Thursday 29 March 2018

FATHER MURRAY LASHES OUT AT BISHOP BOYCE


FATHER MURRAY

THE DROMORE BASED PRIEST - FATHER EAMON MURRAY - HAS APPEARED ON THE BBC NOLAN PROGRAMME TO CONDEMN THE APPOINTMENT OF BISHOP PHILIP (PHYLIS) BOYCE AS THE CARETAKER BISHOP OF DROMORE.

BOYCE

Father Murray (44) who is originally from Magherafelt in Co. Derry, is now living in the Dromore diocese in a church property. He had to retire early after a series of cardiac problems from being a parish priest in Northampton and Luton.

His parishes were deeply sorry to lose Father Murray who, according to all reports, is a gentle and caring priest.

But yesterday on BBC Radio Ulster Father Murray told Nolan:

"As a resident of Dromore I do not want Boyce living in and running this diocese". He was criticised when he was the Bishop of Raphoe for failures in relation to child safeguarding over the case of the Donegal paedophile priest, Father Eugene Greene".

Boyce is not wanted here. Dromore is in a total mess and Boyce and an ex-bishop with a reputation is going to make things so much worse".

Father Murray told Nolan that he had been talking to ordinary people in Dromore who do not want Boyce either.

Furthermore, he said that things were so bad in Dromore now that he is ashamed to wear his Roman collar on the street for fear of being accused of being a paedophile.

While officially a priest of Northampton diocese Father Murray has been ministering in Northern Ireland dioceses and is fully police checked etc for this ministry.

He passed all his safeguarding procedures through the Archdiocese of Armagh office and it's child safeguarding officer Mr. David Gordan.


DAVID GORDAN CERTIFIED FATHER MURRAY FOR MINISTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND


Subsequent to that vetting he has been doing supply and holiday work for the parish priest of Magherafelt - Father John Gates - a former senior official of Armagh diocese.


FATHER GATES EMPLOYS FATHER MURRAY

Furthermore, Bishop John McAreavey has been asking Father Murray to help in Dromore.

MC AREAVEY


During the Nolan programme today Father Murray, who claimed he was afraid of losing his home and income, was inundated with calls of support from people across the religious divide.

Both Protestants and Catholics are commending Father Murray for condemning the appointment of Boyce to Dromore.

I totally agree with Father Murray's sentiments and with him, I call upon The Vatican and the Papal Nuncio NOT to send the 80 year Boyce into Dromore.

Anyone wishing to communicate with the brave Father Murray can contact him through the Nolan Show or send an email here which I will have passed on to him.

bishopbuckley1@outlook.com

I am asking people to stand up and be counted and not allow the Church to persecute Father Murray for saying what many people and priests are thinking.



FATHER MURRAYS INTERVIEW CAN BE PLAYED ON THE NOLAN RADIO SHOW CATCH UP.

131 comments:

  1. Pat, the diocese of Dromore has said that Fr. Eamonn Murray is not living in a property belonging to it so it is incorrect to say that the diocese will evict him. Eamonn may be gentle and caring but he caused endless problems while in seminary in Thurles. Perhaps you might do so more research before assuming that everything Eamonn says is correct.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He lives in a house owned by the diocese of Northampton.

      Dromore has been in touch with Northampton.

      Delete
    2. MournemanMichael29 March 2018 at 10:59

      A. @ 00:22: "Endless problems you say. I wonder what kind. Often one who questions the status quo or "received wisdom " is thought to be a problem. Authoritarian (as opposed to authoritive) 'yes-men' figures don't like their opinion questioned and resent it as insolence.
      Without divulging anything too personal could you help us understand the basis of your comments.
      Thanks.
      MMM

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    3. Eamonn will be sent for 'further studies' now and we wont hear from him again

      Delete
    4. A priest retired on heath grounds is not sent to do further studies.

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    5. it was meant as tongue in cheek

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    6. pat cant get a joke. and anyways its early. Pat is only out of bed. he might wake up about lunch time

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    7. very good interview x

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    8. Fr Eamon Murray dose not live in Dromore. He lives on a rural road outside of the town. He's known better and seen most often by the off licence trader's of the town. As for helping little old ladies, he doesn't cut his own grass and looking at his house it's obvious he doesn't do much else. Very unkept.

