Monday 4 June 2018

RASHARKIN PP - FR JOHN MURRAY - SCANDAL ESCALATES

THE SCANDALS SURROUNDING THE FORMER PARISH PRIEST OF RASHARKIN IN DOWN AND CONNOR ARE ESCALATING AS THE SUNDAY WORLD PUBLISHES THE FACT THAT THE PRIEST ( LATE 70s )FATHERED AT LEAST ONE BABY!



Father Murray, wanted for questioning by the PSNI over claims of historic sexual abuse has fled to his apartment on a golf course in Tenerife.

THE SUNDAY WORLD - 3RD JUNE 2018


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HIS PREGNANT PARISHIONER HAS BUCKET OF WATER THROWN OVER HER BY 

ANOTHER PRIEST



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PAT SAYS:

The bishops and priests of Down and Connor have known for decades that JOHN MURRAY was a serial abuser of women.

Only recently did they find out that there are also accusations from minors emerging from St. Matthew's Parish, Short Strand, Belfast where Murray was a curate.

When Murray heard the PSNI were looking for him he fled to his luxury golf apartment in Tenerife - where he is reported to be continuing his usual high life.

To date, he has refused the PSNI's demands that he return to be questioned.

When he does come back, and there is more publicity, I am convinced that a large number of complaints will emerge.

Down and Connor bishops, like Cahal Daly and Paddy Walsh, all received complaints.

Two years ago Bishop Noel Treanor went to Murray's Rasharking parochial house and ordered him to leave abruptly.

Anybody with information should contact the PSNI Public Care Unit on the Antrim Road, Belfast.

Or if you wish, you can contact me.

I am in contact with victims.

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PICS OF THE DAY



PUC OF AMY, CONOR GANNON AND BRENDAN MARSHALL IN MAYNOOTH 2015 - SENT BY SEMINARIAN



PIC OF MAGHERAFELT CONFIRMATION BOOKLET FROM LAST SUNDAY - SEND BY A BLOG SUPPORTING PARISHIONER WHO WAS PRESENT

76 comments:

  1. Ideally the PSNI should go out and interview the randy old goat and put out a European arrest warrent to bring him back.

    And it such a dereliction of duty for a priest to be spending days a week playing golf.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 'dereliction of duty for a priest to be spending days a week playing golf'?

      Should have thought this par for the course (guffaw, guffaw) where a Roman Catholic priest is concerned.

      And guess who's very likely paying for this genteel inolence?

      That's right. The dumb laity.

      BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA🐑

      Delete
  2. This does not surprise me about fr Murray or any priest for that matter where news like this comes to light. The church need to review and revise their rules. If priests were allowed to marry from the beginning there would be far less skeletons coming out of the closet. However, there is simply no excuse for child abuse and my heart goes out to the victims who were too powerless to speak out until now. As for Magherafelt...give fr gates a chance to repent and make amends for any hurt caused. Let’s practise what we preach.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I ask one simple question; what has the church to gain from protecting such a man?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They thought they could avoid a other scandal!!!

      Delete
    2. An individual acting abusively is a wrong that needs to be set right. An institution covering it up is a scandal. Will these people not ever learn?

      Delete
    3. Did Noel Treanor really tip off this priest so that he could avoid being questioned by the PSNI?

      Wouldn't this be a criminal offence?

      Has Treanor been questioned by the PSNI about this?

      Delete
    4. Why cover up? Well Dermot Clifford covered up Eamon Casey's child while he was Eamon's secretary. The cover up is for personal promotion my dear chap/lady

      Delete
  4. There are those who support Fr. Gates and tolerate him and those who intensely dislike him. We are all a mixture of good and bad but I'm not sure if the prolonged assault against him on this blog is achieving anything other than deepen hostilities in the community. It's unfirtunate if his personality is so awkward and a cause of much criticism. However, I think this blog should give the story a break for now. All priests, including myself, have to continually look into our hearts and conscience and remember who it is we are meant to imitate and who we are to care for in the best and kindest way we can.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. True.

      Bit what if he continues to abuse and hurt?

      Delete
    2. Ah there was me thinking the subject was Fr Murray but the thread was taken over after only seven comments. The number of comments is falling as are, no doubt, page views.

      Cheerio Pat, I've had enough Magherafelt to last three lifetimes.

      Thanks for the laughs and for the days when the blog wasn't just about one very dull subject.

