Tuesday 22 November 2016

ARMAGH - THE LATEST

"PRIESTS DON'T HAVE TO KISS GIRLS"

Overnight our Armagh priest who has been very busy sent in the following for publication:

A Letter from the Archbishop

Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, it's story time....

A few years ago, Maggie's godfather, Fr. Dave, let me know that a new Archbishop had been named in Ireland by Pope Benedict.  He was a "good one" and his name was Eamon Martin.  My mind was blown!  He shared the same name as my little meatball!  


I told my Eamon that there was a great Archbishop in Ireland with his name, and he was super excited.   You see, Eamon wants to be a priest, and it's not just something he mentioned once when he was younger, it's something he talks about all the time.  Daily conversations include "When I'm a priest, can I still live near you?" "I'm lucky, because I want to be a priest, and priests don't have to kiss girls." and "Can I be a priest and a chef at the same time?"  Yup, yup and yup!  Now, I know he's still only eight years old, and we shall see if God does indeed call him to priesthood, but he does have this inexplicable joy and holiness about him and I wouldn't be surprised if it happened.  But no pressure!!  Our kids will only be happy if they follow God's calling, not their parent's hopes and dreams!


So when I mentioned Archbishop Eamon Martin to my Eamon, he immediately said that he wanted to be a Bishop so there would be TWO bishops with the same name...one in Ireland and one in America.  From time to time, he would mention his idol and we would share in his happiness at the coolness of it all.

Twins!

A few weeks ago, my mom asked me what Eamon would like for his First Communion, and the thought popped in my head (Holy Spirit) to tell her about Archbishop Eamon Martin.  We wondered if perhaps we could get him to write a little email to Eamon for his special day.  My mom researched and found out how to email the Archbishop and told him about his accidental namesake in America who wanted to be a priest.  She also discovered that Archbishop Martin's parents were from the same county in Ireland that my Dad was from!  It's a small world, after all.

Archbishop Eamon Martin with his mom, who had 12 children!
So she waited to hear back, but no email response.  She prayed to Our Lady, saying it was in her hands if she wanted to make anything happen (Archbishop Martin was ordained on Our Lady's birthday).  But Eamon's First Communion day came and went, and we never heard back, and we certainly didn't tell him that his Gammy had reached out to his idol because we didn't want him to be disappointed.

But then...

...then...

...yesterday, my mom received a letter in the mail from Archbishop Eamon Martin!!!  He had sent a letter to Eamon saying that he would be praying for him on his First Holy Communion day and sent him a prayer card that he had signed.  



Eamon was thrilled!!  He hasn't stopped talking about it since!  I think I'll frame the letter and prayer card just in case his childhood dream comes true and he becomes Archbishop Eamon Martin II  :)

PAT SAYS

EAMON MARTIN OF ARMAGH - OUR BIG MEATBALL - DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO WRITE LETTERS TO PEOPLE ABOUT IMPORTANT ISSUES LIKE GAYNOOTH AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT PRIESTS - BUT HE HAS TIME TO WRITE TO LITTLE BOYS IN  AMERICA AND SEND THEM SIGNED PICTURES OF HIMSELF !

That little line: "PRIESTS DON'T HAVE TO KISS GIRLS" is interesting.

A few months ago in the HOTPRESS MAGAZINE our Eamon told us all that he was a heterosexual growing up and liked girls.

But then he became a priest - and a result of course he does not have to kiss them.

PRIESTS DON'T HAVE TO KISS GIRLS - THAT'S TRUE.

BUT OF LATE WE HAVE LEARNED THAT SEMINARIANS LIKE TO KISS SEMINARIANS.

WE HAVE ALSO LEARNED THAT PRIESTS LIKE TO KISS MEN.

AND INDEED - THAT PRIESTS LIKE TO KISS EACH OTHER.



Our Armagh priest ended his overnight communication with the following bit of fun:


Georgie Porgie
Georgie Porgie pudding and pie,
Kissed the girls and made them cry
When the boys came out to play,
He kissed them too
coz he liked it that way.