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    9. 13.10 You sound like a really nosey neighbour who can’t mind their own business. I’d hate to live anywhere near you if you are keeping tabs on people.

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    10. Indeed you are nosey. Are you by any chance related to that nosey and ignorant couple who recently reported on the priest and his female lunch companions. I’m sure you and those pair of bastards could swap notes

      Delete
  2. Here is the interview http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p062kt4m

    ReplyDelete
  3. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2029656973740994&id=151941838179193&__tn__=%2As%2As-R

    +Pat

    Why is Gannon not wearing his angel wings with the esteemed Archbishop Jorge Carlos Patrón Wong, secretary for seminaries in Rome?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was watching the Mary McAleese speech in Rome, and I'm fairly certain that was Gannon in the 'audience'??? the man is conspicuous as its mostly women present.

      Delete
    2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9Q9VqkrfCw

      15:04 ??

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    3. I never spotted that. Why would he be among a crowd of women. one wonders. is he a liberal. this could harm a future pointy hat appointment.

      Delete
    4. Yes it’s Conor Gannon. Pat can I email you something?

      Delete
    5. Of course bishopbuckley1@outlook.com

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    6. 11:30

      He acts conservative in seminary and liberal on the streets if you catch my drift.

      ;-)

      Delete
    7. A woman sitting among other women. He gained a lot of weight.

      Delete
    8. 13:31, yiu nean... ? No! I'm in schock.😲 I need something to settle these strained nerves.😆

      Delete
    9. Bishop Pat, I've begun reading your book, 'A Sexual Life, A ..'. I've gotten as far as the second chapter, and I'm impressed, both with your writing style and the book's content. You have an natural and obvious gift for verbal communication. Your writing style reminds me very much of Dr Gerard McGinnity's works, such is your relaxed and precise turn of phrase.

      It is a great pity that some people will never read your works, because of unquestioned prejuduce against you. It's their loss.

      Delete
  4. Of course, he’s tainted like his predecessor. It won't surprise me if they both attend KOB’s funeral next week.

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  5. London Parishioner29 March 2018 at 10:40

    My husband and I knew Father Murray when he was in our parish London assisting our parish priest Michael Daley. We found him very helpful and kind and he was our favourite priest at the time. He always called a spade a spade.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. His Masses in Magherafelt are a pleasure to attend. He is gently spoken and His homilies are brief but deeply insightful. I am glad that Father Gates chooses him for holiday cover. I wish he was here permanently.

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    2. A spade a spade? I found him rude and ignorant and just a little too fond of the bottle. A nasty piece of work.

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    3. 'he was our favourite priest at the time'

      He's no longer your favorite priest? you have another favorite priest? you have a list of priests you rank in order and some make it to the favorite list and some don't? whose your favorite priest now? do they have be liberal and love kittens and babies and fluffy cushions? whats the criteria to make one a favorite priest?

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    4. Reverend Buckley, I am not of your faith but am a current neighbour of the Reverend Murray. I am a widow and not in great health. Eamon has been very good to me since my husband died. He cuts my grass, collects my prescriptions and gets me groceries. He puts my bins out every week. I can call on him day and night. My own clergyman has never darkened my door. As for the comment above I think it very nasty. I find it difficult to get Eamon to take a small glass of sherry.

      Delete
    5. You obviously offer nasty sherry. Try something stronger and he'll bite your hand off. When he was in London he was often seen in the parish club on a Saturday drinking like a fish.

      Delete
    6. Senior Armagh Priest29 March 2018 at 11:18

      I have known Eamon all his life. Yes, like many of us, he likes a tipple. I have never seen him the worst of the wear.

      Delete
    7. "I went into a pub at the weekend Stephen without my collar on and people were discussing it and it was so ..just.. a very sore subject"

      Delete
    8. MournemanMichael29 March 2018 at 11:27

      Anon @11:14: Your perspective on Fr Murray may well be as accurate as your observations on fish!
      They actually filter water from
      mouth through gills for oxygenation.
      MMM

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    9. @10:40, its 'favorite'

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    10. 10:40 Is that the same Michael Daley that is now in Parson's Green?

