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H&N – CANONS APPOINTED BY ROBERT BYRNE.

BYRNE

From one of our H&N correspondents

Bishop Robert appointed his 12 canons as an additional layer between him and the people. Here are some questions and facts.

William Agley –

came to the Diocese from Southwark about a year before Bishop Robert but as soon as Bishop Robert arrived he was moved to one of the best parishes in the Diocese ( St Charles Gosforth) and made Diocesan Chancellor an appointment over many long serving Diocesan priests.

He was also made a Canon. The new Bishops House was within a 5 min walk for St Charles presbytery. In August 2022 after asking for a move he moved to St Bedes South Shields but remained Chancellor (Why did he want to get away from Gosforth where the people loved him and he loved the people.? He worked in and knew a lot about what went on in Bishops House and as he came from Southwark diocese he probably knew Tim Gardner

He obviously wanted to distance himself.

PAT ASKS

Why was a priest who had served only ONE YEAR in the diocese promoted to CANON and DIOCESAN CHANCELLOR.

What did he know about Bishop’s House and TIM GARDNER.

Michael Brown –

a traditionalist who was celebrating the Latin mass ( as listed Extraordinary Form) at 12-00 on a Sunday in St Josephs Gateshead. Bishop Robert was frequently there. He suffers severely from Parkinsons and struggles on.

Michael Campion –

Former Dean of Cathedral; a loyal, out spoken, straight as a die priest who should have been raised to a higher level in the Diocese but he doesn’t beg or suck up. He speaks the truth and can be seen as controversial. He raises questions others are afraid to ask . Sadly he is in bad health now with Parkinsons and at 74 too old but he would have made an excellent Bishop.

Michael Griffiths Stephen Watson –

both very hard working and committed priests but, along with Fr Andrew Shaw, are known as “ the three in the bed”.

Ian Patterson 

started his priestly life as curate at Holy Name Jesmond and worked full time as “secretary to Bishop Hugh Lindsey and spent 14 years walking side by side ( hand in hand ) with Hugh. He was then given a good parish of St Patricks Felling and he has been there for 34 years. His contribution to the Diocese is NIL.

However in 1991 he was reported to Bishop Ambrose for inappropriate behaviour with a 17 year old young man . After further enquiries by Bishop Ambrose it was discovered he had befriended another young man aged 17 who he had met as part of a large Lourdes youth group.

He had previously singled out individuals of age 17/18 to accompany him “ on pilgrimage to Lourdes” and continue on holiday with him by car. Bishop Ambrose did speak to the Diocesan youth leader and other priests and he did take action to stop IP involvement in the Diocesan Lourdes pilgrimages but as the young men in question were not parishioners he remained in the parish. No doubt records weren’t kept or after all this time have been destroyed. Obviously Bishop Robert did not research the backgrounds of his chosen disciples .

PAT ASKS

Are there unresolved safeguarding matters here.

Martin Stempczyk 

was removed as VG by Bishop Robert because “he refused to wear a black shirt preferring grey or blue with his collar”. He was made a Canon. Why when he was out of favour? What did he know? However, he is not a person to be trusted.

Fr David Taylor may not be languishing in jail if Martin had not refused to be a witness in court. Martin completely turned his back on someone who had supported him throughout his seminary training and early days as a priest.

As sure as it is possible to be , everyone who knows and worked with Fr David in youth work, is 99% certain he is innocent and certainly never showed any deviant behaviour with the 1000s of young people he worked with in their presence but 2 young men accused him and got good pay offs from the Diocese.

In court, the dates and information they gave were incorrect and could be proved had Martin stood up and supported his friend. Their claim that they slept in a tent with David were totally false – Martin knows that because on that camping trip to Lourdes it was he, as a seminarian and adult, who shared a two man tent with separate sleeping bags with David .

BUT Martin, the good faithful Christian priest did the Judas act. He turned his back and stabbed the knife in. He has never once written or made any enquiry to David or Davids family, whom he previously regularly visited, had meals, etc.

PAT ASKS

Is there genuine doubt over David Taylor’s guilt.

