA, Russia, etc.
I am not surprised you have not heard of AL Porter, Pat. You are working too hard on this blog. You need more rest, relax maybe a day off. Work/Life balance is needed for everyone. Maybe you and your partner could take a visit to see his show. I'd say you would enjoy his humour. Being too serious is not good for your health. Do you take a weekly day off?
ReplyDeleteGP
Thank you GP.
DeleteIf you met me you would be surprised to discover how relaxed and stress free I am.
I take regular time off, sleep like a log and at 64 am at peace with who I am and what I do.
I do a lot more than the blog.
I have watched Al on Youtube and really enjoy him.
As Mae West said: "Drop in and see me sometime".
Fair Play Pat - keep it up !
ReplyDeleteCan we have a blog on the bishops - what we think of each and what we can report on each of them?
ReplyDeleteI d reckon that ll cause a few people in pointy hats to choke over their Sunday dinners.
DeletePat, could you tell us a bit more of what you do on a weekly basis.
ReplyDeleteSome people are of the opinion that this blog consumes your life.
Do you ever put up pictures of you Church activities like outings, meetings, social events. Have you thought of a facebook page for your church. It would get a lot of likes and could be a way of connecting with others. Just a suggestion.
Catholic Mother.
Pat we are witnessing the death throes of a dated, deficient and, indeed, dangerous priestly formation system. It is high time for a new model as alluded to by Diarmuid Martin. A seminarian needs to live with and shadow a genuinely holy and good priest from whom he will learn the art of being a good pastor and teacher of the faith. The People of God in a parish setting could also help out the priest-formator in aiding to sniff out a mercenary from a sincere candidate for Holy Orders. Seven years in the antiquated St. Patrick's Seminary is an easy passage for unsavoury characters with no proper oversight or example given by an inept, lazy and corrupt formation team.
ReplyDeleteIn relation to Donal O'Neill, a least he had the integrity to leave the priesthood. The Irish Church would be well served if those priests who are terribly unhappy in their state would leave and stop causing so much scandal and heartbreak for other good priests and the laity.
In paragaph 4 I think you may have mixed up Maynooth with Cloniffe.
ReplyDeleteIs the irish college a good seminary now ? or if you were discerning priesthood with a vocations director - what seminary should I be pushing for? or trust in the holy spirit to decide
ReplyDeleteI know Pat did start by looking at some Bishops like Donal Mc Keown and John Fleming etc. I thought at that stage that he was going to look at each one individually.
ReplyDeleteVaMa hasn't gone away- to paraphrase Gerry Adams
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I'd agree with you, @12.55, a good journalist will give both sides of the story. A good journalist will also highlight the good that a person does. This is what Jesus did- Hated the sin but loved the sinner.
ReplyDeleteI am not convinced this is achieved on this blog.
Has Donal O'Neill left the priesthood?
ReplyDeleteYes. He has left for a good lady. Donal is a Maynooth hetero :-)
Delete
ReplyDeleteI think he has achieved it - a balanced blog I like it , I respect Pat for it
Wildwestie
Just in case people don't notice this comment is satirical.
ReplyDeletePat, you don't understand! The priest has to understand the mechanics of what husband and wife do because he a) will certainly have to let some couples in on the secret and b) may well end up on the diocesan marriage tribunal and will have to decide if some couples haven't completed the marriage sacrament.
And of course a priest in particular should always be clean. Not in case of intercourse but if he should be in an accident, a lack of personal hygiene may shock the nurses.
A facebook page for your Church could be a good idea, Bishop Pat, like what the Catholic Mother advised. Apart from highlighting the good work you do, it would also stop someone putting up a false account in the name of your church, like a 'parody account'. You see it happening the whole time.
ReplyDeleteFYI
Pat, what do you make of the new list of Cardinals nominated this morning by Pope Francis?
ReplyDeleteIreland has a new Cardinal!!!!! And he's from Dublin
ReplyDelete3 Amercians archbishops on the list. One of Irish decent. Kevin Farrell (Dublin)
ReplyDeleteWe have been reading a lot about what we DON’T want our seminarians and priests to be but I wonder if we have given as much thought as to who we DO want them to be. Plenty of blame is laid at the door of the hierarchy and an outdated seminary system, and rightly so. But I wonder if we as the people of God also share responsibility for the types of men going forward for priesthood in terms of our expectations.