      Now there is an interesting gentleman!

      Delete
    11. MYOB @ 11:37, nosey gee bag

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    12. 11.03: There are very serious issues of boundaries being transgressed by Fr. Murray. It is not customary for any cleric to take over as a home help, act as carer and be your daiky help. It is too easy to be completely misunderstood and have sinister motivations ascribed to any act of kindness. Any cleric would be leaving himself ooen to false accusations, sadly. So, your criticism of your own minister is misplaced.

      Delete
    13. Where there's a Will there's a way.

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    14. Especially when it's an aged widow with a bulging building society passbook.

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    15. The correct spelling in the UK and Ireland is "favourite "

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    16. The correct spelling in the UK and Ireland is "favourite "

      Delete
    17. The correct spelling in the UK and Ireland is "favourite"

      Delete
  6. We had another Fr Murray here,prob deemed controversial, but a very popular person.
    Liked his , Eamon, interview yesterday.plenty of spunk

    ReplyDelete
  7. In all of today's papers Fr Murray is referred to as 'retired priest..." It's so easy for him to speak out now. I wonder would he have done the same if he were a PP.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. FATHER Murray was outspoken as a seminarian, curate and parish priest.

      As a seminarian he criticised me in The Sunday World.

      Delete
    2. I'm delighted he criticised you Buckley! ya mad old yoke!

      Delete
    3. Pat you give us some great material. you cant be the full shilling but you're the man who keeps on giving x

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    4. I am more than the full shilling I can assure you - all one and sixpence of me :-)

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    5. PS: We are back in Armagh tomorrow.

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    6. Pat tomorrow is Good Friday a day of fast and abstinence. Could you not stay offline for one day or publish something spiritual rather than scandal.

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    7. Not Miss Martin again?

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    8. @12:32

      Excellent.

      Delete
  8. There are varying stories about Fr. Murray emerging. No one person is ever completely in possession of all gifts, wit, nuance, truth, compassion. We are all a mix of good and bad, hopefully more filled with goodness. We should withold our verdict on Fr. Murray. There are many priests who speak the "truth" and do so with courage while continuing their pastoral roles with dedication, vision and care. Fr. Murray may like the limelight but there are many clerics who do, with fidelity, what they are entrusted to do. We need to recognise and affirm these men.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most priests are cowardly yes men.

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    2. 11.10: Your observation is insulting. Most priests know they cannot spend their lives as critics. Sometimes you just have to get on with doing what you are called to do and take care of those entrusted to your care. All too easy to be a sideline critic and do nothing constructive. Most of us, rather than be forever complaining, do out utmost to work as effectively as we can.

      Delete
  9. would anyone here know where I might purchase communion wafers? I always liked the taste of them. not consecrated obviously.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like the taste as well. as an altar server I used to stuff them down when the sacristan wasn't looking

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    2. 11.33: Your comment is revolting. What crassness and stupidity on this Holy Thursday, a most sacred day for all Christians.

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    3. It's just bread and yes it does taste nice. H

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    4. Yes, @ 13.02
      I was absolutely appalled at those disrespectful comments re/the host breads also

      Delete
    5. 13.48: Many of us share the appaling comments re: communion hosts. Of course, Pat should nit have orinted them knowing the contect if Holy Thursday. That person needs prayers as does Pat for being so insensitive and disrespectful to the sacredness of the Eucharist.

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    6. 13:02, and the rest of you shriekers: wind yer necks in, for heaven's sake!

      Didn't Jesus say something about King David's allowing his men to eat the 'bread of presence', which only the Levitical priests might eat? (Question's rhetorical, so please don't bother answering.)

      As an altar server, I never fancied those unleavened discs; but as for the fortified wine...😈

      Delete
    7. Sadly Magna - 19.43 - this comnent confirms the utter nonsense of your life. We've known for a long time thatyou develooed an unhealthy dependency on the vino which has almost destroyed your humanity and yoyr life. Whikevyiu may still have something worthwhile (I'm dreaming!), you should sign in to Cuan Mhuire in Newry. Be a man. Be brave.