Canon Paul Douthwaite –

came to Diocese from the Redemptorists. Bishop Seamus took a long time before he eventually accepted him into the Diocese. He wasn’t given a parish immediately. He worked as a Prison Chaplain at Low Newton and Durham and then was appointed Head of the National Catholic Prison Chaplains .

This appointment was short-lived and ended abruptly . Can someone explain why he left this position with no mention in the Catholic Press or Diocesan news? Returning to the Diocese, he was given a small parish, and then very quickly, Bishop Byrne appointed him as Honary Canon and gave him the large prime parish in Hartlepool.

Christopher Jackson –

had already been on “ leave” as he was investigated from his time in the CofE. He returned to the Diocese and was very soon promoted and made a Canon by Bishop Robert and , within a short time , suddenly “disappeared and it was stated he was taking early retirement” ???

AND

Fr Andrew Shaw as Chaplain to Newcastle University was reported to Safeguarding as to major concerns about the running of the Chaplaincy and the “selected students” but nothing was done. He was friends with Bishop Robert so ?? was this complaint swept under the table.

212 replies on “H&N – CANONS APPOINTED BY ROBERT BYRNE.”

Well I never??? Ian Patterson a dodgy pilgrimage director. No surprise there! He’s destroyed felling!
You also mentioned the three in a bed lit Pat!
Very thick files on those three at bishops house! Do you know? They were once photographed in a Spanish gay bar and hauled up for it on their return. Sitges is their holiday destination of choice! Naughty girls! All three of them!!!

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Aren’t they just? Hardworking? 😂
One of them was made pilgrimage director and just before covid restrictions were lifted he jumped ship so was the only pilgrimage director who never bothered leading a pilgrimage!
It gets worse! Look who replaced him? Only the best friend of McCoy, though for a while amnesia set in and he denied ever knowing him! Touch of the cock crowing there me thinks!

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Canon Michael Brown not only “was” saying the Tridentine Mass ,but he still is at 12.00pm in his parish St Joseph’s in Gateshead.
The Mortu Proprio Traditionis Custodes was issued in July 2021 and was ignored in Hexham and Newcastle because Bishop Byrne favoured the use of the Old Mass. However the rescript of February this year makes it explicitly clear that permission to use the Old rite is restricted to the Holy See alone. Has Canon Brown sought such permission, now that bishop Byrne is out of the picture ?
I very much doubt it.
And does he have ecclesiastical permission for his for his long standing &#8220 lady friend?” ?

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Douthwaite is v authoritarian former RAF chaplain and carries himself like a sergeant major as isn’t sophisticated enough for officer class.
Inflated sense of own importance as National Prison Chaplain – is he still in this role?
I would suspect he’s of the antique disposition and his promotion is linked with Byrne.
Lasting impression of authoritarian who likes to hide behind a uniform – not sure how popular he was or is as National Prison Chaplain but clearly enjoyed salary and status.

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I think it’s hilarious the way you all use the phrase ‘antique disposition ‘. What’s wrong with you? We all know all priests are gay. And you can say the word, it’s not like it’s illegal like it is with your kiddy fiddling colleagues.

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8.09
Pat, why collude with the weaponising of CSA from someone with no concern for victims by publishing his comments?

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9:54 Because he knows y’all want to keep your cult’s kiddy fiddling secret, like the church tried to prevent the Spotlight reporters starting the avalanche.

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Douthwaite does have a history of short term appointments. He was not long as a RAF chaplain due to some ‘local difficulty’. I was surprised to see that he was made RC prison head, but had not heard that he had left that role. I don’t think he is of the antique disposition, I think he is straight and rather fancies himself as a ladies’ man. Anyhow, appointing someone like Douthwaite to a very important role in prisons to represent the RC Church is an indication of how sparse is the talent among priests. No surprise there because any young man with a sliver of wit and intelligence over the last 25 years has avoided the seminary, knowing that the whole thing is fucked up and toxic and not the path to happiness, contentment or service.