ReplyDeleteI think there is still this idea among Catholics that men who have a vocation are the stereotypical ‘Holy Joes’ who have lived an uneventful unblemished life. But given that all men going forward now have grown up since the sexual revolution in the 1960s (along with the drugs culture etc etc etc) it is highly unlikely that many of these Holy Joe stereotypes still exist, and those that do are probably a bit odd, frankly speaking. And I cannot see how this type of man would have any understanding at all of the type of real life issues that most Catholics are likely to face.
We hear all the time of these amazing conversion experiences among Evangelicals and Pentecostals for example, where one minute a guy is a pimp and selling drugs and some years later he is a Pastor. But if we had a seminarian or priest who, years before seminary (but not during or after ordination) was on Grindr looking for men or Tinder looking for women or had been a heavy user of drugs or had been an alcoholic or had a criminal past and had totally turned his life around, it seems to me that a lot of Catholics aren’t interested in having that type of man as a priest since he hasn’t been a saint since baptism. Maybe I am wrong and certainly it is not true of everyone, but that is the sense I get.
When we talk about ‘holy’ priests we have to know what we are talking about. For me, it has to be much more than a priest who is faithful to his vows – that is the bare minimum of course, but that negative form of Christianity has had its day (or is certainly in its death throes). We need a positive vision of priesthood not just what priests don't do.
I’d be interested to hear what Bishop Pat thinks about what makes a good candidate for priesthood nowadays? A good potential pastor and teacher of course, but what personal qualities? What background and personal history? I know you disagree with a lot of Catholic Church teaching, but leaving that issue aside…
Shane Doherty was an ex-IRA man and was kicked out of Maynooth for speaking against the homosexual totalitarianism.
DeleteYour comment does not reflect the reality of Maynooth. The sinners get worse instead of better when entering St Pat's. There is something seriously wrong with the formation staff in the National Seminary.
Breaking News- New Irish Cardinal- from Dublin apparently- Has Diarmuid got the red hat?
ReplyDeleteNo. Farrell from USA with Dublin descent
ReplyDeleteBreaking News - Party cancelled in the Pro Cathedral. Archbishop Martin red hat fitting cancelled it was another Dubliner who got the call from Francis. Aaaaw what a shame
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame and Gorgeous flew from Rome yesterday for the party :-(
DeleteReally happy about Father Ernest Simoni becoming a cardinal - what an amazing man he is. For 30 years he was sentenced to hard labour for being a priest in Albania. Now he truly is a good holy priest - why can't we get one of them.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteIm sure Diarmuid can console himself with Gomez (LA) and Cupich (Philladephia ) who also were expecting the nod. An even bigger kick in the sack for Cupich after hosting the Pope last year for the world meeting of families. A good message from Pope Francis again I think. You serve Christ not an ego.
The three american choices seem to be a message that the Pope wants the church to move in a more welcoming liberal way.
Now the question in Scotland is - where is our red hat? - Pope says wait and repent.
Cupich has been named cardinal fyi
Delete
ReplyDeletePoor Gorgeous - bet the cassock and calvins where all ready to go
It seems to me - poor Diarmuids political games in Maynooth - have brought not enough attention for a Hat of red colour. Although I bet if he asks nicely Dermo O Connell might let him play with his??? that was the biggest joke appointment in my time on this earth and it will take years to change
ReplyDelete14:27 I agree with all that you are saying. The problem with Maynooth is that it does not take priestly formation seriously. This Deacon from Kerry was apparently asked to leave the Pallottines for sexual inappropriateness. He was then taken into Maynooth and apparently propositioned a first year seminarian and now as a Deacon apparently was/(is?) on Grindr. As you can see there is a marked deterioration and not amelioration in this Deacon's battle against vice and progress in sanctity. This is a woeful indictment of the formation process and formators in Maynooth. There have been red lights flashing with greater intensity along the way for this Deacon who appears to be another clerical scandal in the making.
ReplyDeleteAnother problem with Maynooth is that the guys who take formation seriously and actually believe in the Real Presence and the Mass, which is a priest's raison d'être, have to hide their piety and love of the Church. This is heinous and evil, to be frank.
A very good priest once said to me that any man - no matter how big a sinner he was/is - can become a holy priest if he receives a proper formation.
15.27 - your right. I agree with everything you have said. Now why dont the bishops say this.
