Thursday 1 March 2018

BISHOP JOHN MC AREAVEY RESIGNATION

JOHN MC AREAVEY

BISHOP JOHN MC AREAVEY, THE CATHOLIC BISHOP OF DROMORE IN NORTHERN IRELAND, MUST, MUST RESIGN OVER THE CASE OF THE SERIAL PAEDOPHILE PRIEST - MALACHY FINNEGAN - THE FORMER PRESIDENT OF ST. COLMAN'S COLLEGE, NEWRY!

FINNEGAN

Thanks to the BBC NORTHERN IRELAND programmes SPOTLIGHT and now THE NOLAN SHOW we now know the following:

1. Bishop McAreavy knew about Malachy Finnegan abusing in 1994.

2. Bishop McAreavey said Finnegan was reported to the police in 1998. The Nolan Show told us that the Church did not report Finnegan until 2006 when he was FOUR YEARS DEAD!

3. Bishop John McAreavey gave Finnegan a full priest's funeral in 2002.

4. Bishop John McAreavey concelebrated Mass with Finnegan in Hilltown in 2000 - the 150th anniversary of the parish.


As far as I am concern McAreavey has been more complicit in his dealings with a paedophile priest than another Irish bishop to date - including the disgraced Sean Brady.

John McAreavey has spent a lifetime as a senior canon lawyer wheeling and dealing and covering up for the whole Irish Church.

Now, thank God, Divine Providence and Lady Karma has come knocking on his door and his number is up.


Finnegan, apart from abusing boys for 30 years in St. Colman's College in Newry, abused other boys when he was the parish priest of Hilltown in County Down.

Yesterday the current parish priest has moved out of the parochial house where the abuse took place and has taken refuge in the presbytery in the nearby parish of Warrenpoint.


HILLTOWN PAROCHIAL HOUSE - HOUSE OF ABUSE AND RAPE


This is obviously out of fears for the safety of the current PP as the parochial house is a reminder to all of the abuse and rape that took place there.

Some parishioners in Hilltown want the parochial house knocked to the ground. I cannot blame them as it has become a "monument" to abuse and rape.

If I was John McAreavey I would send the ball and chain men in there immediately as a sign to the people that their cries of horror are being listened to.

This story is becoming the biggest abuse story in Irish Catholicism and has the potential to become even bigger than the Brendan Smyth story.

JOHN MC AREAVEY - GO - RESIGN NOW - AND DISAPPEAR INTO RETIRED OBSCURITY.

You are at the epicenter of this storm.

Only YOU can take the fierceness of this storm away.

This is ANOTHER MASSIVE NAIL IN THE COFFIN OF IRISH CATHOLICISM.

These issues will keep happening until we see an Irish bishop in handcuffs being brought in to a courthouse to be charged with withholding information, failing to report abuse or perverting the course of justice.

The first bishop in that position should be John McAreavey.




We should all be able to watch him being brought into Newry Court House in handcuffs to answer charges. 

But are the police - and the N. Ireland state - up to that challenge - or will political considerations prevent it.

JOHN MC AREAVEY - GO - RESIGN NOW - AND DISAPPEAR INTO RETIRED OBSCURITY.

Of course, we know that your episcopal colleagues will buy you a nice big house to live in, pay all your bills, give you a handsome annual salary, afford you a saint's funeral and bury you in a splendid manner.

But your name will be accursed and recorded in history alongside the name of Malachy Finnegan.

Do you ever wonder what it will be like when you die and have to face God and explain to him how you failed the good people of Dromore and especially its innocent child victims!





THIS MATTER IS NOW SO SERIOUS I WILL BE LEAVING THIS BLOG UP FOR AT LEAST TWO DAYS.


230 comments:

  1. His spokesperson contacted the Nolan show to say the programme was biased...really...is that all they can say.
    Why has no teacher the courage to own up and say they were there...they knew...and that they were too afraid just like the little boys.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. McAreavy was invited on the Nolan show last night.

      He did it have the courage or moral fibre to go on.

      If he will not take part then he cannot complain of bias.

      McAreavy must resign.

      He is a TOTAL DISGRACE.

      Those who defend him are A TOTAL DISGRACE.

      Delete
    2. The boys were warning each other not to get into Finnegan's car.

      Some priests and teachers knew and stayed silent for 30 years.

      Delete
    3. Pat, if the Assembly was sitting you could have used your political and journalist contacts to require the disgraced bishop of Dromore to give evidence to an Assembly Commitee, say the education committee. People who are called cannot refuse to attend.

      Have you no contacts in the House of Commons who could get him questioned by it's NI Affairs Committee. Attendance at it is also mandatory for those called before it.

      Delete
    4. But victim Sean said no-one knew and that he had to live with the secret and he was trapped..

      Delete
  2. Pat, I am very sorry for the abuse you endured at such a young age. You must be very strong to be able to have dealt with the horrific psychological, emotional and spiritual effects. Strong indeed. And no doubt your strong faith has helped you.

    I agree with you in saying that the effects of abuse appear to be commensurate with the degree of abuse suffered. 

    I know someone who was very badly sexually abused as a young boy. The abuse was sadistically sexual with inanimate objects used for anal penetration as well as the penis.

    This victim also suffers from bi-polar depression and severe anxiety with paranoia.


    The abuser was not a cleric but with the well documented history of sexual abuse and cover-ups in the Church, the victim has sentiments of strong repulsion and aversion towards bishops and priests.

    The ancillary observed effects of the above named abuse on this poor victim are: profound levels of psychological immaturity, warped view of love and sex, belief that God is bad, finds it hard to restrain emotions and act appropriately in certain situations. 