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I think someone is trying to throw shit and make it stick here. I’ve known Canon Paul Douthwaite for several years and always found him to be a nice guy. Yes, he likes to be in control and occasionally does piss off some of the older parishioners who don’t and never will like change, but he’s one of the most hardworking priests I’ve met and was always appreciative of people.
I know for a fact both he and his last parish were devastated when he was moved. My sister is there and he was very well liked and worked hard to improve the place. He brought many people back to mass and it’s all gone downhill since he left.
He didn’t want Hartlepool – it’s a really tough gig – but was given no choice by Byrne as the parish was in a mess before he went and was crumbling fast. It was a poisoned chalice – no one wanted it. Not the prime parish it’s made out to be.
He was given temporary parishes because he was in full-time prison ministry for 14 years and was National Catholic Chaplain for Prisons for 7 years – not a brief stint – and had held this role for 2 years before Byrne had even set foot in H&N.
As for being of the ‘antique disposition’, I’m of the strong opinion that he’s one of the VERY few straight priests in the diocese – not Byrne’s type at all. Last I heard, the only reason he was thinking of giving up the national role was because he has four parishes to look after in Hartlepool.

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Plenty of big skeletons in that closet! Look how many past H&N bishops would not incardinate him. Ambrose, Kevin and seamus. I wonder why😂 Byrne knew better of course!

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Bishop Emeritus Edward Cullen has died. Many Allentown Pennsylvania priests are accused of molesting kids and many of them worked under and were protected by the now-deceased Bishop Edward Cullen. We hope his passing will bring some comfort to the hundreds of victims who were sexually violated by priests during his tenure, victims whose allegations were buried

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Reply yo;Bishop Emeritus Edward Cullen, Allentown, PAsays:
May 9, 2023 at 11:56 pm
Good riddance, to bad rubbish.

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A sexual assault case filed by a former altar boy against a former New Bedford priest has been settled.
Jason Medeiros was a former altar boy at St. Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford and participated in a Catholic youth group. Both were supervised by Father Richard Degagne, according to a press release issued by Boston-based attorney Mitchell Garabedian.
According to the complaint, Degagne, who was ordained in 1982 and is now in his late 60s, was working with St. Anthony of Padua Parish in New Bedford from around 1986 until 1991. Before being suspended from ministry, he worked in East Freetown, Attleboro, Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton. He presently resides in Brownfield, Maine, and is listed on the diocesan website as ‘faculties removed’. The settled lawsuit claims that between the ages of 12 and 13 in the late 1980s, Degagne repeatedly sexually assaulted Medeiros in the rectory and in Degagne’s automobile. The lawsuit claims that Degagne also took 12-year-old Medeiros on an overnight visit to Maine in or around 1988 when he allegedly assaulted him.
We stand in ovation for Jason Medeiros. Children are safer when predators and those who shield them are held accountable. It is also critical that parishioners and the public are better informed about the true extent of clergy abuse in Massachusetts and beyond. We know it takes a lot of courage and conviction for victims to step forward and we are certain that this example will inspire others to get the help they need.

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Prayers that Jason Medeiros will now find peace from the justice that he has waited for for so long. Congratulations on your victory, you inspire and give hope to others.

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Well done Jason. Onwards and upwards now. Walk tall with your head in the air. Be very proud of yourself. You did this. 👍

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I’m confused. Does this mean the diocese didn’t have any canons up to then? I thought all bishops had canons.
And if it did already have canons it seems like he appointed a lot very quickly.

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No it’s not difficult at all to confuse him, he has a brain injury. Be more respectful and don’t be taking advantage.

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Up to now they’ve had a selection of unauthorised Canon balls engaging in unauthorised ejections.

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12:04 Not every diocese has a chapter. Bishop Byrne introduced one for the reason stated in the article.

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What about the canon at St Marys cathedral, or Dean or episcopal vicar? Actually frank canon the fat detective from the 70s cop show would describe the cathedral Dean. Seems like he he likes cop shows. I see he waddled up
The aisle of St Michaels Westmorland Road when Vera shot an episode in there with the Dean playing a cameo role. All the problems in this shit bin of a diocese and he’s got time to be squirrelling away fees for cameo acting roles when he can’t even open up his own cathedral church. It’s a disgrace! He’s a disgrace!

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8:06
‘John O Reilly’ thinks free speech is highly over rated. ‘John O Reilly’ has a lot to learn.

