After receiving serious threats from unsavoury elements in Cloughleigh estate, Ennis, which were reported to the Garda, the former lover of Fr Ger Fitzgerald was advised by Killaloe to flee to a woman’s refuge!
Previously the diocese has offered to help her relocate for her own safety as they were convinced she was in real danger.
The woman had to leave her permanent home after her affair with the priest became public and misguided “supporters” of the priest decided to do her harm.
A REFUGE?
In advising the woman to flee to a woman’s refuge, in a different county, Fintan Monahan was actually admitting:
1. That the woman was a victim.
2. That the woman had been “abused” by her priest lover.
3. That it was a domestic case.
CHURCH RESOURCES:
We all know that every diocese in Ireland is very well off.
Why then wash their hands of the woman and hand her over to a women’s aid organisation and not help her themselves from their own resources?
Is there not a spare bedroom in the bishop’s palace to offer her temporarily?
Is there not a room in the presbytery of some gay priest (to avoid temptation) the woman could have used temporarily?
Could she not have stayed with some nuns?
Could she not have stayed with some church going Catholic matron?
Was it really necessary, really kind, really Christian, to offload her on women’s aid and do a Pontius Pilate on her?
GER AND WOMAN – DIFFERENT TREATMENT:
This is how Fintan Monagan and Killaloe are treating Ger Fitzgerald:
1. Sabbatical / Holiday for 3 to 12 months – two thirds ofvwhich will be oaid for by the diocese.
2. Still receive his € 2,000 a month salary.
3. Entitled to up to €/$ 30,000 for treatment, therapy or counselling.
4. Be given a new assignment if he wants it.
WHAT THE WOMAN GETS:
1. Referral to a women’s refuge.
AND AT THE END OF IT ALL
Not even an applogy from Ger, Fintan or the diocese!!!
Is this the NEW, CHANGED, MORE COMPASSIONATE, “WE HAVE LEARNED OUR LESSON” church, the Vatican and the bishops keep telling us about ???
I dont think so.
They’re all just as bad as ever.
As my Dad used to say:
“Shooting is too good for them. Its a kick in the arse they need”.
BISHOP PAT BUCKLEY 
165 replies on “FINTAN MONAHAN OFFERS PRIEST’S MISTRESS A PLACEMENT IN WOMAN’S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE REFUGE!”
Maybe I’m a little cynical here, but wasn’t she the one who revealed the affair on social media, in a very aggressive manner – as we saw from the screenshots that were published on this blog. We’re not talking here of a sweet angelic little woman. It appears this relationship came to a natural end and she is hurting and out for revenge. It’s ironic that having had a ‘recent’ bereavement with all its pain and uncertainty, she would inflict pain on another person. what do others think?
LikeLiked by 1 person
9.57
Cynical is an under statement here however it does not matter her agenda for this issue the most important issue is the THRUTH.
At least she has come forward in hurt because of a priest and Thank god she had the courage as it seems he has been at it for years.
She did not want to inflict pain on others as i think it was more the case of this Goody Goody priest not living up to his vows so who would his next victim be.
Some of his fan club have said he has “Needs” as he is a man well if he were a TRUE Man he would tell the Truth apologise and reilise the Sacred priesthood is not for him.
LikeLike
9.57: You are absolutely correct. This woman is not a victim: if she is, it is because of her own personal (reckless, immature) decisions, along with those of her paramour. They are both adults and should “own up” to their responsibilities. This saga is full of pain, hurt, anger and confusiin for many people. Many people foolishly share far too much about their personal lives on social media. There are consequences for being careless, stupid, naive and playing around. Saying that, we should not be wishing any further hurt or difficulties on any particular individual. Revenge is a lethal virus.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s wreck less and immature repetitive behaviour came back to bite him in the ass, big time!
Everybody has owned up to everything except ger and the church….
LikeLike
to the commentator posting at 9:57. There is an issue here concerning her immaturity which may lend itself to the assertion that she is indeed vulnerable. In relation to her commentary on social media, it is evident that she is deeply wounded, but this also highlights her inability to rectify the situation through the proper channels. Again, a further sign of immaturity.
That being said, it would be difficult for any man to seek a future relationship with her, as her actions reveal that she is untrustworthy, unstable, and willing to air her ‘dirty linen’ in the public square. I do believe she even accused another lady of having a relationship with Fr Ger. Again, we see here the hurt and pain manifest itself as she seeks to blame others for the breakup and bring their good name and reputation into disrepute.
She and she alone is responsible for her actions, and ”we shall know them by their fruits’. Best wishes to all concerned
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yvonne has plenty of admirers, and people that have loved her for yrs, a moment of madness doesn’t define her or her life!
Shé doesn’t owe anybody anything!
LikeLike
The man “intruded” at a delicate time, he is supposed to think.
LikeLike
plenty of admirers? she is like the back of a bus, ugly inside and out
LikeLike
where there’s blame, there’s a claim. Is the honourable lady looking for a golden hand shake?
LikeLike
Ger certainly didn’t get he’s honourable handshake or a farewell mass at the bishops choice, I wonder why that is..
LikeLike
10.16
The Lady does not need a golden handshake as she is very self supportive however what she was looking for was TRUTH and Honest and sadly none of the clerical club can offer that.
LikeLike
Don’t you mean the government supports her
LikeLike
She gets no benefits.
LikeLike
11:27, Hi Pat
LikeLike
11:27, Truth? Honesty? Truth about what? Honesty about what? She was in a ‘sort of’ relationship and it ended. It happens day in day out and has done so since the dawn of time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Confused….
how do you know what she looks like?
Far from the back of a bus, big enough to hit everyone with!!
LikeLike
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaglEdB7CDs
LikeLike
Anto97
They can always put her up in the presbytery where ger was residing rent free, from church support. seeing as it’s now available!