FATHER GEORGIE KISSES FATHER PORGIE



64 comments:

  1. Pat, you clearly have contact with someone within the inner circle in Armagh who has access to a lot of information, letters, emails etc. Its clear that this priest is unhappy with the current leadership in Armagh. I heard yesterday that you are sitting on more damning evidence regarding Eamon Martin - is that true?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can I just say for now that with a small number of others we are looking at things in Armagh and have concerns.

      Delete
  2. In all my years of ministry I have never witnessed a photo of a Bishop placing a Mitre on a child? What is the purpose of doing that? In my opinion Bishops should not only be intelligent but have some decorum and presence. Totally disgusted with that idiotic photo. The man should be ashamed of himself.
    PP Co. Mayo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PP, To me it seems like inappropriate behaviour?

      Delete
    2. Agree PP. This kind of 'getting down with the kidz' behaviour doesn't teach them to show respect. There are other ways to show you are approachable. Frankly it tells me that he doesn't have great interpersonal skills if he's reduced to acting like a clown. My priest is loved by all my children but he hasn't had to resort to silliness to gain their respect. He talks to them. Plain and simple. Mother of 3.

      Delete
    3. Oh, Jeez! Get a life. E. Martin was doing no harm. For Christ's sake, get off the man's back, you useless wankers.

      Delete
  3. 'That little line: "PRIESTS DON'T HAVE TO KISS GIRLS" is interesting." I am somewhat shocked at this comment - why exactly did you find that an interesting comment? At the risk of indulging psychological analysis myself, I would hazard that the point you are (not so subtly making) is extremely clear.

    I am taken aback that the innocent intentions of a child should be 'psychologised' in this way. Children are not fair game for this blog or any other blog for that matter. The whole blog today is a gross invasion of privacy.

    If this is the calibre of the "Armagh Priest", I think it is time to raise doubts about his psychological health. If indeed he does exist, I am not sure parish ministry is a suitable environment. The whole non-story seems like a fairly kind gesture on the part of Archbishop Martin, and I do not see the point being made (yes, I know that you are saying he should be dealing with more important issues, but let's not become absurd).

    There is a general problem in this blog over quite some period of time in that there is an inability to distinguish between a public interest story and invasion of privacy. I would suggest that it is addressed, and quickly.

    TRS

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. EVERYTHING on today's blog is and has been on the internet for some time.

      When you read blogs you should learn to not only read the lines but between them.

      I think the Mayo PP above makes an important point.

      I know that bishops and priests should be friendly and human.

      But do we not need a little gravitas too?

      Delete
    2. TRS wind your neck in and basically get a life. Many of us who read this blog like its refreshing honesty and clarity. If you don't like what you read then jog on.

      Delete
    3. In that case Bishop Pat, I stand corrected since the information was already in the public domain. Apologies for that in this instance. As for Anonymous @ 11:54, I do generally like what I read, which is why I read it. That does not mean I have to agree with everything and regularly I do not (and I stand by the general point on the boundaries between public interest and privacy - I don't think they are always properly observed). The whole nature of the blog is a free flow of opinions and ideas, and that is why it is interesting. If everyone 'jogged on' and let groupthink do its work, it would be a rather dull blog.

      TRS

      Delete
    4. TRS, you do not need to apologise to me at all. I respect your opinions. Its just that when something is "on the boil" I am not able to tell the whole story at one time.

      But please be assured that there is method in what I do.

      I like it that people disagree with me and it makes the blog vibrant.

      Always feel free to say what you want :-)

      Delete
    5. Thanks Bishop Pat; I wouldn't apologise for my opinion or expect anyone else to apologise for theirs, but in this case I got my facts wrong and so my comments were unfair. Opinions should always be based on facts. Anyway, I got it wrong and I think that deserves an apology. And unlike our fearless "Bishops", I am entirely fallible and have no difficulty admitting when I am wrong!

      TRS

      Delete
  4. Pool likkle Amy mamy still wants to be a bishop when he grows up. Kissing for big people is ok when it's appropriate

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh you make me laugh Sean! Thank you.