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Former Elle magazine advice columnist E Jean Carroll, 79, testified during the civil trial that Donald Trump, 76, raped her in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room in Manhattan in either 1995 or 1996, then harmed her reputation by writing in an October 2022 post on his Truth Social platform that her claims were a “complete con job,” “a hoax” and “a lie.”
Trump was absent throughout the trial which began on April 25. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump called the verdict a “disgrace” and said, “I have absolutely no idea who this woman is.”
Because it was a civil case, Trump faces no criminal consequences and, as such, there was never a threat of prison.
The jury, required to reach a unanimous verdict, deliberated for just under three hours. Its six men and three women awarded Carroll $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages, but Trump will not have to pay so long as the case is on appeal.

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It’s been said on here long before yesterday’s court ruling in New York, Fr Don Trump, I’m tellin’ ya, I’m tellin’ ya 😇

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9:51 I actually wouldn’t be surprised. But of course he’s still hoping being president will stop his legal problems and for that he needs the white evangelicals, who for all their faults, will have nothing to do with the Scarlet Woman.

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Sincere congratulations to E Jean Carroll on her landmark Court victory yesterday. This court ruling is a positive indicator of a whole new era where woman and others will not be intimidated by powerful forces in church or state into succumbing to enforced silence when they have been assaulted, raped, robbed or subjected to any kind of antisocial and criminal activity by the “we will do as we like to you and you will suck it up buttercup brigade”. Not any more. Well done E Jean Carroll & team.

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H&N is a Diocese which just cannot stop giving and giving and giving….
What an outstanding mess and a half.

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As has been said on here before: you can tell the stuff of a bishop by those he surrounds himself with.
Appointed Canon by EGAN:
PJ SMITH (out of ministry)
JOHN COOKE (has a friend)
GERARD FLYNN (has a friend)
SIMON THOMPSON (dodgy canonist)
MICHAEL DENNEHEY (JPL PP)
Someone quoted the Canon for selection Chapter members the other day. None of these fit the bill.

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The Canons in Portsmouth cannot stand EGAN. The Provost famously fell out with EGAN when he first arrived in Portsmouth and is known to loathe him and yet has somehow been appointed VG? What’s that all about?

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How will we ever break the cycle of dodgy men appointing other dodgy men?? There are some really good guys out there, admittedly few, who not only deserve promotion/ recognition but also would do a bloody good job. We have a sickening cycle of corrupt men appointing other corrupt men and so it continues!

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8:45 We want to see GAA games and Irish content on the channel We pay our tv licence for not a bunch of demented warblers doing the latest rendition of the Eastern European Fix.

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Your daily confirmation that Ireland might be the most inward looking country in the world, with a population smaller than London.
This probably explains the large number of Irish people who are anywhere other than Ireland at any one time.

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@7.12 am I think it is disgraceful that Ireland did not qualify for the Eurovision last night, especially when that ridiculous song with men dancing about in old fashioned white Y fronts got through.

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Although EGAN has only 6 years left he is pushing a 10yr plan! It is almost identical to the previous plan presented by his predecessor, Crispian Hollis.
The Chapter Provost was instrumental in Crispian’s plan and seems to be only too happy to restart the engines under EGAN even though (as has already been said) he cannot stand him! Why? It’s a very strange situation.

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These bishops can’t win with you moaners. If they only plan for the immediate future you say ‘itll do for their day’ and if they plan longer term you whinge that it’s beyond their tenure.
You’re a bunch of back stabbing moaners aren’t you?

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We are being introduced to a ‘bishops vission’ in our own diocese. We have a declining number priests, ours isn’t a financial crisis, as Portsmouth is facing.
We have a good man as bishop, none of the nonsense we read about on here. He’s trying his best.
Unfortunately bishop Egans’s plan will be rejected in Rome as we are seeing in other dioceses, worldwide. Closing and selling churches is not an option. Any appeal to Rome will be upheld, as we are seeing.
If a plan for Portsmouth is needed (and I dare say there is a need) then there will be a need to return to the drawing board I’m afraid. What you’ve proposed is not allowed.