LikeLike
Has she a job Pat?
LikeLike
Like many she lost it due to Covid.
LikeLike
If she doesn’t get universal credit then she has more than £16,000 which should be enough for her to live on. If she has less than £16,000 then she should get universal credit.
Nobody gets left out under our wonderful Tory government.
LikeLike
She does not live in the 🇬🇧
LikeLike
Of course, the Magdalene Laundries are closed down. Otherwise, she would have ended up there in previous times, I imagine.
LikeLike
Yes, especially in Ennis where they loved the laundry – even erecting a monument to the nuns who ran it.
LikeLike
I don’t think any of the alternatives suggested are suitable either, Bp Pat, although +Fintan’s presbyteries will be mostly filled with middle-aged or elderly homosexuals.
LikeLike
What this whole sorry business actually indicates is that despite having a church in their midst the people of Cloughleigh are so badly formed in Christian values that this kind of thing happens.
I wonder why that could possibly be?
Because it’s a racket, that’s why.
LikeLike
Anon@ 8:31: excluding reference to loud noise, most definitions of “rackets” refer to ILLEGAL activities involving financial extortion by some form of coercion. So one could argue that many RCC self serving activities, albeit immoral, manage to stay, only just, within the law and are not illegal. I’m sure though that many with knowledge of clergy “persuading” frail vulnerable aged parishioners to alter wills in favour of the “church” might well dispute that!
Nevertheless the gist of your comment is true. Religion, its activities, and the RCC in particular is a massive “con-job” whereby priests and their acolytes collude in self serving deceitful practices and obfuscation. Whatever the shape or form of their practices, it is the same the world over.
🐑🐏🐐 Baaa Baaa Baaa!
LikeLike
Lol thank you, I hadn’t realized there were illegal connotations. Cambridge gives illegal or dishonest and of course it was the latter I meant.
However due to your intervention I will think of the church as an object used to hit a ball in several sports and certainly a loud and unpleasant noise!
LikeLike
@11:25 am
KK, if religion,its activities and the Rcc in particular is, as you claim, a massive ” con-job”,
how come this massive ” con-job” called Christianity has lasted 2,000 yrs?
That’s the “con-job” of all “con-jobs” , if you are right…
How could such a “con-job” last so long?
LikeLike
Anon@1:16: I take your comment as honest enquiry.
Understanding the cluster of reasons is helped by an appreciation of psychological and emotional factors on a personal level, and the formative, social, familial and community imperatives on a wider level. A satisfactory comprehensive analysis is beyond the scope of this site. Similarly, even attempting to show the facile inconsistencies of “belief in the bible” requires study and effort beyond this site. And, of course, there are the machinations and duplicitous self interest of clerical organisations to add to the mix!
If you really want to seek answers start by listening to some YouTube videos on atheism or reading Hitchens or Dawkins examinations of religious beliefs. They’ve been referred to here before .
Let us know how you get on.
LikeLike
At 1037. Would it was a ball, ….to be kicked into touch, and left there forgotten.
LikeLike
The original apostles had to deal with machinations by some, but a big twist for the worse was Vatican diplomats’ entrenching transubstantiation over some form of consubstantiation, which is just as Real or more Real Presence.
LikeLike
I certainly wouldn’t be inviting any of the residents of Cloughleigh to any of my candle light suppers or river-side picnics with riparian entertainment.
LikeLike
Im sure there are people in Cloughleigh who are the salt of the earth.
LikeLike
@ 4:28 pm
KK, of course a comprehensive analysis is beyond the scope of this blog.
Neither can 2000 years of Christianity be written off as “a con-job”.
You excluded the thousands of years of historical development of religious
consciousnesses in humankind.
Dawkins et al are peddling late 19th century critiques of religion which
are simply updated for the 21st market.
There are other eminent scientists who believe in the existence of God.
Check them out for a counterbalance to Dawkins, et al, if you seriously seek the Truth.
There are ‘mafias’ in all walks of life, including the professions, such as, for example medicine.
Personally, I prefer the authority of my own experience.
Academic qualifications, publications or YouTube videos don’t cut the mustard for me.
“Seek and you will find” ….(Matthew 7:7-8)
I wish you well.
(P.S. I’m NOT a priest or religious.)
LikeLike
Secular meaning-making maps are actually quite similar to religious ones, at least in structure and function: they build coherence and control, they place human experience in relation to something bigger than ourselves, and they lend moral significance to our lives as we face its inevitable end.
If someone knows the earth is round, they cannot be convinced that the earth is flat. If someone knows there is an afterlife. They cannot be convinced otherwise.
A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”
This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
LikeLike
9:08: I understand what you refer to as “development of religious consciousness ” as a natural consequence of the evolvement of humanity’s intelligence and self awareness seeking explanations for our existence and in particular, hope and solace at our inevitable demise. All of the thousands of religions, past and present, originate from this development. Only in the last few thousand years has faith beliefs or religion become so codified, organised, and some like the RCC rigid and totalitarian.
I believe that when subjected to critical evaluation by highly intelligent and knowledgeable individuals such as, for example, Dawkins, Hitchens, Sam Harris and others, both the beliefs of religion and the foundations or evidence for those beliefs are exposed as valueless, other than the misplaced comfort brought to believers. Watching the likes of cardinal Pell attempting to debate religious beliefs in relation to evolution with Christopher Hitchens is revealing.
In the end, religious believers inevitably rely on personal faith and belief, shackled as they are by the psychological and emotional factors of their environment and upbringing.