    I have followed this blog for a while Pat and have read many contributions which one could surmise quite accurately were made by clerics; and I really am shocked and saddened in that it appears that many seminarians and priests seem to be quite oblivious to the heinous and lifelong damage caused by the sexual abuse of minors. And it even appears that the Pope himself does not even fully comprehend the aforesaid.

    God bless Pat. And thanks for highlighting this issue which needs to be openly discussed and reflected on.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you.

      Thank God I was strong it suffered terribly until I was 40.

      Then through therapy I became a new man.

      Delete
  3. I noticed on the Nolan Radio programme this morning that a caller made a reference to the wrongdoing of Cardinal Sean Brady. Nolan was obviously ‘got at’ by someone in Armagh because he referred to the comment later in the programme and stated twice and categorically that there was no evidence whatsoever that The Wounded Healer was guilty of anything. No doubt Nolan will talk further about all of this on his bbc 5 live radio programme tonight in Manchester.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All the Wolves in sheeps clothing will be out defending McAreavy now.

      McAreavy please GO!

      Delete
  4. DEACON GORGEOUS

    With regard to ex-deacon Byrne (or does the indelible sacramental sign of deacon remain with him for ever ? - more silly, self-serving clerical nonsense !): the pictures are revealing. 

    Firstly, he is a narcissistic individual who thinks rather a lot of himself, and particularly his looks. If he had been allowed to go forward to priestly ordination, he would have been given a pedestal to show off even further, and would have used the priesthood as a vehicle to further his own ambitions and comfort. The Church and the people are well off without him. 

    Secondly, the picture of him with some mid 20s guys, all carefully groomed and tanned, evidently on holiday somewhere warm, is a group picture of young gay men. Byrne is definitely sending a message that this is his milieu. He is quite entitled to move in those circles and to lead that life if he so wants, and is protected by law and increasing acceptance by society. However, he is not entitled to live that kind of life and be a priest in the Roman Catholic Church. He took at ordination as a deacon a promise of celibacy, not to mention the call to chastity which is the calling of each Christian. But, Byrne and others just think that they can ignore all that and do what they want to do. Have their cake and eat it, as the saying goes, and often quoted about the Brits and Brexit. The Church, and we the people, are better off without Byrne and his deceptions. I wish him well in whatever else he wants to do - was their some talk of joining the Garda Siochana ? Perhaps he will help them to up their diversity and equality statistics. We don't need him in the Church - we already have our quota of gay men who think they can have their cake and eat it, thank you ! 

    One thing I will say for + Pat is that he is at least outwardly honest about who and what he is and what he is offering. There is an integrity to that position. What you see is what you get. And I respect + Pat for that. With Byrne and Co there is no integrity, just subversion and dishonesty.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you.

      I am not looking any praise though.

      I am a gay man, a victim of childhood abuse, who loves being a priest and is living openly in a committed relationship.

      We are all sinners.

      But some are wheelers and dealers, liars, and trying to fool people.

      Let us all be honest.

      Delete
  5. DEACON GORGEOUS

    Well said, 11: 23 - you express the thoughts of many on “Gorgeous” Byrne.

    He certainly seems to have “got over” the whole priesthood thing very quickly, doesn’t he? 

    Remember the nauseating “NOT ALL GOOD-LOOKING GUYS GET MARRIED - SOME OF THEM BECOME PRIESTS”??

    Pat, well done on pursuing the Byrne scandal. You have spared the faithful of Dublin diocese from an extremely unsuitable and worthy man, who was seeking ordination, for his own selfish and narcissistic ends.

    I can’t help wondering though - has he been paid hush money? 

    Does Diarmuid Martin lie awake at night worrying that some fine morning Byrne will throw his sex toys out of the bed and ring the Sunday World with his stories?

    What about his patron - the Canon?

    The entire episode is a sign of deep rottenness and corruption.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In paragraph 4 it should read “unworthy” of course.

      Jack Byrne is a cynical manipulator - an utterly crass individual, head over heels in love, with himself.

      The fact that he managed to get as far as the diaconate is, in itself, a damning indictment of the screening, discernment and formation processes, of those presenting themselves as candidates for the priesthood.

      It exposes the utter corruption and/or incompetence of those overseeing those processes and who have been entrusted with the task of preventing dangerous, unworthy and unsuitable men, men like Byrne and “King Puck”, slipping through the net.

      Concerned observer, Dublin.

      Delete
    2. It also says something about Diarmuid Martin???

      Delete
    3. It does indeed speak volumes about Diarmuid Martin. What those volumes contain is the subject of much speculation.

      Had you not pursued this case, Pat, this man would now be a priest of Dublin diocese.

      It’s absolutely shocking and very worrying. It calls into serious question the calibre of others currently in formation and the competence of those entrusted with their formation.

      Delete
    4. Whats happened to Fr Chris Derwin? He's gone missing

      Delete
  6. GORGEOUS

    IF, IF, Gorgeous has left priestly studies he is a free, young, gay man and is free to live the lifestyle he wishes.

    It would be better for him if he were not consumed with self vanity of course.

    Youthful good looks disappear quickly and it is inner beauty that lasts.

    Having said that I believe that Gorgeous was used sexually by many clerics in Maynooth, Dublin and Rome.

    One day he will tell his story.

    Let us wish him a good future.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You seem OBSESSED by Byrne... Just give it a rest, will you?

      Delete
    2. I too hope that JB will tell his story one day before it is too late, and that he realises that he is only being facilitated because some are afraid that he will tell his story. It will be healthy for him to see those guys who are acting, in thought and deed, no different than he attending at various ceremonies in the places of honour.

      Delete
  7. The Facebook page tells me much.
    main pic was taken around 2 years ago, bet he isn’t that handsome now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is reported that he is adding weight and years?

      Hopefully he will discover the importance of inner beauty.

      Delete
    2. I sense a very strange way of being for the ex deacon.
      He uses an old picture of himself.
      Very strange indeed for someone moving on and letting go.