ReplyDeleteDid I hear an Italian journalist on RTE this morning saying
ReplyDeleteThat Pope Francis is going to remove any bishop who was involved in a coverup(abuse scandal)
No you didn't hear this or if you did - this does not apply to Ireland as Irish bishops are very holy men and would never be involved in a coverup. Come on we are from the island of saints.
ReplyDeleteYes 15:27, it seems as if the Bishops almost want another Fr Rory Coyle scandal! They are meant to be overseers as well as pastors. The Greek word for Bishop, Episkopos, means overseer. IMO, the Bishops are way too tentative and diffident with regard to applying a little good governance. Anyone can preach nice, sweet, hackneyed homilies. They are also called to make difficult and tough decisions when needs be.
ReplyDeleteI see the new Cardinals are mostly from poor countries. Pope Francis is saying the Church is now on the side of the poor. I hope this new Irish Cardinal will be on the side of the poor.
ReplyDelete@15:10 you mean Chaput of Philadelphia. Cupich is in Chicago and got the red hat.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know of the other cardinals appointed?
ReplyDeletePat could you put a list of them up for us please?
Or maybe you don't agree with Cardinals?
Catholic Mother
New cardinals:
ReplyDeleteArchbishop Mario Zenari, Italy
Archbishop Dieudonné Nzapalainga, Central African Republic
Archbishop Carlos Osoro Sierra, Spain
Archbishop Sérgio da Rocha, Brazil
Archbishop Blase J. Cupich, U.S.A.
Archbishop Patrick D’Rozario, Bangladesh
Archbishop Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo, Venezuela
Archbishop Jozef De Kesel, Belgium
Archbishop Maurice Piat, Mauritius
Archbishop Kevin Joseph Farrell, U.S.A.
Archbishop Carlos Aguiar Retes, Mexico
Archbishop John Ribat, Papua Nuova Guinea
Archbishop Mons. Joseph William Tobin U.S.A.
Archbishop Anthony Soter Fernandez, Archbishop Emeritus of Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Archbishop Renato Corti, Archbishop Emeritus of Novara Italy
Archbishop Sebastian Koto Khoarai, Bishop Emeritus of Mohale’s Hoek Lesotho
Father Ernest Simoni, presbytery of the Archdiocese of Shkodrë-Pult, Scutari – Albania
Dear Granny. The "sister" smoking mirajuana says it all. The church has lost its soul. Concentrating on the rubrics and forgetting the spirit. Prospective seminarian forget seminaries.Try and find churches and parishes of living faith. Not necessarily R C but not excluding R C either. Try and get some voluntary experience in broadly based church related activity. Then with God's grace follow your heart
ReplyDelete"Concentrating on the rubrics" - are you serious?! Granted, the Mass does not equal rubrics, but part of the crisis we're in has been caused by an abandoning of rubrics by many priests who make the Mass up as they go along. This has led to a situation where Catholics don't know what they're going to get from one Sunday to the next. Our greatest act of worship is turned into a performance and dominated by the personality and whims of the individual priest! So, in short, I do not believe that following rubrics is to blame. If the Church has lost her soul, can it possibly be reclaimed if we do not seek and value authentic Catholic worship? If the Mass, our highest act of worship of God, is not right - and yes, that includes rubrics - we cannot recover our "soul"!
DeleteWith regard to the prospective seminarian, he should not aim to find a Church that "fits" his beliefs. Rather, he should find the Church that teaches the truth in season and our of season, despite the failings, sins and shortcomings of its members. That Church is the Catholic Church, founded upon Peter, against which the gates of hell shall not prevail. As Chesterton said, we need a Church that is right not when the world is right, but which is right when the world is wrong. If you feel called to the priesthood, you must persevere, despite those things which discourage you.
There are plenty of scandals in the Roman Catholic Church, there are plenty of scandals in other Churches also. Pat, you never seem to cover them. Are you afraid of 'upsetting' your Protestant neighbours in Larne? Maybe afraid they might hurt you?
ReplyDelete:-) I lived in bullet ridden and bomb ridden Belfast.
DeleteSome of my presbyteries had bullet proof glass.
I was on several death lists and had a police provided weapon in my home.
And you think I'm afraid of neighbours? :-)
I thought +Diarmuid would have made the grade. Anyone other notable absentees from the list, +Pat?