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9:51
‘Closing and selling churches is not an option.’
If you’re prescribed medication you really should start taking it, because this isn’t based in reality in any way. 💊

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They are all too lazy to produce a new plan, just shoving the same old piece of paper about, it’ll do for their day. Lazy fat cats. They couldn’t give a monkeys.

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Paddy McCafferty is like RN when it comes to social media. He won’t stay away long. Especially with local elections upcoming. Abortion this and abortion that.

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Nothing rambling about his Masses or his preaching. You’re just jealous aren’t you Fr? Shame on you Pat for allowing this handful of nasty and evil clerics to gaslight a good priest.

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When Fr Paddy was a curate in Poleglass, many years ago, he accidentally blew up the hairdryer and caused extensive damage to the parochial house. I am sure he doesn’t need to worry about hairdryers these days.

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Well he may just well be an arsonist. In his only year at seminary in St Peter’s College, Wexford, he (allegedly) accidentally ‘blew’ up a microwave. Me Crow Wa Vey to the posh.

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Pat, Fr McCafferty has never, and will never use a microwave. This comment is sheer lies. He is anti microwave and prefers homemade naturally cooked warm food. I know who has made that comment, and he clearly eats microwave food.

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Prophets are psychotic
No need to bend the knee
Truth is not containable
No matter what they see
The mind is ever hungry
Searching for definition
Hoping for significance
Bow down in deep contrition
Worship and pray in looney dream
Dictated to by priests
Who screwed and killed the innocent
Your faith just sauced their meat
The holy solely aggravated
Ranting stipulations
Of sin and shame and debt to gods
While they’re just masturbating
The power trip of awestricken saints
Whose dementia down the ages
Built religions horrible
Of loving gods enraged
Angel spears cast you to hell
Eternal lost damnation
For inborn sin you never did
Created by priestly postulation
Shame and guilt and fear imposed
On millions in their missions
While lust for power and wealth and sex
They took without remission
Not a sentence or word
Not even a dot
Has any god connected
It’s all man’s psycho power plan
In religion man confected
All from fear from ignorance
The terror of self with no meaning
So stories told by psycho saints
Piled on innocence demeaning
The inborn self of purity
Is not allowed to live
Unless the toll is paid and shame
Is poured on little kids
Hypocrisy demands perfection
Thunder morality
But priests erect in pull pits high
Are simply – obscenity!
C. Ade May 9 2023

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Every day is whistleblower day. Will the new Bishop be required to sign a document at the beginning of his ordination ceremony? Is the new Papal Nuncio to Ireland Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor fully aware of the background to this appointment? If not does this appointment need to be fully reviewed? Support Dom Benedict Anderson whistleblower and true Prior of Silverstream Priory.

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8.30am: Seamus Shammy or Shammy Seamus: will you be the chief, named cheerleader for a protest at St. Melsonby against Fr. Connell? Will you read out YOUR concerns re: potential safeguarding with the new Bishop? Or are you simply being an utterly malicious bitch? You’ve not validated any substantive issues from your imagination!! You’re a moral coward. A laptop warrior bully.

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3:26
Instead of blowing whistles during Fr. Paul Connell’s Erroneous Episcopal Ordination people must blow Vuvuzela’s and the more Vuvuzela’s blown the merrier. All support Dom Benedict Anderson whistleblower and true Prior of Silverstream Priory.

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4:10, people of good standing must indeed support Dom Benedict Andersen, the whistleblower of the Silverstream scandal and the true Prior of Silverstream.
The blowing whistles or vuvuzelas however might be a source of embarrassment for Fr Paul Connell, the episcopal gangster-elect. Representatives from each of the 41 parishes in the diocese will be invited to attend the Erroneous Episcopal Ordination, along with Fr Paul’s family and friends, and members of diocesan committees. Volunteers are currently working behind the scenes in preparation for the scandalous Erroneous Episcopal Ordination.