      Delete
  5. Perhaps you could ring Fr. Gates yourself Father and remind him of your last paragraph put so eloquently. You would be doing so as an act of charity and brotherly concern for him. For someone to be truly sorry and repent they must make amends which seems the crux of this unfortunate situation. Knowing John personally from Maynooth days he is not someone that takes advice easily so it's difficult to see him making any amends. There lies the difficulty. The time for arrogance and saving face (John's traits) should be over and let humility and therefore healing to begin. John will probably talk about being humbled but that needs to follow with action, the time for cheap words in this drama are over - action!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Before I blogged about this I wrote John Gates an email which he never even acknowledged.

      If he had a strong bishop to challenge him - which he does not - the problem could be solved.

      No one is going to tell John Gates how to behave.

      There is also a further, so far unpublished, issue.

      Pride comes before a fall :-(

      Delete
  6. Wonder who occupied the seat with coat on the back? Probably followed someone to the toilet.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I had forgotten all about this fugitive.

    ReplyDelete
  8. 09.00 Very good and sensible advice that needs to be heeded. Perhaps a course in people management followed by some counselling would help. The problems simply need addressed professionally. Sadly the inaction and avoidance by the hierarchy in the Fr. John Murray case should serve as a lesson to Fr. Gates' superiors.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These "superiors" never learn precisely because they feel "superior".

      Delete
  9. Dogs on the street knew about Murray. Why nothing was done about him years ago has always been a surprise. The bosses only have themselves to blame.
    Hopefully a few others will be getting a knock at the parochial house door soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many of these residences sound like knocking-shops.

      Delete
  10. Dear Pat Buckley, I would just lovecto say that I have been praying for Fr. John Gates during this unfortunate time in the life of our parish. I ave always given him the benefit of the doubt especially when so many speak about it. I'm from a farming townland and lately it's been depressing almost to hear so much from my Protestant neighbours on a daily basis regarding Fr. John Gates. Their own Ministers are talking to them about it. It's as if they are more informed than me so the problem is known well beyond the people who go to the chapel. I just feel let down when lies have been told about Fr. John Gates being ill. Nobody should be misled in such a way, so I choose to go to Mass now in another parish to avoid everything. The problem seems to get worse not better and I pray that any damage done can be put right.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Friend,

      I'm sorry to hear that you have been adversely affected by the John Gates controversey.

      I too know about the Protestant people and ministers talking about this issue.

      But this has come about after years of people being hurt by Fr. Gates.

      Magherafelt Parish needs huge healing.

      This CANNOT be achieved by Father Gates.

      Some people will not even allow him to celebrate the funerals of their loved ones!

      It's good that you continue to pray and go to Mass elsewhere.

      Delete
    2. Perhaps we are being unfair and that Fr. Gates was unwell. Maybe he was like the Liverpool goalkeeper and had concussion from a previous injury which explains his behaviour.

      Delete
  11. MAGHERAFELT CONFIRMATION PROTEST

    I made it absolutely clear weeks ago that I myself and the people I have met from the parish WOULD NOT have a protest that would spoil the Confirmation day for innocent children and their families.

    The rumours that I was in Magherafelt last Sunday have no truth to them.

    We sort out nothing by spoiling child centred occasions.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PS: I spent last Sunday afternoon visiting seriously ill patients in a Belfast intensive care unit and a cancer centre.

      Delete
    2. How Great Thou Art.

      Delete
    3. 12:37: And How Great Thou Aren't.😆

      Delete
    4. 10.10: Pat, I too as a priest spent my weekend visiting ill parishioners both at home and in hospital. I also have officiated at 3 funerals in the past week. Thought I'd let you know you're not the only "caring" priest! There are many, many who act likewise.

      Delete
    5. I never said I was.

      Simply explain ed where I was.

      Delete
    6. Well Bishop Pat at least you have more concern for the Sick or ill people, unlike Fr.Gates. Gates just appeared back from Neverland,to go to collect his monthly dues from the Sick and housebounds in Magherafelt for the first Friday of the month. The beggar is back. So he had a good brownie colour for his few weeks off from the parish. Due to ill health.Or maybe he had a shit stroke. His face is numbered with shit.Little robot..

      Delete
    7. Are you the Priest with 3000 families in your parish?

      Delete
    8. How do you call yourself a 'loving' and 'caring' cleric, cause you are not.
      I was in my sick bed two weeks ago and would welcome a visit from a Free P Minister before I'd have you any were near me!

      Your false and so faithful at hurting others. If that's your ministry then catch a grip!

      By the way, I'm not in full harmony with the CC either.

      Delete
    9. Magna, 14.05 - 'And how funny you are!! - Another of your failed humour attempts.

      Delete
    10. @14:38

      But +Pat does it unrenumerated.

      Delete
    11. @14:49

      He's always looked like a number two.