      Delete
  5. Fr. Pat is it true that Bishop Martin in Armagh has been called to Rome by Pope Francis? That's the word here in Armagh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had heard that too but have not been able to confirm it yet.

      Delete
    2. Do we have an "Armagh Problem"?

      PP Dublin.

      Delete
    3. In addition to the Ad Limina visit scheduled for January?

      TRS

      Delete
  6. The Maynooth bomb is about to explode in Rome.

    Seminarian

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are a wise and well informed seminarian.

      The "Maynooth Bomb" is not only made up of direct Maynooth explosives.

      Delete
    2. What about those alleged Grindr pictures from a couple of weeks ago? What ever came of that story? Were they fake?

      Delete
    3. 12.03 So what happens after the big bang. Lots of smoke and mirrors where's the action

      Delete
  7. As far as I know us women are about to take charge of most things
    Just like we always did

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol ! Right with you sister. Have you been drumming your finger nails on the kitchen table too...

      Delete
  8. I wonder where Rory Coyle fits into all of this?

    Armagh PP

    ReplyDelete
  9. Brown also in Rome after his cosy chat with Gay. Been told there will be no cosy chats going on at the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
    Irish Seminarian

    ReplyDelete
  10. All roads lead to Armagh......or was that Rome?.)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Rory should give up the garb, the clerical garb
    He had too many freebies at the expense of the laity.

    ReplyDelete
  12. If what I hear turns out to be true then I ask Archbishop Eamon to resign as soon as possible. Yes, Rory Coyle has a small part to play in a very sad and unfortunate set of circumstances.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What did you hear? Share it.

      Delete
    2. What's sad and unfortunate about a set of circumstances if it's morally wrong and corrupt???

      Delete
  13. People mocked you Pat for the Armagh Priest being non existent. We are now seeing that he does exist and that he has washed Armagh's dirty laundry not only in public but in St Peter's Square also. Its interesting and a coincidence that Magherafelt has been mentioned in the last few days. I am not including the present PP in what I have heard.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Fr Gates behaved honourable ,straightforward
    and respectful to close family of the deceased
    Eamon behaved hypocritical
    Even if not related to present goingson, I just wish to state this


    ReplyDelete
  15. Rory's
    Problem was created by whomever put him forward for ordination.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'm lost!!!
    Too much going on!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Bishop Pat this seems to be very fast moving today with developments. Can you keep us up to date please. Dublin PP

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dublin PP any idea why Archb Martin has not made public Priest appointments for 2016.

      Delete
  18. Hello Fr. Pat, were you at the Royal yesterday. I thought I saw you but I didn't want to talk to you in case it wasn't you. I was the fat girl with blond hair and you were good to my granny Maureen in divis.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep. It was me. Went with friend to an appointment.

      You should have said Hello.

      Please do next time x

      Delete
  19. Can I confirm that Bishop Pat accompanied me for the first time to the Royal for the first time and I was very apprehensive. He collected me from the bus, took me to the Royal and waited with me. He accompanied me to see the specialist, collected my medication for me and then took me for an extremely enjoyable meal after. I have never experienced such kindness in all my life, much less from a fellow Pries let alone a Bishop.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Good that you had a good experience, also there is a special bus from the Europebusstation
    I'm going for a scan tomoro, I will take the bus then walk to where my appointment is, not its not at the RoyaLi always like to do most medical stuff on my own.
    Good Pat that 2 people today appreciated your caring.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can I accompany you for your scan tomorrow? Pat cared for me and I would like to care for you. Pat has my details, I know what being on your own is like, please don't do that on your own.

      Delete
  21. Kissing seems to be the key word here today.
    AND....what was that yank thinking of, writing to Eamon, did he never read anything in the last 10 years about priests.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Yes I do live on my own.
    Better not, I don't want to cause a scandal.
    Thanks so much, what a kind person you are.X
    I never worry about scans...whatever will be will be.
    Leaving the car at home, bus is free.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed! Arriving for a scan with a younger priest :-)

      Delete
  23. Pat on a lighter note, maybe you could set up a meet and greet for all us newly single lol

    ReplyDelete
  24. Full admiration and respect for Archbishop Martin, a much loved Prelate here in Armagh and has brought a sense of humour and openness and far from being Conservative in any way as Primate.
    All what I'm reading is a little scary for me and no harm Pat, but I take your Vocation and blog very scantily, you really make me have a giggle! I'm not so certain if I can take you seriously going on your past, but still respect you.
    Armagh Parishioner.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you giggles do not turn to tears.