      Delete
  10. I think some convents make them?

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    Replies
    1. Do not encourage that person who showed no respect for the wafers which were made for a specific special purpose and which should not have been squandered and abused. Dreadful behaviour.

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    2. I remember the singer Don Baker saying he would eat the wafers when he was hungry growing up in a boys home. sometimes its necessary when those who are paid to look after you are starving you instead.

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  11. I got the flow, I got the flow,
    Grab the microphone and
    let your funky lyrics go, yo!

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  12. I got the flo, Buckleys gotta go! so go grab your bags so we can go yo yo! ow ow NOW!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Please find the spotlight documentary on boyce. I have been trying but it needs to be reinstated. it exposed how hegarty and his priests covered up. At least we have Breaking the Silence by Martin Ridge.

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  14. Does Nolan seek the less fortunate going with the comments on here looks like he does.
    This priest is needing suspended from his duties he is unwell and unfit that seems very disturbing.
    Rome is not going to listen to him but you never cut the hand that feeds you so hopefully Bishop Peter will suspend him but the laity will be left to keep them. The Scottish PR have it on KOB he wanted into His Cathedral but Cushley denied it.
    People forget KOB was with consensual activity yet Scotland has Bishops coving up child abuse as featured in the Press and courts.

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  15. Bishop Boyce was magnificent at the Chrism Mass in Newry this morning, just the man to guide the renewal of Dromore. He even has a sense of humour. "You all know who I am," he said. "Or at least you will have heard of me." Past errors of judgment are more a guarantee of future caution than a reason for instantaneous rejection. Intelligent people often learn from their mistakes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. At the Mass he thanked the boys of St. Coleman's for their singing.

      Why did he not apologise to them for the priests who abused them in St. Coleman's?

      Philip Boyce has one overriding concern - the protection of the reputation and finances of the RC Church.

      Delete
    2. Yes, he thanked the boys for their singing. We have every reason to be confident that none of them have been abused by anyone in the College or in their Parishes. Times have changed.

      No one seriously thinks that the Catholic Church in Ireland any longer has a "reputation" to be "protected" and as for finances, sure, it could cost millions to replace even a small cathedral but there isn't much of a market if you needed to sell one in a hurry.

      Delete
  16. The comments on +Pat Buckley's Blog should be made compulsory reading for Easter catechumens. Any adult convert not completely mad would have a rapid and permanent change of heart. Who would seek to be a mmember of a church with such high percentage of sickos as the "my Church right or wrong" brigade attracted to add their pennyworth to this blog. All that is missing today is that idiot who proclaims "but there are 1.2 billion of us" conveniently forgeting to add that less than 10% ever darken the doors of a church.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @ 15.31
      Luckily catechumens have plenty more wholesome and less cynical material to read.

      Delete
    2. 15.31: Sorry to disappoint you but in our Church for a penance service last night, we had a huge crowd. We will also have good numbers tonight, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Eadter Sunday. Most parishioners are able to make the important distinction between their local Church community and the Institutional Church. Your negative, hateful rant will never destroy the faith of our faithful parishioners. If that upsets you, all I ssy to you is - get a life, stop moaning and try to contribute in a more meaningful wsy to your community. Show you really care.

      Delete
  17. I am glad to be able to read many of the bishop's sermons on-line, many of which are compassionate and speak about the importance of these Easter Days.

    I am left wondering Pat, where is the sermon from your Chrism Mass? Maybe you didn't hold one? Did you renew your priestly promises on this sacred day?

    Are we going to see a spiritual reflection on Good Friday tomorrow or on Easter Saturday?

    I suspect not- the desire you have for 'stoning' someone will be, as always, excessively great for you.

    Your anger has meant your desire to scourge other people has felt you blind to realise that there is good and bad in all of us and many of us are trying our best.

    I think that it is highly unlikely that you will publish this comment or reflect on what I have written.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Easter Sunday.

      I have the blessing of oils at the Mass of the Last Supper.