      Delete
    3. We still do not know if he is "moving on".

      Delete
  8. Pat id love to have a priest as my friend i like the older priests. some people are lucky to have had a priest for a close friendship.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just make sure it is a caring friendship and not use or abuse.

      Delete
  9. Thing is Stephen may not be aware of the Brady scandal...YET...he does have everything well researched before he will comment on anyone...or allow others to comment.
    I think Mc Areavy should be interrogated by legal panel...there should now be a full investigation.Resigning won’t be enough for the families ruined over the years.
    Back in 1968 the boys were warned by other boys ...those teaching then need to come out of the woodwork and tell us what they know or don’t know

    ReplyDelete
  10. 11:23 & 11:25 I don't think the picture is evidently "Gay"!

    Straight guys, happy with their sexuality show remarkably little anxt about closeness and horsing around with their male friends. I'm glad Jack appears to have some good mates. I don't think anything about how Jack feels regarding his clerical state / previous clerical state can be inferred from his limited public profile. I hope his new road does indeed lead into a beautiful sunset and happy dawn, that is what I read he is hoping, from his profile / cover picture. Bishop Mc Areavey should go, but it befits no Christian to curse anyone. That picture of the child on a Bishop's back to illustrate a point, in my opinion, is too graphic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tom, the picture illustrates the point that bishops have turned their backs on children who were "crucified".

      Delete
    2. Seems those young boys grew up, the dirty bugga forgot that.
      Tom where did you read than any of us are cursing Mc Areavy.
      I don’t feel sorry for him
      I feel nothing for him or Brady.
      I feel for the good men who are devoted to their faith.

      Delete
    3. Is finnegan worse than Smyth
      What is readers opinion ?
      I would say worse.

      Delete
    4. I think he is.

      He was a priest, teacher and school principal.

      He abused children placed in his care.

      Delete
    5. May god forgive those who said and did nothing
      You all know who you are.
      Imagine sending your lovely adored son to a place like that...at a 11 years of age.
      My son used to get up before the rest of us his family to serve mass...praise the Lord a million million times he wasn’t abused

      Delete
    6. 13:16 + Pat above "But your name will be accursed and recorded in history alongside the name of Malachy Finnegan."

      Thank you for your explanation Pat @ 12:58. I found the picture especially disturbing because it appears to be derived from a real photo suggesting a real person and wondered if an abstract picture might have conveyed the same meaning. With regard to the subject matter, it is right, of course, that we are disturbed and remain so, in solidarity with the abused who cannot "Not Be Disturbed"so that justice can and must be done and lessons learnt that result in procedures being adopted that safeguard everyone.

      Delete
  11. Bishop Buckley, are you still a priest to this day?

    ReplyDelete
  12. 13.21. Pat, I am ashamed as a Priest to read yet again of complete irresponsibility and mismanagement of abuse by a Bishop in relatiin to clerical abuse. I agree that the Bishop should resign. I hope and pray that all survivors receive necessary support, assistance and counselling but above all justice. Most priests like myself continue to be the best we can be against a bleak landscape which makes us question our original decision for priesthood. Yet, we stay and look after those entrusted to our care but let me assure you, most priests are horrified at ongoing revelations. In this respect it is very discouraging and unsettling when the commentary suggests that we're all corrupt. Very disingenuous too when you give the impression that priests in general couldn't care less. Many of us do have a conscience and work with dedication and commitment. Yes, each of us must look to our own hearts and question our response. I wish I could bring healing and justice to all survivors. But I am very challenged each day about Church and Priesthood.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Father for your service and commitment and for living out your Priestly vows.

      Delete
    2. Dear Fr 14:40 whilst your response seems genuine and heartfelt I must admit I am not thoroughly convinced by some of your assertions in the second half of your comment.

      I spent time in seminary and whilst there were indeed many good men there I did notice an all pervasive "look the other way" attitude when met with some very questionable and unsavoury behaviour by confreres.

      Now this general attitude was obviously fomented by a fear of being expelled upon revelation to the formation team of above mentioned behaviour. However, upon reflection of my time in seminary, such "fear" was at root just plain selfishness masquerading as "prudence". It also, I believe, bespoke of a serious lack of moral fibre and courage necessary to be a true pastor of Christ.

      True prudence requires taking decisive action when warranted in order to protect the faithful and vulnerable from scandal and abuse respectively.

      If the majority if priests and bishops did genuinely care about rooting out abuse, such abuse would be very scant indeed.

      Delete
    3. Father, I understand what you are saying.

      However, do you not think it has now gotten to the point where you are serving a massively corrupt entity?

      Can any number of good people at your level change anything.

      For my part, I am very grateful not to be part of it any longer.

      Delete
    4. 16:07

      An excellent comment.

      Can individual good men change a system that is almost thoroughly corrupt.

      Another Thought

      If McAeavey goes they will replace him by someone like Hugh Connolly or Tim Bartlett.

      In a "rat" kingdom all those promoted will be greater or lesser "rats".

      Delete
    5. 16.07: In response to my comments at 14 40, I can categorically say that in my 7 years as a student I didn't witness abuse of any kind but I did have suspicions about some individuals and friendships. However such were the parameters of interaction and boundaries I did not ever witness any abuse. I found some of my formation to be excellent but lacking in human, sexual and psychological imput. Spiritual formation was reasonably good. As the 80's/90's unfolded I was shocked and stunned at the scale of clerical abuse. Then I expressed my horror, asked many questions, spoke out against the reckless cover ups etc...It deepened my resolve to live the ideals and vision I had about priesthood. I am inspired by the witness of many priests and religious and am grateful to God that, despite all that's happening, the people with whom and for whom I work are kind, appreciative and supportive. However, it is becoming more difficult to have the dedication I once had. I don't believe I am complicit in any abuse of any kind by staying within the Church. I respond to any wrong or abuse by following procedures and try as best I can to do what is right and just. Sweeping condemnations and name calling are unhelpful.