LikeLike
7 Reasons to Believe in the Afterlife: A Doctor Reviews the Case for Consciousness after Death;
An uplifting study of the scientific evidence for the afterlife from an experienced anesthesiologist/intensive care physician
• Details meticulously recorded and hospital-verified cases of near-death experiences
• Cites scientific research on NDEs to refute the standard objections of doubters and materialists point by point
• Explores out-of-body experiences, sessions with mediums, electronic communication with the deceased, and other signs from the afterlife
Over the course of his 25-year career as an anesthesiologist and intensive care physician, Jean Jacques Charbonier, M.D., gathered hundreds of accounts of patients who returned from clinical death. Across all of these accounts–from patients with vastly different backgrounds–Dr. Charbonier found striking similarities as well as indisputable proof that these experiences were more than hallucinations. He surveyed other physicians, nurses, and professional caregivers and discovered that their patients described the same experiences as well as exhibited the same positive life transformations afterward. Igniting a scientific quest to learn more, he collected more accounts of near-death experiences as well as out-of-body experiences, attended dozens of sessions with mediums, experimented successfully with electronic communication with the deceased (EVP), interviewed hundreds of people who have cared for the dying, and gathered countless inexplicable stories of “signs” from the afterlife. With each experience he studied, he found himself more firmly believing in the survival of consciousness beyond death.
Dr. Charbonier distills his findings into 7 reasons to believe in the afterlife, beginning with the more than 60 million people worldwide who have reported a transcendent afterlife experience. He refutes the standard objections of doubters and materialists point by point, citing scientific research on NDEs and the work of pioneers in the field of consciousness studies such as Raymond Moody and Pim van Lommel.
Drawing on meticulously recorded and hospital-verified cases, Dr. Charbonier explains that we should not fear death for ourselves or our loved ones. By releasing our fear of death, we can properly prepare for “the final journey.” As those who have returned from death reveal, death is simply a transition and its lessons enable us to live more fully, peacefully, and happily in the now.
LikeLike
Thank you Seamusviii @ 2.24. I’ve not read Charbonier’s book, but, like you, have glanced at the Amazon sales descriptive summary from which you quote.
It might be interesting to see his findings subjected to rigorous objective analysis.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome KK @ 6.34. I read it a few years ago and found it an interesting read.
LikeLike
Fintan looks like a month nkey with those ears and that beard! 🐵🐵
LikeLike
8:35, you’re no oil painting yourself!
LikeLike
Where can the Bishop place Ger.
What Parish is going to take a S******* Priests
Would you trust Ger with your Mother, Sister, Partner or any Female as he has been found out to be a LIAR.
Ger kept saying mass and building up his fan club knowing he was as guilty as sin.
LikeLike
You are so right Ger @11.31 it’s disheartening that he continued to say Mass during all his lies and betrayal of his parishioners. I understand nobody is perfect and I also can see Fr Ger as a human but when he’s an ordained minister of God I hold him to a higher standard.
This is what hurts me the most about this situation, he doesn’t put God first. Isn’t that what we’re all meant to do? If he had put God first even if he broke his promise of celibacy all would be different and things could have worked out for him and he could still be a priest in good standing in his diocese. All he had to do was tell the truth. There is a lesson here for everyone. Priests have come out with all sorts of revelations from the pulpit over the years or confessed to their Bishops asking for help and were never left without help or guidance. Fr Ger had to be pushed that’s the sad part. He now needs to pick up his cross and walk the long road ahead. I pray for him, the woman and all the people of the parish of Ennis.
A message for our Bishop as I’m sure he looks into this blog from time to time and doesn’t reply to emails. Don’t allow your faithful to find out about our priests through social media or Bishop Buckleys blog. I should not have to Google about the welfare of the clergy to gain the information. I am embarrassed by the stain brought onto our beloved diocese by the resent scandals. Thank you Bishop Pat for this platform.
LikeLike
Well said 12.03.
LikeLike
KK @ 1:39 pm,
Human extants have a more sophisticated brain than other primates. This higher evolved brain makes higher states of consciousness possible in humans including all entailed in modernity. Religiousness consciousness developed over time, leading to what Maurice Bucke termed cosmic consciousness. (See Cosmic Consciousness-A study in the Evolution of the Human Mind). Bucke differentiates between Simple consciousness, possessed by both animals and mankind :Self-consciousness, possessed by mankind, encompassing thought, reason, and imagination and Cosmic consciousness, which is “a higher form of consciousness than that possessed by the ordinary man”. Jesus was a mystic par excellance, with unique Cosmic Consciousness. Contemporary psychologists and theologians who refer to Bucke work, include Ken Wilber, Alan Watts, Abraham Maslow, etc.
With respect, to claim both the beliefs of religion and the foundations or evidence for those beliefs are exposed as valueless, is pure nonsense. Western civilization developed through Christianity. The legal systems we operate under are based on Judo-Christian principles.
Religion is not simply a cosmic comfort blanket providing hope and solace due to our inevitable demise. It seeks and points to Truth, Transcendence, Mystery, Awe, The Highest Most Noble Values in Humanity etc. Science can also be dogmatic, intolerant and fascist.
Why would almost all of the apostles die for a con-man if Christianity a con-job;
St. Paul states there is no sting or victory in death; finally, mystics know experientially God exists.That’s what makes them mystics!
See: https://blog.magiscenter.com/blog/evidence-of-god-from-contemporary-science-philosophy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Anon 5.18. I continue to find fascinating that many arguing for validity in religious beliefs such as Christianity, persist in referring deferentially to individuals and matters referred to in biblical texts as indisputable evidential facts to be totally relied upon in adducing faith beliefs. Certainly for Christianity, there appears to be a persistent blindness to the inherent contradictions of its religious beliefs vis a vis alternative evidence.
“I dtir na ndall, ta an fear aon-shuil ina ri.”
LikeLike
Would you give her refuge at the oratory Pat?