ReplyDeleteBishop Pat - can I ask a question - can priests masterbate? I know they probably aren't allowed - but I'm sure they do from time to time - is this ok as long as they confess it. I am just thinking about the health reasons why one should from time to time , is that allowed?
ReplyDeleteHonest catholic seeking an answer.
Priests do masturbate.
DeleteMaybe thats why they are very healthy :-)
Turin
ReplyDeleteVenice
Missing a cardinal for a while now
What about Dublin- also has been missing a red hat for a while.
ReplyDeleteDM must be disappointed.
DM is never going to get a red hat.
DeleteDublin isn't missing one. It still has one Dessie O Connell - stole one from Pope Benedict and let poor Sean brady waiting. All was then sorted when Seanie got summoned to Rome and then we had 3 + 1 (Keith O Brien had one too )
ReplyDeletePlease answer my question fully Pat - are they allowed? do they need to confess it ? What would God think?
ReplyDeleteAs part of my application to seminary - they said i need to be celibate and chaste for 2 years including masterbation - is this true? can it be done?
I'm surprised masturbation was mentioned.
DeleteVery few people achieve "perfect chastity" and if they do they are often unbalanced / ill.
You really need to talk to a priest / counsellor privately.
A blog is not really for 1 to 1 spiritual direction.
Read the Catechism 2352 re masturbation.
DeleteDon't read the catechism :-)
DeleteI asked last night Pat, if you believed in Papal Infallibility, maybe it was too late and you didn't see it?
ReplyDeleteNo I dont.
DeleteI often wonder what would Jesus Christ do? Just in the door from the Rossary - I thought about you Pat and your search for the truth
ReplyDeleteSince masturbators are in the same mortal-sin hell-bound category as gays, I don't see why you haven't done an expose of these hypocrites purporting to uphold Church teaching (CCC 2352 etc) and masturbating on the sly after entering seminary or being ordained. This is unfair discrimination! Theoretically anyone getting on their high horse about the boyos in Maynooth should be on their high horse about this issue too but amazingly no!..... so let me guess......maybe they have done it themselves, so safer to go after the gays even though both sins when unconfessed lead to hell. Apparently. Anyone got any info on these hypocrites?
ReplyDeleteNot everyone wanks in maynooth.
DeleteI was a secular Carmelite for 15 years, so I know a bit about prayer. I have been married for 42 years, so I know a bit about sex. The section in the cathecism is good on prayer and dreadful on sex. I would not let a young person near it. It is deeply damaging.
ReplyDeleteIt shows ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jane lady, I really need help with this. I do really think that God is calling me to the priesthood. I think it would be greater sin not to follow what he wants from me. I told my gf two years ago that I needed to do something else - I attended an evaluation session and I was honest about everything - they said I wasn't sexaully mature after having two long term relationships - I haven't thought about being with a bloke or ever felt the need to - so cause of it , I am classed as sexually immature - my vocations director said this wasn't the reason but because i sometimes masterbate and would need to be free for two years - this is so confusing for me.
ReplyDeleteWhere are yuu from?
DeleteI'm afraid you've been caught out by church-speak. After two long-term relationships and having the integrity and honesty to think about it honestly, you must have more sexual maturity than the church wants. When you get these conflicting answers from vocations people and an excuse (your supposed sexual immaturity) which doesn't make sense to you, they are actually telling you they don't want you. My guess is the formators will feel threatened by your ability to form mature relationships and make your way in the world.
DeleteOf course the traditional Catholic answer to your question would be that masturbation is not OK in a celibate or chaste life.
My own feeling is that you should rejoice that you have had such a narrow escape and go on to a full human life. The opportunities to pursue holiness and serve others will arise.
I thought that Scotland would have got a cardinal. The man sent to replace the disgraced OBrien is a guy called Leo Cushley. He was on the Vatican diplomatic service. He was an excellent choice to sort out the mess up in Edinburgh and priests there say he is doing a fine job. Although the Archbishop up in Glasgow is more senior in length of episcopal service he does not fit in with the papal model of a bishop. He is a close friend of that old overdressed prelate Cardinal Raymond Burke and he has had fairly major health issues.
ReplyDeletePerhaps by the next time there are appointments to the Sacred College ++Leo will have earned his spurs.