      Delete
    2. I for one read this blog because I want to see the church's dirty linen washed in public. That is a very real ministry.
      Any blog which has sermons is a yawn and I turn off.

      Delete
  18. Have no idea what u on about. 15.31
    How could anyone darken doors...lol.
    And yes I’m a practicing Catholic...no need to convert.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 16.20 Does Our Lady not call us all to constant conversion?

      Delete
  19. The Church will constantly learn and continues to apologise for any hurt it has caused but be reassured it will do everything in it's power to try and stop any hurt or abuse.
    Sadly Bishop Peter has made a BIG mistake with father Murray and that is the guy is ill look at the comments he is not fit to say Holy Mass let alone hear confessions Bishop Peter should have suspended him on health grounds and removed his priestly duties until he is fit.
    Sadly Father gates will be rolled into this now but we will see and the Church will keep it's duty of care but remove people in ill health and in need of help.
    Then I am sure there will always be room at the oratory for Father Murray.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry, @ 16.24. but your lack of punctuation etc makes your post very confusing.
      Do you mean that someone malicious would deliberately crash a car into the priest's gates to take revenge on him? That would be very dangerous..

      Delete
    2. 16.24 Good to see you full of compassion and support. You say the Church will continue its duty of care but you want Priests who are ill to be suspended and removed - that’s a contradiction in terms surely? What a rubbish argument you put forward.

      Delete
  20. Just read a very moving piece in the Irish Independent about the young girl who sadly lost her life to suicide. I thought the priest spoke very compassionately.
    How sad it must be for the family at this time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. May God bless her, and her family.

      I realise this may sound UTTERLY meaningless. But as someone who lost a beloved other to suicide, my heart breaks for them.

      Delete
  21. Bishop Boyce’s attempt at humour today ‘You all know who I am or at least you will have heard of me’ is very true. Many families and individuals in the Gweedore, Falcarragh, Gortahork and Annagry areas of Donegal remember only too well who Boyce and his predecessor Seamus Heggarty are.
    Yes Boyce we fu***ng well remember who you are alright and it’s far from funny.
    Kilmacrennan Kevin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 16.57: Just ignorant and disgusting. God bless Bishop Boyce and the many good priests.

      Delete
  22. I can't help feeling it's a bit off for a Northampton diocese priest to be opining publically on Dromore matters.

    It sounds like he's retired at the age of 44 with heart problems clearly brought on by overeating.

    If he's well enough to supply in N Ireland he should be recalled to supply in Northampton which is very short of priests.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Dromore Priest.
      How dare you say Fr Murray’s heart condition is brought on by overeating....how dare you.!!!!!
      Many people look fat because they on medication.
      You are so abusive to comment on his looks.!!!!!
      Some compassionate priest you are..Dromore are welcome to you.

      Delete
    2. @19.00 Dromore Priest, If that’s the quality of Priests in your Diocese then you are most welcome to Bishop Boyce in your back water of a diocese

      Delete
    3. 19.00: The priest at 17.01 is cirrect. Fr. Murray should keep his mouth shut and stop lecturing. I'd imagine he is an awkward type personality who wants things his own way....and probably is deeply unhappy no matter where he is.

      Delete
    4. It must be an underactive thyroid or he's just bigboned.

      Delete
  23. I see that the Prime Minister of Canada has expressed his disappointment at Francis's refusal to apologise for abuse at Catholic residential schools.

    Francis has a fatal flaw when it comes to abuse.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, he has, 17:23

      Pope Francis finds 'sorry' the hardest word, after all. After what? After his much-publicized catechesis on domesticity, that 'sorry' was one of the words (along with 'please' and 'thanks') that opens 'up the road to a good family life'? Well, it opens, too, the road to good ecclesial life.

      Francis clearly can't forgive anyone, judging by his own standard. Didn't he say that 'if we cannot apologize, it means that we are unable to forgive'?

      This oily Latino still hasn't publicly apologized to the Chilean abuse victims for openly slandering them. So his capacity for 'unforgiveness' must run very deep indeed.

      Francis is an arch-hypocrite, speaking, as I said on a previous blog, out of both sides of his mouth.