LikeLike
Already offered weeks ago.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fair play Pat, you put your money where your mouth is!
LikeLike
He didn’t put he’s money where he’s mouth is, he offered… once accepted, he came up short, apparently you can’t depend on anyone, as pat says!
LikeLike
KK @ 6:28pm
Virtually every modern competent scholar of antiquity Christian or non-Christian
agree Jesus existed. (See:Titus Flavius Josephus.) Have you read the Church Fathers?
The scholarship involved in the study of sacred scripture cannot be reduced to a
soundbite of deference to individuals and matters referred to in biblical texts as indisputable
evidential facts to be totally relied upon in adducing faith beliefs.
What inherent contradictions of its religious beliefs vis a vis alternative evidence
are you specifically referring to?
Finally I suggest you read Dr. Hans Kung “The Beginning of All Things- Science and Religion”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Anon 8:05, interesting link earlier at 5:18. I’ll be reading it for a while! Go raibh maith agat!
My understanding is that all modern scholars agree that the baptism of Jesus and his crucifixion are historical facts. There are many studies on historical Jesus for those who are trying to reconstruct his life and teachings.
Interesting read on RTE website around Easter time.
https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2018/0329/950906-all-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-jesus-last-week-on-earth/
LikeLike
What an overreaction Pat, she is a 33 year old woman who had consentual sex (once) with Ger. It’s called a one night stand!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I don’t think her age has anything to do with death threats and an accomodation crisis….
LikeLike
Clergy should not be having one night stands how many more one night stands has Ger had.
And remember they were building a relationship.
Ger will end up a lonely old man he has the chance to go now and should grab it with both hands.
LikeLike
I find all of this very sad.
A priesthood desolated by a one night wonder.
A lady out of home, heart and security.
Ger will be brought into the machinations of the church – where human sex drive is confused with a psychological condition. Assuming he did it, What he did was natural – but how he did it was not professional. There in lies the problem.
As for the lady, are we to believe she has no family, friends or relatives to comfort her? If not than what is the history and how deep are her troubles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
11.18
Gers been having intercouse and relationahips since hes ordination in 2012 with women before her. Theres evidence on all too. Shes was seeing him for six months, not one night…
LikeLike
How do you know it was a one night stand?
And if it is was a one night thing, perhaps Ger made numerous advances and was perhaps knocked back and he continued to make advances and make all kinds of promises to get what he wanted and then when he got what he wanted he reneged on those promises because they weren’t sincere in the first place.
Another scenario – the woman knew what she wanted, set out to seduce Ger and then made a big issue out of telling the world how this priest had broken his promise of celibacy.
Judging by the comments made on this blog – sexuality active while a seminarian, a track record of sexual misconduct known to more than one Bishop and fellow priest and his recent conduct dealing with this case – I know which scenario is more likely.
Wether the women is vulnerable or calculating should not be the issue either – Ger’s conduct as a ‘man of God’ is.
As with anyone – he will make mistakes but as with any Christian he would be asked to atone for them by being honest with himself, his community and the person wronged. He represents an institution that teaches the only place for sex is within the confines of a married relationship. Ger now needs to shape up or ship out. His history would indicate that is should be the latter. But who am I to judge 🤔🙄
LikeLike
3:20, GER GER GER GER GER, all about GER GER GER. You do know know there were 2 people involved in this situation. Maybe she took advantage of him? Lonely, at a crossroads in life, feeling down, needing affection? Don’t think for a second because she’s a woman that she can’t be as manipulative and as cunning as any good man.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ger was easy to take advantage of. Plenty of experience.
LikeLike
Next will be she’s going to have Gers baby!!!!!!!
LikeLike
I was actually thinking when Pat commented that he shit in his parish it was more like he sprayed the baby batter in his parish.
LikeLike
No Name at 3:20
You clearly aren’t the brightest star in the firmament.
Had you read my post properly you would have noticed that I outline a scenario in which the woman may have played the part of the wily, seductress.
That does NOT detract from the fact that Ger is the one who was engaged in illicit sexual relations contrary to HIS promise of celibacy and contrary to HIS church’s teachings that sexual should not take place outside marriage. Same old same old though. Preach one thing to the poor huddled masses while indulging in behaviour completely at odds with the teaching.
I also detect a hateful misogyny in your text. Dirty old Eve tempting poor old Adam into her bed.
I’ve no doubt that ALL people are capable of being manipulative and cunning but I think in this case that the manipulative and cunning one was the priest.
Do I know this for a fact? No, I don’t but what I do know for a fact is that this man has form.
LikeLike
7:04, factor in the woman’s form. There is the priest’s version of events. There is the woman’s version of events. There is the truth in-between.
LikeLike
7:04, factor in the woman’s form. There is the priest’s version of events. There is the woman’s version of events. There is the truth in-between.
(7:48 was me. Not anonymous!)
LikeLike
No name…
just because your like that doesn’t automatically mean the rest of us are!
Shows just how you think….