      Delete
    12. 20.57: Priests get a monthly salary. They don't get "extras" for visiting the sick or housebound. It's part of their pastoral work, so stop trying to suggest otherwise. Don't arrive at truth through the lens of this blog. I don't get 300 + sterling for officiating at weddings as Pat does, not forgetting his funerals, baptisms etc..And, he's entitled to his remuneration, as I am too but I would never, and never have, expected anyone to remunerate me for my visits.

      Delete
  12. Many people in Rasharkin at the time had no priest for a long time and dying relatives needed anointing. Down & Connor handled it very badly and conplaints where left unanswered. I remember you said at the time Pat you had a few Priests you could send but the diocese were too stubborn to accept any help

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Then stop giving money to these indolent bastsrdos!

      Delete
  13. My dear friends in Christ

    Have you not worked it out yet. Your correspondence will always be ignored and unanswered. Your complaints will be treated with derision. Even lower rank clergy will be shit upon from a great height. There will always be an air of superiority on display from those on high and all of this behaviour will continue until the Sunday collection depletes, and the diocesean levy can’t be met.
    Then and only then will a change of attitude become evident.
    In the meantime pray up, pay up and shut up.
    Or as one of the Magna says. Baaaaa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MournemanMichael5 June 2018 at 13:38

      That's the heart of the matter Anon @ 13:15.
      It 's sad to think of the amount of money locked up in the RC institution, its properties and possessions while ordinary people who struggle to provide for families continue to finance them.
      Indeed there will only be change when the gravy train stops.
      MMM

      Delete
    2. When you complain you give the clergy power over you. When you walk away you are free to choose a receptive institution in which to practice your faith, or to cut out the middle man and worship God continuously through your daily life, as I do.

      You may never change those who ignore you, but you can change the credence you give them.

      Delete
    3. MourneManMichael5 June 2018 at 15:11

      A good thought OHL.
      Thinking of the different kinds of complaining:
      there is the "dependent complainant"; 'Please change this......'
      There is also the insistent emphatic complainant: 'Now change this or else....!"
      Perhaps it's the case that the clergy operate a system positioning themselves as the gatekeepers, not only of the churchs' sacraments and possessions, like graveyards etc, but in addition have set themselves up as the arbiters of what the poorly informed laity see as the route to salvation. In that respect perhaps far too many people see themselves in a dependent position. They will have to seize control and power.
      MMM

      Delete
    4. MMM AT 13.38, are you on the drink too like Magna??. You are beginning to replicate his style of nasty cynicism and vitriol, all with incitement to hatred. You disappoint recently in your normally balanced commentary.

      Delete
    5. MourneManMichael5 June 2018 at 22:33

      Indeed Anon @ 18:43 you are well entitled to disagree. Perhaps you think it's okay for the RC church to retain its vast wealth and possessions in the face of worldwide poverty issues? Well that's okay for you, if you're comfortable with that.
      One is obliged to wonder though if you're on a gravy train of sorts too. Or maybe you think the New Testament words of Matthew 19:21 and Luke 18:22 completely irrelevant for so called followers of Christ?
      Do read them, and think about it.
      MMM

      Delete
    6. 18.43 - irrelevant comment.

      MMM; The bishops (and some senior clergy) often get confused by this gate keeping function. They think they have a hegemony over salvation.. That belief that the clergy are ordained to save souls and the sacraments they perform are the only route to salvation. Why should they bother with worldly complaints with such a belief in self-importance?

      All too often I fund that clergy are too focused on saving other souls to remember that their's too is a soul requiring salvation. Their 'sacrifice' of celibacy is no buy into heaven for none of us are guaranteed salvation, for that we must accept the need to throw ourselves at the mercy of the Father.

      In doing so I am moved by the words of a Jesuit priest, heard in my younger years; "we should act as though salvation is dependant on our works, but we should pray in the knowledge that our salvation is dependant on God".

      Delete
    7. 23:31 Irrelevant to you, perhaps. Thank you for sharing your preference. I imagine it's of interest to someone.

      Delete
    8. 00.38
      The difference between myncomment and 18.43 is that mine is on topic and your's is merely attacking MMM. If you cannot respond to the point you seem to want to cut the legs off the commentator. You get a red card in sport for that.

      Delete
  14. Today's Gospel: "I know my own sheep and they know me". Baaaaaaaaaaaaa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fr.Gates knew his sheep an scared them all away from the parish of Magherafelt. Is it any wonder the parish are sick of the site of the big bad wolf..