      Delete
  13. Thank you for your post, wish more would post likewise instead of criticism of Pat....he is doing good work with his blog.
    None of us Catholics want to have to read about our neighbours boys being abused
    Btw, I haven’t read here that all priests are corrupt, but yes by your ( as in your colleagues) silence we feel you don’t care enough.
    We have had enough of coverup, more than enough.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Pope Francis knew for two years about an abusing priest in a deaf children's school in Argentina and did nothing about it.

    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/pope-francis-child-sex-abuse-priest-paedophile-letter-vatican-argentina-a7498431.html

    ReplyDelete
  15. Tom if u look up the meaning of accursed there are 2 options.
    So yes Mc Areavy wd fall into all those words associated with option 2.
    So please don’t jump on Pat unnecessarily.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I mean reprimand....my use of jump isn’t appropriate....sorry Tom

      Delete
    2. That's ok, 16:00 / 17:25 I have viewed option 2 and recognise the difference. Apologies to + Pat and anyone else offended. (That "Bless, don't Curse" bit of scripture is one etched in my mind.)

      Delete
  16. This Pope has quietly lifted sanctions on abuser priests.

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/02/25/pope-quietly-trims-sanctions-sex-abusers-seeking-mercy/98399022/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I read yesterday that he has re introduced the committee that Marie Collins resigned from.
      And apparently will see documents of those he didn’t believe existed

      Delete
  17. Where does John McAreavey live? Is it actually in Dromore? I hear families are refusing to let him Confirm their children, talk about losing all credibility. Surely the writing is on the wall - Go!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John McAreavey lives in the grounds of St Colman's College - where he is chairman and where the abuse too place !!!

      Delete
    2. I hate to say this, but people should prepare themselves for McAreavey's definitive refusal to resign. He will not go.

      Delete
    3. At last he caves in.
      Wonder will that excuse him from questioning.?

      Delete
    4. You posted too soon Magna.
      He knew he was guilty and more importantly....he knew that we knew he was guilty.

      Delete
    5. I am happily eating my words at 17:33. Apparently, McAreavey has indeed resigned.

      (Er, will someone oass the salt, please?)🍴

      Delete
    6. Goodness, Magna, eating your own words at last. Hope you've got some antacids in the medicine cabinet next to the hangover remedies.

      Delete
    7. I would have agreed with you, MC. It is rare indeed that these guys resign. It was astonishing that Bishop McAreavey, who was responsible for a lot of the distress this case caused, should think that he could be the healer. Have they no insight?

      Delete
    8. Don't need either. Real men are made of tougher stuff. But then, you wouldn't know, would you?😆

      Delete
    9. No. I'm a woman, as I've told you several times before. But then you don't listen.

      Delete
    10. Which is why I said: 'But then, you wouldn't know, would you?'😆

      Braindead.😅

      Delete
  18. And let's not forget that Pope Francis issued a personal invitation to the disgraced Cardinal Danneels of Brussels to have a leadership role at the two Synods on the family, despite him covering up at least one abuse case.

    Does this suggest that we can look forward to McAreavey, the Wounded Healer and Joe Duffy concelebrating at the Papal Mass during the World Meeting of Families in Dublin?

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/sep/10/belgium-child-abuse-catholic-church

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. WMOF 2018 in Dublin is a joke! I, as a priest wouldn't dream of attending such a big fiesta when the church in Ireland is practically on its knees. We are finished as a church and all the Irish bishops can do is spend €20 million on this extravaganza (and they have the cheek to ask ordinary decent catholics to pay for it).

      Delete
    2. Lol only 5,500 people have registered for WMOF 2018. You have registered, and also for a session in the RDS in order to get a ticket for the closing Papal Mass, which will in reality a Requiem Mass for the Church in Ireland.

      https://www.irishcatholic.com/5500th-milestone-registration-wmof2018-reached/

      Delete
    3. I meant you must have registered. You cannot just turn up for the closing Mass. Bartlett is terrified it will fail.

      Delete
    4. You also must pay for a session in the RDS to get a ticket to the Papal Mass, so effectively you are buying a ticket for the Mass. Why don't they sell Clonliffe and fund the visit that way? What on Earth is Clonliffe used for now?

      Delete
  19. Pat, have you seen the homoerotic Vatican postage stamp for 2018?

    http://www.vaticanstate.va/content/vaticanstate/en/servizi/ufficio-filatelico-e-numismatico/emissioni-filateliche/ultime-emissioni/pasqua-2018.html

    ReplyDelete
  20. I meant Easter 2018, building on the naked man in the St Peter's Square crib? Is the Vatican actually laughing at the Catholics who visit it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. *******


      JOHN MC AREAVEY HAS JUST RESIGNED.


      *********

      Delete
    2. The right thing and he is now in need of our prayers.

      Delete
    3. Definitely a cop out...he should have been removed
      By whom...I’ve no idea
      Anyone??????

      Delete
    4. He is in need of a very big inquisition....
      It’s the victims that need our prayers
      Are you one of those priests with no moral fibre.
      Why hadn’t the Armagh boss Martin opened his big gob?
      Is he under the douvet too?

      Delete
    5. Oh for f sake pray for the victims that came out of the shadows

      Delete
    6. And now Buckley will think he’s some sort of God because he said he should resign. I honestly don’t think this little group of dissenters has anything to do with it.

      Go and say a rosary for the conversion of so many sinners and for purity in the Church.

      Delete
    7. Say the rosary if u want to, don’t let us little group of dissenters(whatever that means) stop you.
      My prayer is for me to decide.you ain’t in the confessional here doling out penance.