LikeLike
THE NEW, CHANGED, MORE COMPASSIONATE, “WE HAVE LEARNED OUR LESSON CHURCH” ? I very much doubt it. The institutional Church is still very much controlled and run by people who have a vested interest in the status quo in which they have grown up, been trained, and continue to work. Change is a threat to them, and they will do all they can to resist it. And, this is in spite of the headline role of Pope “Who am I to condemn” Francis, who even though he comes out with well sounding and compassionate soundbites appears incapable of moving the institutional Church away from its rigourist and judgemental past. Take for example what has happened in the last few months. The CDF essentially reissued it reiteration of the “intrinsically disordered” judgement about people of alternative sexuality and their relationships. Why was this allowed to happen ? How come the Prefect of the CDF could issue this and Francis was not able to stop it ? Because the real power still rests with that conservative and traditionalist bloc within the institutional Church. At the moment there is a debate raging amongst bishops in the USA about refusing communion to Biden because of his voting record on abortion. Cordileone, the Archbishop of Francisco (yes, the one that was arrested DUI in his car coming back from an intimate dinner with a seminarian and the bishop’s aged mother as chaperone !) has recently issued a pastoral letter about this matter (find it here: https://sfarchdiocese.org/inthewomb) which sounds like something which + Fulton J Sheen would have lectured about in the 1950s. Sadly, it is people like these in the institutional Church who are still able to call the shots and inflict on people a theology and a morality which continues to attempt to control and constrain the faithful at all costs. I do not see any real change or compassion in that kind of Church. My hope comes from the fact that, apart from some strange traditionalist groups, the vast majority of the faithful look on this kind of Catholicism as irrelevant. They have already moved beyond this, they may listen courteously, but in the end they will make up their own minds in conscience. It is here that the “new, changed, more compassionate” Church is to be found, not in the CDF, Cordileone or other nut jobs like that.
LikeLike
Bloody hell, I got lost working my way through formal and material cooperation, immediate and mediate cooperation, proximate mediate cooperation and remote mediate cooperation. Does this Cordileone expect the person in the pew to spend time working through this theological tautology ? It’s the kind of thing I’d expect to hear in a Father Littleton sermon. Or not listen to. Where’s he gone nowadays, by the way ?
LikeLike
10:55
You’re anon! 😂
LikeLike
Heinrich Bewerunge, German cleric and musician, was born in 1862 and ordained in 1885. He was educated in Würzburg and Regensburg under Franz Witt and Franz Haberl, both leaders of the Cecilian movement which sought to restore plainchant and renaissance polyphony to Catholic liturgy. Sanctioned by Pope Pius IX in 1870, Cecilianism spread throughout Germany, the Netherlands, Eastern Europe and America. The Irish Society of St Cecilia was founded in 1878. Bewerunge was appointed to Maynooth ten years later, on the recommendation of Haberl, and he occupied the Chair of Church Chant and Organ at St Patrick’s College for thirty-five years until his death in 1923. A gifted composer and arranger of liturgical music, his life’s work as practitioner, scholar and pedagogue was primarily focused on church music and music education, with the ambit of his activities extending internationally.
LikeLike
Henreich Bewerunge
(b Letmathe, Westphalia, Dec 7, 1862; d Maynooth, Dec 2, 1923). German church music scholar, active in Ireland. He studied at Würzburg University (1881–5) and the Bayerisches Staatskonservatorium der Musik and was ordained priest in 1885; he then took a diploma at the Kirchenmusikschule in Regensburg. After one year as Kantor at Cologne Cathedral, he was appointed to a newly created chair in chant and organ at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, in 1888. During this period (1891–3) he was also editor of Lyra ecclesiastica, the journal of the Irish Society of St Cecilia, whose aims he propagated. In 1914 he became the first professor of music at University College, Dublin; however, that same year war broke out while he was on holiday in Cologne and he was barred from re-entering Ireland. The post was declared vacant due to his alleged failure of duty and passed on to C.H. Kitson.
You do not currently have access
LikeLike
Perhaps it might be better that rather than listen ” courteously ” they spoke loudly their disagreement and preferred alternatives.
LikeLike
Never heard of paragraphs, 09:32?
LikeLike
Seamus Yvonne also has 6 months of the WHOLE REALTIONSHIP saved, she never said she nor ger was perfect, as neither are and up until 5 minutes ago the public wasn’t aware of anything let alone snippets of what she posted!
LikeLike
Rubbish Pat, her relationship with Ger didn’t work out the way she wanted it to. Big swinging Mickey, it happens every day, move on with your life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe Fintan has a red-blooded priest in need of a live in housekeeper?
LikeLike
Red-blooded heterosexual priests are as scarce as the Corncrake.
LikeLike
10.34: Plenty of your types around, sadly: bitter, nasty auld queens, lace curtain types…gossipers….very nasty…
LikeLike
I am finding these anonymous comments rather difficult to wade through. Wouldn’t it be better if commenters pseudonymously took the name of some prominent cleric? After all we have had a dead Maynooth professor and God comment here before!
LikeLike
But, Anon @ 10:30, you haven’t even taken that action yourself!
Indeed I agree, and have noted similar requests before going apparently unnoticed. I’ve concluded therefore that many of the ANONS are just too stupid to understand the reason for such a request. Often their spellings, use of grammar and illogical semi literate utterances adds to that impression. They regularly make comments apparently referring to other anonymous comments, but appear to have no realisation how difficult it is, as you say, to wade through them for any logical sequence.
And to think that many of these ANONS are clerics!……….seemingly with as much self awareness as, 🤔, 🪱🐌 Doesn’t say much for their pastoral awareness.
C’mon get your arses in gear ANONS. I’ll make it simple for the simple: pick a name, any name!
[And just so you know: before any of you start jumping down my throat at this comment:
I don’t give a monkey’s fart!]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Colin anything you may read about me and chorus boys is definitely not true.
LikeLike
Hilarium nothing in these posts or comments hasn’t sounded more nasty than your tone, bitter much?
LikeLike
Is there any hint that this relationship was non-consensual? Was there domestic violence or coercion of any sort? If not, as seems to be the case, why must the diocese apologise? Let the priest be disciplined justly for breaking his vows.
Moreover, if there is some sort of criminal or professional misconduct that could be legally actioned in future, the worse thing to do would be for the diocese to take her in—that would compromise everybody’s legal position, including the woman’s.
I do agree that if the priest is a philanderer, and mixes with thugs and gangs, he should be dismissed from the priesthood as soon as possible.
