In recent days the blog has learned about a disturbing series of events that took place during the 2019 diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes from Waterford & Lismore that was led Phonsie Cullinan.
It is my understanding that during the pilgrimage and without parental consent a group of young people were shown a video by Phonsie that showed in graphic detail the full process of an abortion.
We have been unable to ascertain if the video was the well-known anti-abortion firm, The Silent Scream, or whether it was one of the more graphic videos produced by American-based conservatives.
We have been assured (by a serving cleric from Waterford and Lismore) that the presentation of the video was supplied by people from Opus Dei with the explicit approval of Phonsie. And, I believe that Phonsie was present for the showing of the video.
Understandably, the graphic video created significant distress for the young people present who had (I understand) no forewarning about what they were going to be shown. Abortion is a grave evil, however, the utterly misguided actions by the people from Opus Dei and Phonsie is wholly detrimental to the pro-life cause. It can be argued that this action in the long-run was counter-productive to the pro-life cause as it will strengthen the pro-choice leanings of these young people. It will also further alienate them from the sacramental life of the Church.
Phonsie was unable I am told to defend the indefensible.
He had no answer as to why the video was shown without parental consent.
I’m told there was two stand up rows between Phonsie and the pilgrimage leaders.
He could not understand or empathise with the upset/distress of the children to the dismay of the parents.
I am told that some of the young people, who had telephoned their parents in great distress, returned to Ireland the following day. And this experience has left them with a very negative experience of what should have been a joyous and faith-filled pilgrimage to Lourdes.
This is, of course, yet another example in a litany of poor decision-making by the great moral crusader, Phonsie the Dispicacle of Waterford.
As readers of my blog will know, I have been extremely critical of Phonsie. This criticism is justified and proportionate.
In the most obdurate fashion Phonsie failed to deal with the allegations that were repeatedly brought to his attention about Fr. Richard Purcell, the former Abbot of Mount Melleray Abbey.
At any time Phonsie could have removed by Decree – Purcell’s faculties in the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore. Instead, he took every opportunity to further deepen the scandal by concelebrating the Eucharist in public with Purcell.
Time and time again we have learned that those who are considered to be the most “CONSERVATIVE” bishops are often the most corrupt and the most immoral. So-called conservative bishops utilise a theologically conservative façade to shield their own immoral lives and to further disguise the fact that they are tortured and cruel individuals. Often, too, they are gay.
The sexual orientation of Phonsie is really irrelevant, however, one can persuasively argue that his indifference to the wrong-doing of Richard Purcell makes him “gay friendly” which is distinctly at variance with his very public moral crusading. #isphonsieinthecloset.
I am told that the gossip among the priests of Waterford and Lismore is that Phonsie is gay and that he lacks the insight to self-acknowledge this reality within himself. Of course, clerics are very bitchy but can the priests of that diocese be wrong?
I predict that Phonsie Cullinane will have a dramatic fall from grace!
BISHOP PAT BUCKLEY 