      Delete
    8. Can we also say the rosary for courage for all the other victims to ask for healing and justice, for the courage to relive their abuse a thousand times and survive, and can we pray also for repentance for ourselves for not praying these prayers in the past. You, at 00.07 want prayers for church purity. Well, the evidence of this blog in the past year is that a number of seriously impure men were blocked from being ordained priests and spreading their impurity. This didn't happen by reasoned bishops doing their job - no, it was pressure from others who gave them no choice.

      Delete
  21. Yes, it was on the News earlier that Bishop Mc Areavey had decided to resign.

    ReplyDelete
  22. At least J McAreavey had the decency to go unlike some others who still cock a snoop at the victims. The worry now is who will be his successor.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. McAreavey had the decency to go? Are you braindead? McAreavey was forced out; he had no choice.

      Had McAreavey even a modicum of decency, he would not have accepted his episcopal appointment in the first place.

      Delete
  23. Hi. Sorry. Bad choice of words by me at 1746. He needs our prayers and of course the victims needs our prayers more. The whole thing is a mess and any other Clergy who have hidden anything also need to to be outed and thrown out

    ReplyDelete
  24. He has resigned, so the obvious gloating on here by Pat and others should stop. What more do you want now, blood? The baying mob should be content that their wish has been granted. How many more comments are going to take pleasure at discussing his resignation and why he should have resigned. Pat , you must be ecstatic to leave this blog up for the next few days because you were having a few bad news days.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am not ecstatic.

      But I feel the victims were listened to.

      Delete
    2. It wasn't just the Church Pat that is guilty of inaction in this case as well you know Pat. The police never listened to the victims, took their story seriously and more importantly took NO action against Finnegan. I've never seen any criticism of them on here today but that wouldn't suit your agenda Pat. Just kick McAreavey and kick the Church with cheap snide remarks and kick the Pope while your at it.

      Delete
  25. 18.57 where are we gloating?...but thanks to Stephen Nolan and the victims Mc Areavy has been exposed as a coverupper...and a deceitful cleric.
    Why are demonising Pat, he just put up a blog about what was on the news in his absence.
    I don’t have any pleasure...but we as the catholic people are entitled to discuss this here.
    Where is your compassion for the abused.?.? YOU haven’t even mentioned them.
    I hope you are not a mass sayer .
    We can post about this for as long as we feel the need to.
    Now go away.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You want me to 'go away'because you are another one gloating and taking pleasure in someone else's demise. Truth hurts doesn't it.

      Delete
    2. 20.12
      I’m hurt because children were abused in a supposedly safe place
      Now go away..I’m not interested in gloating....I’m crying

      Delete
  26. I'm glad that this man has resigned. I remember well one particular incident when I was a student in Maynooth - one day he rather nastily said to a friend of mine who was a member of the Church of Ireland, "you do realise that you're not in the fullness of the faith". (Fr. Oliver Treanor was also very unecumenical and would not speak to a friend of mine because he'd left the seminary).

    ReplyDelete
  27. It took a team effort by victims Pat, Spotlight, the parents who declined Confirmation from him to unseat him. It's shocking that it took so much pressure to get rid of a man who's whole life has been spent telling other people what to do.

    I hope that parents who are fobbed off with Cardinal Brady and Joe Duffy will act in the brave way that the Dromore parents did. And, probably a pipe dream, that Francis will be challenged when he comes to Ireland. Healing can only start when denial stops.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Is Brady still going round turning up at the opening of an envelope? He doesn't even enjoy social interaction. One of the crueller nicknames he had in the Irish College was "the traffic light" in that at parties, receptions and events he stood still and went red.

      Delete
    2. And the Belfast Telegraph. There was probably an email from the Nuncio saying that Francis didn't want this overshadowing his Dublin jamboree, in the way that Bishop Barros put the skids under the Papal visit to Chile.

      Delete
  28. Not forgetting Stookie Nolan whose Twitter page is very active now about this.

    ReplyDelete
  29. The good thing about the vocations crisis is that all the boarding departments of the boys' Catholic boarding schools in NI/RoI have closed and there is just a handful of priest teachers in schools, which will help avoid a repeat of Fr Finnigan and his ilk.

    Some amount of dynamite was needed to dislodge McAreavey.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Nolan didn't reveal this story he nicked it from Spotlight and jumped on the bandwagon. His radio show today was the laziest piece of journalism I have ever known as a journalist myself. He virtually copied everything from his tv programme last night with little content added but was mere repetition. The credit should go to BBC spotlight instead who uncovered this story first not Stephen Nolan. Maybe he should investigate Kincora but then again it was mostly military and Orangemen involved.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And as for the abuse of children, there are people who have been given a government pardon in the NI Statelet and early release who were involved in the murder of children. So lets stop gloating over our now retired bishop John McAreavey.

      Delete
    2. I agree with you, 20:22. Huge chunks of Nolan's radio show were regurgitation from the night before.

      Repetitive and lazy, certainly.

      And yes, boring, too...not the harrowing story itself, but the vapid and fatuous way it was told by Nolan. I listened to it on BBC I player radio, and I wanted to switch it off; but out of respect for Finnegan's victims, I continued dutifully listening.

      The story, and the victims, deserved better journalistic coverage than this.

      Delete
    3. Stephen Nolan is not a journalist. He's a shock jock who uses up a huge chunk of BBC NI's news and current affairs budget so that he can be a controversialist who entertains pensioners, the unemployed and other economic inactives such as Gerard from Clonard and the East Belfast Protestant Lady.

      Delete
    4. Oh, he engages in journalism, all right, though not professionally. A dilettante, then. But a good one!

      Delete
    5. If you want to really rile Nolan on air accuse him @ 21.22 of being a ‘shock jock’ lol because it makes him go ballistic. There are a few skeletons in his own personal life he doesn’t want people to know about - believe me.