There is clearly a lot of rot that needs to be dealt with in the Irish Church. But sometimes the reporting here becomes histrionic and reveals that the motivation is as much a grudge against the Catholic Church and its teachings, as with exposing the sinners in its midst.
LikeLike
Questioning @ 10.43am. I think that’s a very appropriate question. It could be said that you are not being consensual if you are being lied to. Also, she probably originally held him in high regard which revisits the topic of the imbalance of power/ influence between her and the priest. I like your last paragraph and agree.
I am sure we don’t know the half of it, apart from the physical elements. What he told her we may never know if he is going to be dishonest.
LikeLike
Bishop Pat, I fully agree that clergy should be living to their vow and not getting involved in relationships. Once a priest is in a relationship, like any person, there is going to be a point of where they either fully commit to the relationship or end it. There are worse situations where priests have allowed relationships drag on for years. I would give this priest credit for ending the wrong relationship as soon as possible. It sounds as though the end of the relationship could have been handled better but relationship anxiety is known to cause a communication problem.
LikeLike
Ger has been having sex with women before and after ordination.
Can he stop?
???
LikeLike
Bishop Pat 3:09, only the priest can answer. It’s the first time I’m aware of that he has had to take a step back from his ministry for breaking the vow.
“***, and others like him, must decide to either observe the obligations he has freely accepted, or leave the priesthood.”
“If he wants back he must recommit to celibacy and practice that. If he cannot do that he must embrace another way of life.”
I agree with your Killaloe friend. He must recommit or embrace another way of life.
LikeLike
Ger is welcome to express his thoughts on here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If he keeps on causing himself relationship anxiety, as a public figure to those he has relationships with, he is old enough to work out a way of not giving himself it.
LikeLike
Vital points, and also was it not up to Father Tom Ryan for some months past – with honest backing from that bishop – to redress histrionics. Church order (clergy celibacy) is not a teaching per se; Vat Inc should discern for itself what church order is appropriate to its teachings on confection, to professional standing, etc.
LikeLike
Pat and Séamus, can he stop? I don’t think he will be putting it anywhere again for while after this….
I’m sure the councilling will cure he’s urges that he’s been taking advantage of repeatedly since ordination
LikeLike
10:34, how much does he want to commit to his ministry? How much does he want to commit to an intimate relationship? Only one person can truly answer that and it will take time. This is what he has to decide. Recommit to his vow or return to lay state as advised by Bishop Pat’s Killaloe friend.
It is not fair to say that the priest is on a holiday. It is a sabbatical. The church is standing by their man but their is no guarantee he will return either. A step back from his ministry should help to create the space and calmness of mind to discern his future direction. It’s better when people can do that out of the spotlight.
LikeLike
It sounds like he doesnt want a relationship. Just keep up the cosy lifestyle and perks. Be popular by telling people what they want to hear. A bit of NSA when he feels like
LikeLiked by 1 person
10.45: Your postulating about Fr. Ger is pure fantasy. You have no idea what Ger wants or what his inner feeling are. You are merely stretching a narrative for titilation…
LikeLike
As +Pat said, it’s been going on for 10+ years. Hardly fantasy
LikeLike
Ger has been sexually active with various women for 12 + years.
LikeLike
12:53, evidence?
LikeLike
Yvonne spent long enough privately behind closed doors with him, he’s 12.16….
public persona and private persona are two very different people, unless you know either of them on a personal level, you should refrain on commenting suggesting you do, you don’t know her feelings either…
LikeLike
I agree, that is exactly what he’s doing..
LikeLike
Whatever the inns and outs of he said / she said of this Ger case, the fact remains that a priest / supposed professional had sexual relations with someone with whom he had a pastoral / professional relationship, as well as there being allegedly elements of taking advantage of a vulnerable person. In any other world / walk of life / profession, that litany would be taken very seriously and would at least be sufficient to warrant the suspension of the priest, an investigation, and if there was substance to the allegations / situation, then the permanent removal of the priest from ministry. It is really quite simple. Unless of course you believe in clerical exceptionalism, or do not believe that the role of the priest has any professional or other constraints and exceptions.
LikeLike
11:31: The woman too must acceot her responsibilities. Absolutely. She cannot be the only “victim”. Ask the Ennis community…..
LikeLike
You are right. There are other women.
LikeLike
Evidence has been provided…. Public have not been made aware!
LikeLike
I think €25K would be a suitable settlement for the woman at the centre of the Ennis scandalgate.
LikeLike
11.35: Utter nonsense. Why?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keyboard Wizards is this the way you would like a member of your family or Friends treated and I am sure the answer is NO and rightly so.
You have read about the treatment and the threats to the victim and I get it she should not have fallen in love with a Priest but neither should he fall in love with Parishioners.
It is all about the “Brotherhood” and at least i maybe a keyboard wizard I certainly have made my points know to the weak Bishop Fintan Monahan who is allowing this to continue and furthermore no information to the people of Cloughleigh.
So come show some Human support and let Fintan Monahan know your thoughts should Ger be sent on a Sabbatical / Holiday or whatever and let Fintan know what you think of his handling of the situations of Ger Fitzgerald and Gerry Carey.
Bishop@killaloediocese.ie
Fintan gets upset when people email him the Truth to Westbourne
LikeLike
The unofficial policy in recent years of ordaining homosexuals only will avoid many of these women issues in the future.
LikeLike
The gay priests have more integrity and don’t abuse the access to people that theiroffice gives the. The gays just do Grindr, saunas and beaches anonymously and don’t do the straight priest crap of being a shoulder to cry on/a good listener/preacher to the gallery, which the straight priests do in order to get into women’s knickers.
LikeLike
12:28, spoken like someone with a lot of experience of either or
LikeLike
If +Monahan is truly interested in doing the right thing by those affected he would personally visit the parish and make a statement setting the record straight. Naturally it would have to be delicately worded but it is the only way for the truth to prevail. It probably won’t change the minds of some but it would allow the woman affected to feel some kind of closure and healing.