      Delete
    2. Please God not! Will deal with it if it does. I've waited before for your Doomsday scenario to mature and been waiting along time! Sorry, just saying.
      Armagh Parishioner.

      Delete
    3. Did the Rory situation not unnerve you? The Gaynooth problem? The Cardinal Brady and the boys? The Fr Mc Anerney story? All the abuse? The Magdalen Laundries? Etc

      My friend we are not awaiting doomsday.

      It has happened !

      Delete
    4. And we've moved on!!!
      Us Armagh folk are a strong, resilient people, we've had it all before, dealt with it and moved on! That's what life's about Pat. My life has had its difficulties and surprises and so has yours, I've moved on with a repentant heart which is good for the mind and body.
      You've been ingrained with the past for period of time which weighs heavily on the heart and mind, time to move on Pat and leave to future to grow!

      Delete
    5. The first person to talk sense on this blog!!

      Delete
    6. 20.38
      Maybe you have buried your head in the sand.
      Could be time to wake up and smell the coffee....burning

      Delete
  25. Ever since the Gaynooth scandal came to the fore, there have been indications that high-ranking, high profile clerical heads could start rolling.

    Indeed, "reading between the lines" and more from what has NOT been said - than from what HAS been said, this seems highly likely and close to occurring.

    Is this what is currently "on the boil" on this blog?

    There seems to be no other logical explanation for the 'tolerance' shown towards sexually promiscuous homosexual seminarians.

    These men are quite "in your face" with their immoral pursuits. No one challenges them or halts their progress towards the Holy Orders, for which they are utterly unsuitable and, of which, they are entirely unworthy.

    These are the Rory Coyles of the near future who will scandalise the faithful and bring the Church and priesthood into further disgrace and disrepute.

    It seems that they have "daddies" and even "mammies" in high places, who are also well acquainted with "Dorothy" and have been skipping merrily, along the Yellow Brick Road, towards that common destination of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow"!!!

    Steel yourselves, ladies and gentlemen, for the next series of earthquakes coming our way soon. It seems that Keith P O'Brien will soon have plenty of company in "retirement".

    Maybe they should all form a new "religious order" of former "retired" Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, "formators", Monsignori, Canons, priests, deacons and seminarians?

    The Little Handmaidens and Companions of St Dorothea of Oz?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are hitting the nail on the head.

      Sexually active gay seminarians and priests are being protected by gay people in higher places some who are active and some who are not but who are besotted with good looking seminarians and priests.

      The system is very powerful and very wealthy and are also hiding behind blind and fawning laity.

      But soon or later this bubble will burst.

      Keith O Brien was "at it" for 30 years.

      Delete
  26. So was Eamon caught kissing?

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thing is Pat, Rory's faithful following thought he left the altar and theN went on grinder.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think R fluctuated often between the altar and the Grindr.

      Delete
  28. "EAMON MARTIN OF ARMAGH - OUR BIG MEATBALL - DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO WRITE LETTERS TO PEOPLE ABOUT IMPORTANT ISSUES LIKE GAYNOOTH AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT PRIESTS - BUT HE HAS TIME TO WRITE TO LITTLE BOYS IN AMERICA AND SEND THEM SIGNED PICTURES OF HIMSELF!"

    I had a little chuckle at this one, Pat, seeing as you're EXTREMELY selective with what comments you post here.

    POT. KETTLE. BLACK.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Surely the only time high-ranking clerical heads 'roll' (while still being protected) is when they hit the secular media. Is this kind of publicity about to happen?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. We will see that happen. When? When the evidence stands up.

      Delete
    2. Remember the ordination service; it includes a requirement to remain above all suspicion. There is already lots of suspicion.
      CR

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