      Delete
    6. 22:02, that is slander and your IP address is recorded with google. Would you like to elaborate on these ‘skeletons’?

      Delete
    7. @01.23 Catch yourself on you eejit.

      Delete
  31. He's resignwd

    ReplyDelete
  32. The defenestration of the dodgy bishop has knocked #BeastFromTheEast & #StormEmma into second place in the BBC NI running order. That's some achievement. The front pages tomorrow will be a good read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Irish Times front page shows it's a minor news item. We don't live in awe of bishops and their doings any more.

      Delete
    2. That's because it's a Free State paper so a Northern Ireland story is foreign news.

      Interesting newspaper, the Irish Times. For most of its history it wouldn't let a Catholic be so much as a printer, messenger or cub reporter, never mind the idea of Catholic editor.

      Until the late 1960s it still carried ads saying no Cstholic

      Delete
  33. 18.57....what a nasty post, are you Mc Areavy or a close associate?
    I’m am here ,not to gloat, but because I am so angry that my neighbours young boys were abused.
    Where is your anger in this.?
    Where is your concern for all these victims?.
    This is not over, we might talk about this awful abuse for months.
    So you can take your ‘ gloating ‘ post elsewhere, because this isn’t over by a long,long chalk.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anger won't help the victims, it never achieved anything. I thought in this part of the world we have heard the lessons of anger.

      Delete
    2. Anger alerts us to injustice, to evil. Anger is natural and good in face of these.

      Delete
    3. You are the expert on anger on the blog you buffoon.

      Delete
    4. No; Jesus is the expert on anger...righteous anger. Remember the Temple precincts' outburst? The money changers et alii are still smarting from that one, I can tell you.😆

      Delete
  34. Now youve got your pound of flesh move on to your next rant against the church you were borne into.

    ReplyDelete
  35. John McAreavey.... a disgrace to the human race.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer at the Island of Papa Stronsay are willing to take in this 'disgrace to the human race'.

      Delete
    2. He could move in with Cardinals Mahoney, Danneels, Maradiaga. They have big palaces and a lot in common. The Hilltown presbytery is also available, need to get the industrial cleaners in first.

      Delete
  36. No need for a new Bishop of Dromore or a Diocese of Dromore - split the Diocese up between Armagh and Down and Connor

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Who the f cares...those lovely people don’t need a bishop, they are far too good Christians to need a sponging draped and robed man showing off a ring.
      Most posting here are deeply upset at what happened to our children all those years ago...and it looks like even the dogs on the street knew about Finnegan...so whoever is moaning about our anger and distress just move away and let us grieve,
      Thanks Magna x

      Delete
    2. If the dogs on the street knew then why didn’t you know about it? If it was more widespread that people talked about it way back then - why didn’t the community not hear these whispers. I think the wider community in Newry and beyond also have questions to answer about what they knew. We hear nothing about the identity of the woman who gave the victim money on behalf of Finnegan - everyone has gone quiet about her. Did she live in the Hilltown community? I get the feeling the people of Hilltown knew more and are not saying.

      Delete
  37. The foul fiend has resigned.

    https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/john-mcareavey-resigns-as-bishop-amid-abuser-controversy-1.3412121

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, we had already gathered that news about four hours ago. Did you not read the earlier posts or are you just a bit thick.

      Delete
  38. The wretch has gone into hiding for a period of months.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you are so sure about your idle gossip and silly accusations @21.36 perhaps you could tell us where he is if you are in the know (not).

      Delete
    2. I feel sure he's on his way to Papa Stronsay.

      Delete
  39. Joe Mc Guinness of Clogher will get the Dromore gig!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, he won't.

      Delete
    2. The dissolution of Dromore will probably follow the disgraced bishop's downfall, especially with all the claims still to be settled.

      Delete
    3. Ireland has far too many dioceses, with 26 for a nominal Catholic population of 3.7m. In Germany there are 27 dioceses for a nominal Catholic population of 23.3m.

      Delete
  40. Bishop McAreavey has been in a quandary about what to do with regards to staying or going, particularly more so this morning. He took advice first thing from the Papal Nuncio who told him to sit tight, accuse the media (BBC in particular) of bias against him and to stay in Office as Bishop. As the day went on and intense pressure increased, Bishop John decided to go against the Nuncios’ advice and decided himself to step down with immediate effect. I think this tells us more about the Nuncio than it does about John McAreavey.
    Co. Down Priest

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The new Nuncio is a Francis appointment so he probably, like his boss, favours a light touch in these matters.

      This very morning, the Catholic Herald listed as a "Catholic must read" a recent NCR interview with Cardinal Mueller, former head of the CDF. He talks about Francis' summary dismissal of expert and competent abuse-hunters, without any Papal explanation, and interventions in church judicial purposes to help perpetrators, all in the name of mercy.

      I hope that the Irish media turn up the heat on Francis ahead of his visit.

      Delete
  41. You see Fr, this nuncio thinks that us Irish are all ignoramous gombeens.
    Of course Mc Areavy copped on at long last.His head was stuck in the sand long enough.
    Just a pity Arleen hadn’t done the same thing over a year ago.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Irish people can be assured that the Papal Nuncio regards them with the respect they deserve.

      Delete
  42. Fake news re/Nuncio who would not dream of influencing the conscience choice of Mc Areavey.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How would you know, do you work for him. I believe to be that you are the fake.

      Delete
    2. No, I am not fake... Definitely not.

      Delete
    3. Oh I think you are. Definitely yes.

      Delete
  43. Game set and match to our Mandy on the Spotlight team.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Will Dermot Farrell be the only bishop who formed part of the Maynooth staff now? he will be installed Sunday week and the reception will be in the Lyrath 5 star Hotel.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael Neary of happy Maynooth memory still gloriously reigning. Breandan Leahy ditto.