      Delete
  15. The parish centre in Magherafelt was open today after the weekend. Much gossip and conversation was enjoyed by all present. It's obvious many are blog readers from what was said. One of the many mysteries contemplated was how did you manage to get a Confirmation booklet Pat?

    ReplyDelete
  16. Dear Bishop Buckley.

    I have often wondered how the formation of priests such as Fr. Gates could have gone so wrong in seminary?

    What happens to some clergy in the seminary and afterwards, to change their personality, and to eliminate any lack of human feelings to the people they are supposed to serve?

    I have met many wonderful priests from the Catholic Church and from other Christian churches who are wonderful men of faith, and deliver the warmth and humanity to their fellow brothers and sisters who they serve, but there are some who have suddenly become arrogant with power.

    Power changes everyone, and power corrupts. What can be done? As you have said here Bishop Buckley, it is the fault of their leaders, and their silence on these issues does no good to the parishioners involved.

    I do not see any end to these sorts of stories. I am sure they happen in many parishes and dioceses across Ireland. What can be done? But more important, will anything be done? I sincerely doubt so, and that is what makes me very sad and disheartened.

    Thankfully there are still some good clergy in the Catholic Church, and they are becoming less and less in numbers as the years progresses.

    Maybe Psalm 34: 17-19 is what we should reflect on?

    ReplyDelete
  17. Magna Carta's Mum5 June 2018 at 18:04

    Magna darling, as prefect of the Sacred Congregation of Indulgences and Holy Relics, will you please communicate to the faithful via the Acta Matris Sedis that indulgences may also be gained by the provision of sheepskin rugs to keep Our tootsies warm in the winter.
    If any of them look kinky I've just cut my toenails and they can have a first class relic if they cough up enough moola.
    Quickly.darling. Mommie's purse is quite empty.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 18.04: Mammy's purse is quite empty - just like your brain!

      Delete
    2. 19:33, don't talk to my mother like that.

      Delete
    3. 20.38: I'd lock mammy in the cupboard if I was in your place. Crazy people all of you.

      Delete
  18. How can these guys have posh foreign apartments. On one level I could say I'm jealous but on second thoughts the price is too high- a fecked up sexuality and unacceptable working environment. As for abuse big get together for Magdalene Laundry survivors in Dublin. President apologising on behalf of the state

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 18.06: We are well aware of the 6.00pm News Sean. No need to relay it to us...

      Delete
    2. 19.31. Just for you. I'd hate to think you would be at a disadvantage you kind and caring person

      Delete
    3. @19.31
      It's the 6.01 news - don't forget The Angelus

      Delete
  19. Father Murray another product and export from Magherafelt Parish.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Fr. Murray was Rasharkin parish.

    ReplyDelete
  21. 18.55 The blog refers to Fr. John Murray not Fr. Eamon Murray (two different people).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eamon had his bits on the side too!

      Delete
    2. 18.55 The photo of Fr.John Murray is at the top of this blog. Fr.John Murray was RASHARKIN Parish. Feel free to make an appointment with Specsavers during opening hours, before you make a fool of yourself again.

      Delete
  22. Since gates has come back has anyone heard him saying he was sorry for all the hurt he has caused,and the lies he has told about his so called illness more like he run like hell out of town before all came out.COME ON GATES DOWN ON YOURE KNEES AND BEG FORGIVENESS,THEN GET LOST ������

    ReplyDelete
  23. Pat @ 20.09 Is this a campaign or witch hunt against current Priests in Magherafelt or those closely associated with the town over the years? What’s the way ahead I wonder?

    ReplyDelete
  24. If this is the same Eamon from Allen Hall Seminary days in London it’s safe to say he wouldn’t have got any lady in the family way lol. His second homes where Soho and Westminster. He was the only one I knew who devised a way from being out for a full weekend unnoticed and be back for Night Prayer on Sunday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No. It's Father Eamon O'Brien - not Murrary.

      Delete
    2. 20.55 You mean 'Alice Hall.

      Delete
    3. Yes Fr.O Brien. Loved his brandy an ladies.

      Delete
  25. Deffo must be something in the water in this Magherafelt place when it comes to clergy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Has two red nuns left the Monastery in Dublin together.

      Delete
    2. which two??

      Delete
  26. 21.28. My opinion is, the only good thing about Magherafelt clergy was, the priests who we're ordained in the Church Assumption down through the years. I put it down to their upbringing, Respect. Times has changed to the way this parish is been controlled at present.

    ReplyDelete
  27. In answer to 21:28. There is definitely something in the water in Magherafelt. In this Parish we are now getting rid of one school principal who like Gates is a complete and utter bully. We will rejoice in this good fortune. God help the new school they should be warned!!!

    ReplyDelete