      What a wonderful example in applied catechesis he sets as the so-called 'Vicar of Christ'.

      Delete
    2. Magna at 19.23: You are a true hater of all that is Catholic. Your ageist, hate filled rant against Pope Francis is unjustified and unnecessary. You incite hatred. For that you are a nasty piece of humanity. Despite all your analysis, bias, vengeful spirit, prejudice and poisonous heart, your legacy will be empty, your memory absurd. You display all the traits of a deeply, psychologically unwell person. Nonetheless, we all keep you in prayer.

      Delete
    3. 22:57, no, I am decidedly not ageist. You'd be surprised, you utterly USElESS fucker.😆

      Delete
    4. 22:57, you are a morally GUTLESS clerically ennabler, like so many other morally gutless clerically ennablers down the centuries.

      You nauseating piece of human excrement.

      Delete
    5. Pat, do you really have to publish such profanity?

      Delete
    6. Especially posted at 04:48 for maximum effect. What is (s)he/it doing blogging at that hour of the morning? A pity her/his/its parents didn't use artificial contraception.

      Delete
    7. Nice comment for a Good Friday.

      Delete
  24. Here's the link to the Canada story.

    http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/pope-no-apology-residential-school-1.4596439

    ReplyDelete
  25. 16.29: You are right. The celebrant at funeral of you g girl who died tragically spoke very compasdiinately. He had a very challenging message for young people asking them to form real, supportive and meaningful relationships. On sad occasions like these moments our priests very often the ones who bring light, hope and healing thriugh their thoughtfully prepared words. Perhaps in these Sscred Days remembering the passion and resurrection of Christ, let our words be life-giving and kind. We often forget the destructive force of abusive language.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Why is Fr David Barrett, of Northampton diocese allowed to live in Douai Abbey in Berkshire where he's a counsellor. Is that not a classic case of parish-dodging? Meanwhile Bishop Peter scours the world for priests to serve in the diocese and he often ends up supplying in parishes, there being no one else available. It would be more Fr Murray's line to supply in Milton Keynes rather than in Magherafelt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 18.05 I don’t know Fr. Murray personally but is he not entitled to supply wherever he likes. Sounds like this is all sour grapes coming out of Northampton. I don’t think it’s any of your business either concerning Fr David Barrett, he supplies in Northampton Diocesan parishes at weekends. You sound like a begrudger of the highest order.

      Delete
    2. He could supply during the week. Wasn't he sponsored and ordained to serve Northampton or is it just a part-time weekend job while the octogenarian priests soldier on all week. Maybe he could counsel them?

      Delete
    3. @21.45 You poor old octogenarian priest felt hard done by because of your work load. You seem to have an issue with Fr Barrett for some unknown reason, I see you put the boot into Fr Murray when you were at it too. Very Christian of you Father. God knows what you say about your parishioners behind their backs.You are clearly a disgruntled old priest from Northampton lashing out at your fellow Priests.

      Delete
    4. 22.15: Your response to 21.45 is misplaced and misjudged. You mock the elderly clergy and your remark is insulting and ageist. Fr. Murray is getting far too much atrention. If he was truly concerned about the "crisis" he should volunteer a little of his time to helping where parishes require a little help. Or alternatively he should join the Oratory - seriously : he would be an ideal compliment to Pat's army. As of now Fr. Murray is undeserving of sympathy. I believe Fr. Murray is a waster and another disgruntled cleric who wants everything his way.

      Delete
    5. 100% correct. And no Northampton parishioners are entitled to complain of priest shortages when we have:

      44 year old Northampton priests supplying in Magherafelt;

      We have a Northampton Canon in Oscott;

      Fr David Bartlett is a full-time counsellor in Douai Abbey, a lay vocation, surely.

      Delete
  27. This Fr Murray has nothing to say except "I don't want this man in Dromore. I'm a priest." He has "no support" from any other priests.

    "I'm just so incensed by it all." "I'm going to be punished.""I'll be on the street, homeless" (no, he's protected by Canon Law from that fate).

