EMAIL TO PHONSIE
Dear Phonsie,
Is is true that Father Xxxxx Xxxxxx stole € 70,000 of church funds and you are allowing him to pay it back at € 5,000 per annum?
Did you report this serious crime to the Gardai?
If not, why not?
Is it true that you stated to another priest at the time that nobody would ever find out about this crime?
Is Father Xxxxxx paying interest as well as paying the capital.
Do you not think that the people of Waterford and Lismore, whose money was stolen, should be informed about this crime?
Have you initiated canonical proceedings against Fr Xxxxxx ?
If not, why not?
Your brother bishop,
+ Pat Buckley
EMAIL TO THE GARDAI IN WATERFORD
Dear Chief Superintendent Dunne,
I have been made aware that a serious crime has been committed in your divisional area.
A Father Xxxx Xxxxxx , a priest of the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore is alleged to have stolen the sum of € 70,000 from diocesan funds.
The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Phonsie Cullinane has made a private arrangement with Father Xxxxxx to pay monies back at the rate of € 5,000 over a period of 14 years.
As the money was donated by the public of Waterford and Lismore this is a serious matter of public concern.
As a priest, who lived in and was ordained in Waterford, and having family members still residing in Waterford, I have a strong interest and involvement in that area and feel that because of my connection I am a person who can legitimately report this matter to the Gardai.
Father Xxxxxx still resides in the Waterford area.
Sincerely yours,
(Bishop) Patrick Buckley.
Larne. Co. Antrim. BT40 1RQ
BISHOP PAT BUCKLEY 