LikeLike
Lugs should put Cloughleigh under interdict.
LikeLike
interdict? that sounds very sexual 🤣
LikeLike
Better than being “inserted into the Church”!
LikeLike
OK so she puts her dirty laundry on social media and it back fires. Lugs recommended a woman’s refuge. Fair enough she could move into Ger’s house as it’s vacant and she’s familiar with it. But for how long? Would she stay for life?
Then she goes to another bishop. He offers to put her information all over his blog. Did he offer a room with a priest of the Oratory Society?
The sad thing is we make our own choices. Ger may have taken advantage but if the problem was her vulnerability allowed him to take advantage would the woman’s refuge not be best positioned to deliver social care, counselling etc? Is that not their field of expertise?
LikeLike
Weeks ago I offered the women to come and stay with me here at The Oratory for as long as she needs. The offer is still open.
LikeLiked by 1 person
1.18: Bishop Buckley, your intrusiin is nit received well by many in Ennis. You should stop interfering as you are causing much unnecessary hurt by allowing the horrible comnentary against all involved. Your supposed concern is misplaced and misguided.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Going to a place of safety is an exemption until the rona restrictions.
LikeLike
@1.18
I’m glad to hear that. I called your bluff and you weren’t bluffing.
LikeLike
and tell us Pat, how would she do that exactly! There are restrictions and you would never break restrictions in a pandemic, isn’t that right!
LikeLike
I would regard being homeless and under threat as an emergency.
She would need to have a Covid test and then isolate after coming here.
We have the space for that.
LikeLike
If “Fr” Ger came off his pedestal and admitted to the people that he DID have an affair with the woman then those people may leave the woman alone. This whole situation has gone to a ridiculous level.
Why is the Bishop staying so quiet about it? Surely it’s time he spoke out or even met with the people of Cloughleigh to try to calm the situation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A post was shared on social media. There has been a reaction to it. Killaloe can’t be getting involved in things like that that are outside of their control.
LikeLike
Yet they have had meetings with everyone involved on social media, trying to control everything….
LikeLike
The Ger guy is toast, whether he has the support of some socially deprived housing estate parish or not. Whether they think he has the smell of the sheep, or not. He’d done. He’s been shagging about, he’s taken advantage of women, he’s lied, he’s tried to brazen it out. And failed. So, I doubt if we will see that much more of him in years to come. He needs to move on and out. How can anyone possible take someone like that seriously, or trust him, or have any confidence in him ?
LikeLike
Trust is damaged alright in his ability to live according to the vow that he took. It’s something he has to reflect on for these next few months as advised by Bishop Pat’s Killaloe friend. The priest will have to fully commit to his vow or return to lay state.
LikeLike
When Ger penetrated the woman was she ontologically changed?
Did part of his priesthood rub off on her?
LikeLike
Wonder if he used Durex? That’s also a mortal sin.
LikeLike
No. He did not commit that sin.
LikeLike
The pull-out method I assume.
LikeLike
VD?
Am I showing my age but we used to use those letters for Venereal Disease.
LikeLike
I was wondering if his sperm was ontologically changed, and did it change back upon hitting a vagina?
LikeLike
7.44: Filth, porno and a pervert.. Disgusting. Low life. Gutter type.
LikeLike
I don’t think she went to heaven from the experience if that’s what you mean….
Unless it was the chips that made her angry lol
https://youtu.be/QMVgYtzIAK0
LikeLike
Everybody seems to have missed the retirement of Bishop William Kenney of Birmingham. Bishop William is very much liked and respected. An intellectual force in the Birmingham Archdiocese. He will be missed greatly. I wonder how he is planning to spend his retirement?
LikeLike
Pat, I would have thought that having been ignominiously convicted of a crime some years back and facing humiliation, public wrath and personal embarrassment, that you might spare a thought for all at the centre of this story, be they be innocent or guilty of any moral misdemeanours or abusing of power or position of trust. Surely you’ve got enough mileage out of this saga. I believe that you protract narratives to inflict as much possible hurt, humiliation and pain on the “abuser”: in this case, the priest. I am quite certain that the woman must now be seeking some privacy, not an ongoing destructive scrutiny nor be the focus of a blog. Isn’t pursuing people a most Christian piece of behaviour? Not virtuous or commendable. Taking personal respinsibilities for wrongful and hurtful behaviours is to be advised first and foremost. I think we should pray for all involved and their families. Did not Jesus say, “Do not condemn, do not judge….I forgive BUT go and sin no more..” I’m sure there are many moments of moral failings in our lives when we would yearn for such words…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Doesn’t that Father Tom Ryan realise he is being focussed on? He is supposed to assist the bishop whether he is under or over 50, and whether the bishop is under or over 50.
Assist doesn’t mean kow tow and it doesn’t mean cut corners either. What do the safeguarding department think of Father Tom Ryan now?
From time to time a priest has led a lady to believe he was going to follow through and has followed through. Why should the mob think Ger is noble not to?
LikeLike
What???? The Diocese of Killaloe has a safeguarding department!!!!
What about all the vile posts on Cloughleigh’s Facebook page about this woman and only taken down a day ago. Safeguarding 😂😂😂
LikeLike
3.24: I agree with you but you’ll be trampled into the ground for your views. The truth, however unpalatable, has to be faced by all who are at the heart if this story. People are hurting. Analysing them on this blog, sometimes in a frivolous way and with fun is not helpful to any injured party. I expect a Christ like mind and heart approach from Bishop Monahan and Bishop Buckley.