PP Merseyside
I think the whole understanding of masturbation needs a post by itself, Pat. We might be swamped by the comments here otherwise.
ReplyDeleteCatholic Mother.
Jane the whole church attitude to sex is shite Cause +effect = more babbies.....
ReplyDeleteit's better than stupid protty Malthusianism!! the way the west is going we will have aborted and contracepted our descendants from existence.
DeleteI don't masturbate. I used to about 5-6 times a day. It was an addiction. It was through prayer and stopping looking at porn on the net that I stopped, thank God.
ReplyDeleteThe potential seminarian can only be from one of those nutjob American dioceses or seminaries, I cannot imagine that this is an Irish diocese. Though then again, someone mentioned the other day about that diocese with the vocations director who will not meet any potential candidate until they have filled out a form. One can understand - the poor Vocations Director is probably inundated with applications and needs to do a sift and there is simply no more effective way of doing that than by having a candidate fill out a form.
ReplyDeleteFind another diocese with a more realistic vocations director. I would be amazed if he has been continent for 2 years frankly. If your story is true, I would simply make a 'mental reservation' (I'm sure you can think of something) and say no, you never did it and move on.
As to the whole masturbation issue, the Church clearly teaches it is a mortal sin. Same as gay sex. And sex outside of marriage It is intrinsically disordered. Rationale is based on the same reasoning. Clearly this Thomist reasoning is utterly ridiculous and bears no resemblance to reality and needs a massive update.
21:26 you are prob another wonderfully formed "Catholic" from gaynooth.
Delete"Inundated with applications", ARE YOU FOR REAL!??
DeleteI think that was a joke, dear.
Delete@21:15, I am sure your body is thanking you - 5/6 a day really does give a new meaning to the term "self-abuse".
ReplyDelete@21:20 that is true - the only ones wanking in Maynooth are the ones who don't have sex partners. That'll be a minority then by the looks of it.
@21:28 how does that work exactly? If we aborted and contracepted our descendants from existence then surely they wouldn't exist and thus would not be our descendants?
So you're not wanking then?
DeleteThe study of Thomist matters is a complete waste of brainpower. It has little or no relevance to how society or people live today.
ReplyDeleteLet me see relevance for you is to sin and "sin boldly" as Luther said. Basically do whatever the f**k you want!!!
DeleteCan we not be a wee bit more positive as suggested by 14:27 earlier today.
ReplyDeleteAll is not lost. In the Office of Readings yesterday, St Gregory The Great was talking about the performance of our ministry. He says:
"We can speak only with a heavy heart of so few labourers for such a great harvest ... Look about you and see how full the world is of priests, yet in God’s harvest a labourer is rarely to be found; for although we have accepted the priestly office, we do not fulfil its demands ... we accept the duties of office, but by our actions we show that we are attentive to other things ... we retain the honourable office but fail to practice the virtues proper to it ... how can we who neglect ourselves be able to correct someone else? We are wrapped up in worldly concerns, and the more we devote ourselves to external things, the more insensitive we become in spirit ... We are set to guard the vineyards but do not guard our own, for we get involved in irrelevant pursuits and neglect the performance of our ministry.
So the evil goings on in the church are not new. But, throughout its history the church has been renewed and I have every confidence renewal will come again. When, how and by whom remains to be seen. I will not see it but it will happen.
Pat maybe you could use your blog and its contributors to suggest a way forward and give us hope. I am sure most are looking for something different, more relevant to modern times. Small believing communities gathered together for prayer and an option for serving each other, witnessing to the gospel and encouraging others as Jesus's disciples did.
Those involved in the goings on highlighted in your blogs over the past weeks know they are finished. Let them rot. Renewal is assured but in the meantime I am frightened.
Pat,
ReplyDeleteWhile all this sex business among the clergy and seminarians is damaging it doesn't really have the power to hit the bishops ship below the water line. If you want to launch the torpedo to do that then you must follow the money. Repeat FOLLOW THE MONEY !!
According to your rationale 21:26 the Bible needs to be updated as well.
ReplyDeleteMasterbation is part of maturing.
ReplyDelete"Love and do what you will."
ReplyDeleteLuther
Luther was making the point that no matter how great our sin is, God's love is greater.
Augustine said that NOT Luther!!