      Delete
    2. Neary and Leahy were not part of the Seminary Council.

      Delete
    3. The questioner mentioned staff not council. We all know that.

      Delete
  45. Arise the Most Rev Timothy Bartlett, Lord Bishop of Dromore

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. Oily spin doctor Bartlett. Exactly what Dromore needs! He’s practicing donning and doffing the mitre he’s had, since 2nd Divine, as we speak.

      Delete
    2. How would you know what Dromore needs? Some people on here speculating on who the next Bishop of Dromore will be are arrogant and stupid beyond compare. That decision will be made far from these shores and will probably take one year or more. So stop your silly speculating.

      Delete
  46. So John McAreavey has gone. How many other bishops are sitting on stuff,yet to be exposed, which will cause them to step down as well. I bet there are many a one sleeping uneasy at night just waiting for the knock on the door.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Can we stop the speculation about future bishops...people don’t care.
    The victims of abuse are the concern here on this blog.
    HOW MUCH MORE IS STILL UNDER THE CARPET ?


    ReplyDelete
  48. So Mcareavy is gone. I don't see this as a triumph but a step in the right direction. Will he be like Brady going round like an unemployed Christmas tree. When will positive change be evident. Everyone seems to step down these days in the face of adversity. When will things start to be fixed or in the words of scripture the kingdom start to be restored

    ReplyDelete
  49. Who will be the next douchebag to fall, +Pat? Papa Stronsay can't take them all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The SMAs in Dromantine outside Newry would be a much better fit, though unfortunately Drumantine it's closing next year (lack of vocations).

      Delete
    2. Religious have never made good Bishops, Basil Hume, Mark Jable, Michael Campbell, dare I go on.... you clearly don’t know much about Bishop appointments, best to stop nominating silly names and suggestions.

      Delete
  50. Will the future bishop be an unknown from Poland, or sub-Saharan Africa? I wonder.

    ReplyDelete
  51. God help whoever else is under Stephen’s scrutiny.
    He’s coming to get them
    Praise the Lord the ocean of victims are now finding their courage to come out and get the help they deserve.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Wasn’t it Hegerty the pretend senile one who once said( during the Smyth scandal) that victims should not talk about their abuse as it would make them worse.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Read the book Breaking the Silence by Martin Ridge. Hegarty and Boyce and the top priests in Raphoe were sooo crafty

      Delete
    2. It is an outrage that Hegarty's right hand man who ran the diocese after Hegarty departed and Boyce started is still running a school when there is such a cloud of suspicion about cover up.

      Delete
  53. Squillions!!!

    ReplyDelete
  54. A man’s ruin lies in his tongue.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thought it lay in his pants.

      Delete
  55. Obviously, post Jimmy Savile, the "wounded healer" ploy, or the "Vatican will not accept resignation" strategy will no longer work for them.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Investigate the missing Maynooth seminarian.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Missing? They are usually described as "disappeared".

      Delete
    2. Is he AWOL or kicked out for... well, you know.

      Delete
    3. Has he been harvested by the LGBTQ community like most, if not all, of the "disappeared"?

      Delete
    4. None of our business ..

      Delete
  57. Is this seminarian real?


    Is there a "problem" with a current Kerry seminarian? I do not mean Puck either.

    ReplyDelete
  58. My understanding is that many Dromore priests will be glad to see McAreavey gone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I imagine the weather is preventing him being taken to a monastery... for the rest of his life.

      Delete
  59. Pat, while the country is in the grip of a Siberian snow, wind and ice blast, your main concern is the rejoicing in the downfall of a Bishop. While I believe the Bishop has made the right decision and while my thoughts and prayers are with all who were abused, I don't believe in the hatefilled, gleeful and venomous language thrown at Bishop McAreavy. Yes, his decisions in the past were wrong, which caused hurt and pain to survivors, but vengance has no role in how the story evolves from here. Today, since we are all homebound, let's pray for all who were abused: pray that they will receive healing and justice. Having experienced an abuse once in my life, I have some awareness of the prolonged pain and inner torment but I have also discovered that vengance has no role in healing and, thankfully, through therapy, I learned to let go of my abuser, who received his justice. (A family friend). As for Bishop McAreavy, the outpouring of scorn and venom towards him will do little for survivors. Pat, being Friday, where is the reflective, nourishing, inspiring blog as requested and promised?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am shocked to see you defending McAreavey & Co!

      Vengeance has a role in this affair - the Vengance of The Lord!

      The old Irish people would have called you a "bishop's bum boy".

      I too was abused. I too have forgiven my abuser.

      The only ones who can forgive Finnegan are his victims and later God.

      Anger and Vengance seeking can be stages on the road to healing.

      Have you not seen the Hilltown victim say today on the BBC that McAreavey's departure has given him some relief?

      We have bishops like McAreavey because we have excuses like you!

      Delete
    2. BBC NI thinks it's a bigger story than the snow.

      Delete
    3. To 13.02, how can the abused get 'healing and justice' from church abusers if people act like you? Do you, or do you think Bishop McAreavey has any idea of the damage he has done to the church and to the faith of people for decades to come? The bishop has resigned because others had the courage of their convictions. And, how lucky were you that you saw your abuser, whom you accused of 'an abuse', receive his come up pence. It must have brought you a little relief. I wonder did the one you accuse of 'an abuse', did he admit the damage he did? Because if they did, you got more than the church abused get.