LikeLiked by 1 person
3.22pm
OMG, ha ha ha never have I laughed so much on this blog than at the suggestion that William Kenny’s retirement was missed and the notion that it could ever be newsworthy or notable was hilarious – your post was the gift that kept on giving with your further comment that Bill Kenny was, and I quote, ‘an intellectual force in the Birmingham Archdiocese (Archdiocese of Birmingham, surely) are you an Anglican?).
Jeez, Mother of Mary, if Bill Kenney is the intellectual force behind the diocese is it any wonder they are up shit creek?
Of course everybody missed it because no one gives a shite.
Liked and respected by who?
A few cronies and sycophantic clergy for sure whose arse he’s covered over the years.
Quigley’s prosecution was on his watch – he’s the bishop for that neck of the woods. Wonder what he knew about Mr Quigley and his shannagins?
Kenney is a Black Country Native who is a massive snob – he’s been sucking up to ((hopefully not off) clergy like Osman, Seward, Byrne (now Bishop), Evans, keeping everybody sweet since his shock arrival from Stockholm many years ago.
Question is why did Sweden get rid?
There is a story there but no one is telling!!
Bill Kenny is the classic Bull in A China Shop (Do You Know What I Mean) – if he says Do You Know What I Mean once, he must say it after every thing he says, Do You Know What I Mean. God it’s catching, that’s scary.
You must be a cleric – only clerics get a excited by PhD’s – Kenny’s is in Sociology- but I wouldn’t say he’s the sharpest tool in the toolbox by a long stretch. He’s too lazy and trades off having a PhD (yawn).
His secretary is, I think, Ado Taparro’s sister – she’s more like Kenny’s Mummy and Carer – he’d be shambolic and lost without her. Ah Bless.
Pope Francis bit his hand off – he reached 75 on May 7 and his resignation was accepted immediately – see ya don’t wanna be ya.
Mind you he’s landed his Oxford pad (a little out of Oxford) and fair play must be a £900,000 property – a great witness of solidarity and simplicity with the poor of Oxfordshire. My heart bleeds.
He was desperate to retire and couldn’t get out quick enough – trust me Nursie will say how marvellous he was, he will have a leaving party here and there but everybody, including Nursie, will privately sigh a huge sigh of relief that he’s gone.
Intellectual force … so funny … have you got any more like this, you made my day – got to rush now and write my homily – the theme of which will be: the intellectual heavy weights of the church – Augustine, Aquinas, Kenney.
LikeLike
Will he be retiring from the Eileen Barker (Prevent) Institute?
LikeLike
3.22pm Very cruel of you. Many of us know otherwise. And how rude to call Bishop Kenney ‘Bill’. Bishop Kenney has a fine mind. If you think to the contrary you do all of us a great disservice.
LikeLike
Tell her go live in Fr Gers house in cloughleigh, see how she gets on there
LikeLike
Pretty well, it will add massively to her claim if anything happens to her… She’s already requested to stay with Bishop fintan apparently!
LikeLike
He’s Bishop Patrick Buckley, so gentle and so wise. Rocking on his rocking chair, baking cakes and pies. He’s Bishop Patrick Buckley, He’s Bishop, Bishop, Patrick B.
LikeLike
How many people are looking at this blog today Bishop Pat? My friend reckons no-one reads this blog and Bishop Fintan has nothing to worry about……
LikeLike
5000 visitors and over 100 comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cloghleigh are stalking it like hawks…
LikeLike
And another 1 or 2 taking notes 😊
LikeLike
‘No-one reads Bishop Buckley’s blog’ is church speak. Translated into English it basically means ‘We mustn’t be seen to read the blog’. If said by a bishop to a priest it means ‘If I wasn’t a bishop I would want Bishop Buckley dead and if you don’t want the worst parish in the diocese you had better not read it and still less comment because he can have no interest in this diocese’.
LikeLike
Yet they analyse every word!
LikeLike
7:49, “reckons no-one reads this blog and Bishop ****** has nothing to worry about” People do read this blog. What has the Bishop to worry about? Someone is vulnerable after posting something on social media. They have given someone good advice.
LikeLike
There is something wrong here, the bishop in Ennis would not have the authority to offer anyone a place in a domestic refuge for women.
It is not run by the clergy, so he has no authority.
Are you sure you have the whole story?
I’m sure the Clare Haven Refuge in Ennis wouldn’t be very interested in this because someone is not telling the truth
LikeLike
Usually refuges will take referrals from anyone including clergy. The bishop might have contacts or the refuge might be related to the church.
LikeLike
Yvonne is not going anywhere from I heard, she’s going to stay and fight and anyone who keeps addressing her as a druggie, alcoholic and issuing death threats will be dealt with and seems to comment like they know better, she will be going to the papers which will open alot of peoples eyes to what really has been going on that people are not aware of.
LikeLike
Pat, please list out the Countries in which your audience logs in from.
LikeLike
Pat do you have an audience from Islamic countries.
LikeLike
Indonesia, India, Philippines
LikeLike
I would hardly think India (mainly Hindu) or the Philippines (very RC/Christian) to be Islamic countries. Indonesia very much so.
Garngad Lad
LikeLike
Lots of Muslims on the southern Islands of the Philippines and in parts of India.
LikeLike
69 out of 142 comments were by Anonymous! Why not share your name and be more recognisable?!
LikeLike
As was said recently Seamusviii, because they’re too STUPID.
When something displeases them, they fire off anonymous comments like babies chucking dummies out of the pram, with no thought 🤔, and very little awareness 🦧
LikeLike
Indeed Canice! Some comments, especially from the Anons are childishly inadequate. But then the whole tone of this blogsite has now into mediocre clerical tittle tattle. Might that be why many of the former insightful contributors no longer bother?
LikeLike
My last comment was in response, to teacher emeritus…
LikeLike