DeleteYes I want to know
ReplyDeleteHow money is spent
It is a very grave sin to misappropriate funds
It is stealing
Stealing from the laity
Lying to laity
Masturbation is a normal occurrence, but to do it often or aggressively is damaging your body...confession...F gods sake...have a titter of wit
Pat, I'm watching you here on the TV! You're famous!
ReplyDeleteCatholic Mother
Bishop Pat... I follow your blog on an occasional fashion and have some respect for what you're trying to achieve but I most admit that the basis of your stories are of the same nature with little or nothing new to offer. Can I suggest that you post your Sunday homilies which I'm sure is based on the word of God and its values. To be honest I'm sick of the filth and shear nastiest of most of the bloggers and to me that's not living or conforming to the Gospel, maybe I'm old fashioned and old but I truly think you've a lot to offer rather than the same old rhetoric of Maynooth, Maynooth and more Maynooth and gay seminarians which is their own business. Move on and let us have a little of the spiritual side of Pat Buckley, I'd really look forward to reading your thoughts and also your prayers for the more pressing issues of our country and world. Go on Bishop Pat and give it a go.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward in Faith.
22:57, who do you think you are kidding?
DeleteDo you think Bishop Pat is going to be sucked in by your flattery?
You just want the spotlight off Gaynooth.
"Gay seminarians which is their own business", indeed, is it?? Yeah right!
You are fooling nobody with your slithering cant. You are probably one of the Gaynooth goons.
The "strange goings on" in Gaynooth are the concern of every Catholic who loves the Church.
The toxins in Gaynooth seep out into our parishes and schools!!
23:38 I've more respect for Pat than many keyboard hedges on here, but I've also respect for the Church and the Gay community out there.
DeleteI respect your opinion and that of the other wise bloggers, can I not have my opinion respected?
My point was simply, Maynooth I've been reading that for weeks now and all so true, Gay seminarains the list goes on and on.....
But I'd like to see the spiritual side to Pat online that's all I'm asking, surely not a big ask???
Do you still wear an amice?
ReplyDeleteNo. That was 31 years ago :-)
DeleteBut I would. Nothing wrong with an amice.
Haha I was only joking of course ;) but you have a powerful voice!
ReplyDelete:-) on most occasions I don't need a microphone - thanks to my Clonliffe elocution teacher - MRS FANNY O'DONNELL.
DeleteNo relation to Fr Fanny Mullaney :-)
22.57
ReplyDeleteSo you want what goes on in gaynooth kept in gaynooth
Most want it cleaned out ..too many hypocrites there
All this talk of formation stinks
And why would a cleric demonstrate sexual intercourse to students
Did these boys not learn this in their school biology class and from their parents...and if they didn't a school nurse should have given them the information
Asking teens about masturbation by a cleric is so wrong.
When were you on tv, pat?
ReplyDeleteTonigh BBC review of 1985 - the year C B Daly sacked me.
DeleteThis R Catholic formation for clerical students is so wrong.
ReplyDeleteAs a mum I'm so glad none of my children got that infection
Gay or hetro ...I wd prefer the military anyday
The military has its fair share of young men (and women) raped, sexually abused, killed and driven to suicide. Victims of fellow cadets and officers. Well documented.
DeleteOn that subject I recall an army chaplain brought some seminarians to an army base in the 1990s I think. I believe the idea was to team build and promote bonding.
ReplyDeleteI must say - contributions of Armacanus and Sean Baptist to the blog are FASCINATING!
ReplyDeleteMe thinks Armacanus and Sean Baptist are one and the same person and a piss take of Sean Baptist Brady
ReplyDelete23.57
ReplyDeleteProgramme about Harvard university was on tv the other nite along with other American universities
Girls raped and the men students ( even when known) were never brought to book..mostly because they were great on the football team and so needed or for some other prestigious goingson
He must be in the wrong, this sean Brady, and of course we know he is.
ReplyDeleteOnly that some one told on him , he would never have admitted his wrongdoing
Now what is this about 300, 000 squandered by the Armagh dioceses ??????...illegally
Follow the money...
ReplyDeleteJust curious here but why is it that homosexuals (of a certain type anyway) feel the need to refer to other males by female names when attempting to denigrate them? It does seem to be very odd. If using female names is done in an attempt to humiliate another male, what does that say about the attitude to real females?
ReplyDeleteI think the omission of this kind of 'catiness' might persuade some who need to, to take this blog more seriously.
EL