    "It is so rare for a priest to speak out, Fr Murray, that I am finding this interview incredible."

    "Do you think any priests will rally round you now, to protect you?" "Not a chance."

    "I question my faith every day, Stephen. I wonder what it's all about."

    "It's a horrible time for priests, horrible."

    Edgar of Enniskillen: "no way will he lose his home, there'll be plenty of people who'll offer him a home if it comes to that."

    Martin O'Brien, Irish Catholic contributor, seems better informed than anyone else. He sees Rome as making "an unprecedented intervention"; "give Bishop Boyce a chance." Boyce will have "written instructions" and "is not a free agent" -- will be seen as "a safe pair of hands" and an alternative to the radical solution of "a dissolution of the diocese itself." "No comparison between Bishop Boyce and the errors of his predecessors in Raphoe." "It's an Augean stable.... something decisive is being done... Fr Murray just speaks for himself."

    George from Belfast, a born-again Christian, says "I would trust him with my life... He'll have no friends in the priesthood."





    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fr. Murray is an anachronism in so many ways. I suspect we are not being given the full picture of events about his life. For that reason we should reserve judgment and be circumspect about his mutterings. It seems that any cleric who expresses a contrary opinion and is perceived to be "different" receives a standing ovation and is feted as a popr star. I have greater admiration for the many, many priests who devote themselves wholeheartedly to their parishes with their faithful community for the Triduum celebrations. Sometimes we take these good priests for granted and allow big heads like Fr. Murray the limelight all because he said, on his own behalf only, that he doesn't want Bishop Boyce. He needs to grow up!

      Delete
  28. Where did Pat get the idea that Fr Gates is a senior official of Armagh archdiocese? His highest appointment to date was senior sacristan of the Maynooth college chapel.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Senior Sacristan in Maynooth at that time was a much more respected position than Kaykey Dee's secretary.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In my time in Maynooth the following student appointments were prized in descending order. Not only were the prestigious they confirmed that you were well in with the deans and certain of ordination:

      1. College chapel Master of Ceremonies, plus you lived in senior infirmary in IV Divine;

      2. College chapel organist;

      3. College chapel senior sacristan.

      4. St Mary's Oratory organist, followed by the organists of St Joseph's and Junior oratories.

      5. Monitors, with First year monitors being most prestigious.

      6. Servers of Mgr Cremin's daily Mass at 4pm.

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    2. What about editor of 3D? Hugh Connolly was editor one year and didn't Niall Coll do the double, being successively editor of 3D and college chapel MC.

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    3. Or the Aula Maxima committee? Or the Mediator of the Literary and Debating Society. Even though by the 80s clerics were in a minority they used to gerrymander the student societies and would vote down Student Union policies on condoms on the campus. Good work.

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    4. I tried many times to get admitted to the infirmary where the food was great, you got a lie-in, the nuns brought you tea and buns and the resident deacon, the previous year's MC administered Holy Communion before bedtime.

      I had a classmate who managed to get into it for a week every year, for having a cold, but Sr Vincent never admitted me.

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    5. It was the Moderator of the L&D.

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    6. 19:55 You should have cultivated Sister Regis. She had a soft heart.

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    7. Yes. He was successively and successfully 3D editor and List Monitor.
      There used to be an alternative moment in the liturgy when the new MC was being installed. One year a man who was keen on the horses was appointed MC and his classmates placed a saddle on the stool. Tom Clancy was none to pleased as he processed in and saw it.

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  30. Fr Gates a lovely wee man.met him somewhere maybe Lourdes or maybe in Armagh as he was priest there.

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  31. Fr Murray originally from Magherafelt, so why wouldn’t he help out in his home born and bred locality,
    That’s what retired priests do...they at home amongst neighbours.

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    1. Retired priests are usually in their seventies or eighties, not 44. It seems like Fr Murray says Mass if and when it pleases him and will be a drain on Northampton for decades to come.

      He's well enough to travel from Dromore to Magherafelt so he should be recalled to Northampton.

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    2. He won't die from being overworked, that's for sure.

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  32. Maybe there is some hope for you Buckley. Even you couldn't spew your venom on Good Friday.

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