      Delete
    4. Pat at 13.22 and others, re: my 13.02 post. I am not an apoligist for Bishop McAreavy. I welcome his resignation but I understand fully that the hurt and pain will go on for life for those who were/are abused. Pat, I do not appreciate your judgment in saying we have Bishops like McAreavy because "we have excuses like you". These words are offensive and ignorant. For me personally, having gone through therapy and having indepth insight into the effects of abuse, I find your words astonishing and most unenlightened. To even suggest I would excuse the Bishop is absurd. My thoughts and prayers are fundamentay with all who were/are abused - survivors, like myself. For me, it was necessary and essential to move out of "vengance" and follow a pathway of healing. My abuser received his justice through the courts. I have peace now, thank God. For many, their journey will be very different and I respect that. There were many people around me who wanted to seek revenge but in time that attitude only brought further hurt to me. My point being - when I learned to let go of my abuser, I found light in my darkness.

      Delete
    5. The kick the church bandwagon goes on and on, there are teenagers in John McAreaveys home town of Banbridge dying from drug abuse which is being conveniently swept under the carpet by the establishment while a Catholic Bishop is outed for the sins of a dead paedophile. Now that you have got your pound of flesh, why not focus your attention to the issue of Loyalist paramilitaries killing children with illegal drugs with impunity, while our state sponsored police force bust themselves trying to nail down unsuspecting motorists. This is an immoral corrupt little statelet and Bishop McAreavey is the least of your worries if youre so bloody concerned about child protection.

      Delete
    6. 18.01
      Get on to Stephen Nolan, he will sort it out for you.
      Or report what you know to the PSNI
      Posters on here have no idea what you talking about
      Child abuse is deplorable in whatever form it is
      So you are under an obligation to report what you see going on.
      Obviously Mc Areavey didn’t that’s why he had to resign.

      Delete
    7. Dear 13.02 we have to let the abused take time to heal...if ever
      We have to let them vent their anger and that includes us their neighbours.we all can’t jump into healing at the drop of a hat

      Delete
  60. "Vengeance is MINE", saith the Lord "I will repay.."

    ReplyDelete
  61. For gods sake it was a bit of snow, get out and make a snowman.
    Just don’t take your car out if you don’t know the ways of driving in snow.
    Fortunately for me I was at work on the worse snow day back in the day, when a local rang to say he/ she couldnt get out of his/ her drive way.
    Obviouly had never heard of wellies.i had driven almost 20 mile.
    As for Mc Areavy, where is the venom? and the hate filled posts ?
    Point them out.
    As a member of the board of governors...he will have many a question to answer...tbh the sharing of ‘mass saying’ is small fry compared to the covering up and allowing little boys to be in a full scale abusive boarding school.
    And why are you attacking Pat?


    ReplyDelete
  62. Home bound..get out...it’s just snow.
    Never understood why there is always a panic with red amber and yellow.
    What did we do atall atall years ago when we had a bit of snow.
    How many of your neighbours did you contact today with a loaf?

    ReplyDelete
  63. Why did that house have 2 front doors?
    When was it built ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it's two semi-detatched houses, one for the PP. Farcically each had his own front door, kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms. How dysfunctional is that?

      Delete
  64. Even though Mc Areavy isn’t doing any official duties, he prob still calling the shots behind the scenes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They can't risk any further scandal.

      Delete
  65. What happened to all of the Dublin seminarians? - there were about 10 or 11 of them three or four years ago and now most of them have left...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They've mostly gone rogue, acting in an outrageous or abnormal manner, which we have very much enjoyed reading about on here.

      Delete
    2. Well I only read about Michael Byrne here - there were many others who seem to have disappeared.

      Delete
  66. That disappeared seminarian is real, he was at morning prayers then disappeared. He was the most powerful seminarian who had significant hierarchy and political connections.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds like some sort of incident, or scandal has occurred while we were all occupied with McAreavey.

      Delete
    2. He may have got stuck in the snow at the Giant's Ring.

      Delete
  67. Pat is that seminarian alive or on the run.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. +Pat will one of your contacts do a head count at 9:30 pm rosary tonight? Someone may have done a bunk.

      Delete
    2. I’m getting bored with the same poster who keeps insinuating something about a Maynooth Seminarian, Pat said he knows nothing about it. Give it a rest because you are getting very repetitive about this obvious non story.

      Delete
    3. Dear Pat, I was a seminarian in 1990s in Maynooth and John Mc Areavey was one good man. He was human and compassionate to the core. V empathetic.

      Delete
    4. @17:24 Experience tells us not to ignore any whispers about Maynooth.

      Delete
    5. Bishop McAreavey has to be commended for years of service to Mother Church during difficult and challenging times for many of us, Catholic and non Catholic. Yes he was aware of unsavoury issues in the Diocese of Dromore and could have dealt with these in a more pragmatic way. But the rhetoric of some of your contributors is nothiing short of disgusting, akin in fact to the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. John McAreavey is a human being, can we now desist from this relentless torrent of abuse against the man. We live every day of our lives in a corrupt statelet and do not direct the bile towards our politicians that we are now uncontrollably spewing over Bishop John and the Catholic Church. Maybe the good citizens of Hilltown and neighbouring righteous Catholic parishes will extend the same detestation towards the shinners who they have such blind faith, and in keeping with the holy sacraments and devotion to mercy which is pivotal to their faith.

      Delete
    6. @18:08 The rancid flower got his just deserts.

      Delete
    7. Pat is it true that only 2 dioceses have opened their files regarding clerical abuse.
      If this is true can u tell us why?

      Delete
    8. Totally agree with 17:24.

      Delete
  68. 18.08: Thank you for your positive comment which is also my experience. However, the Bishop, like all of us, is human and therefore can and will make seriiys errors of judgment which can have negative consequences for others. This is nit to be an apologist for the Bishop but the level of ugly, gleering and nasty commentary is unnecessary. The sense of delighting in the downfall of others is frightening. My prayers now are for all survivors. The miral self righteousness of Pat is nauseating. While you're at it Pat, go to the Bishop's residence and throw snowballs with rocks at him!!

    ReplyDelete