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3.26: You’re one big mouth, Shammy! Bet you won’t do a thing re: your accusations about Fr. Connell. All big mouthy threats. You ought to be very careful with your accusations..And, as yet you haven’t confirmed what you’ve ACTUALLY done for your pal, Dommy, apart from shouting your silliness on this blog. The laptop coward best sums you up, Seamasin…

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5:29
While blowing whistles and vuvuzelas might be a source of embarrassment for Fr Paul Connell, his family, and friends, as well as members of diocesan committees, the good of the Church, the Diocese, and furtherance of the Gospel takes precedence over embarrassment. If Fr. Paul Connell’s Episcopal Ordination is gravely controversial, let the new Papal Nuncio to Ireland Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor fully review all matters leading to Fr. Paul’s nomination for appointment to the Episcopate. In the interests of justice let all support Dom Benedict Andersen, the whistleblower of the Silverstream scandal and the true Prior of Silverstream.

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If the Chapter of Canons actually elected these men, that, I fear, makes matters much worse!
It was bad enough when only one man (EGAN) was responsible for their ‘canonisation’ but if the fellas themselves consider the new Canons to be the best of the bunch, and they actually elected them, then that is disturbing.

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Someone who hates you hates you for one of four reasons
They see you as a threat
They hate themselves
They want what you have
They want to be you

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Indeed, they’ve obviously missed the bit about “thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife” or “thy shalt not covet thy neighbours goods”.

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Now Francis has restricted the title of Monsignor it’s the only chance to single out priests for a bit of red piping and buttons and if they are lucky an ermine-trimmed mozzetta. Blobby Byrne also appointed McCoy when he was subject to a safeguarding plan.

Fr William Agley
having trained and practised as a solicitor, Bill received priestly formation
at Wonersh followed by an appointment in Thornton heath. archbishop Bowen then asked him to undertake further studies. Knowing of his love for all things American, the archbishop wisely decided that in order to guarantee Bill’s return the best place to do so was Rome but certainly not at the Casa Santa Maria! (Already considered a flight risk to the US!)Thus he came to the VEC.

Offered a choice of subject Bill surprised many by choosing Scripture
at the Biblicum but with a gift for languages he took to Italian with ease
and managed to survive a year of intensive Hebrew and Greek. The call
of the law though had returned, strengthened perhaps by the prospect
of some of the Bblicum’s more esoteric course titles, for Bill is always
concerned with the practical application of knowledge. realising that his
own formation and the Church would be better served he switched to
canon law.

Archbishop Michael agreed, perhaps even with a sense of relief since “Scripture is for boffins”. This is not to say Bill did not excel
academically as a string of top marks, excellent testing, dealing with
the tricky problem of priests accused of reserved delicts, and his profs’
wish that he continue to doctoral level show. Justice and the protection
of an individual’s rights are causes dear to Bill’s heart and all of his
canonical work but especially the tesina reflect this. (Bill would have been horrified at Bobby’s alleged sexaul assault of the priest in Arundel and Brighton – I think he may have been a contemporary of Bill)

Bill has a deep reverence for the liturgy, celebrating in a more
traditional style and with a canonist’s concern for exactness. This did not
however prevent Fr Agley’s Masses being amongst the quickest
celebrated in College! On free days his decision to say Mass at a
84 The Venerabile 2005-2006Leavers’ Profiles
“civilised” hour won him further friends among seminarians used to a
6.45 am start. at such an early time he often opted not to preach;
however despite some tough assignments, such as preaching on the
virtue of obedience to 40 benedictines, his homilies were always well
received with humour used to highlight serious points.
bill’s love of all things PC is also well known and he took this onto
the stage several times, writing and narrating a series of “politically
correct” bedtime tales. The most memorable perhaps being “The
rector’s new Vestment”. That such a vestment appeared to be “sleeve
optional” is surely not indicative of his own views on liturgical fashion,
while any resemblance to the mannerisms of current staff members i am
sure was merely co-incidental.
Often in the background of community life bill nonetheless is always
generous in providing expert advice, (even if it means raining on the
best laid plans of prelates) support and spiritual counsel and is a
compassionate confessor with a deep and loyal love of the Church and
her teaching. he was always particularly on the look out to help those
experiencing the inevitable trials discernment involves. This guidance
will be especially missed. Our loss though is Southwark’s gain as he
returns even better equipped and eager to put his skills and training to
good use

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Agley wasn’t asked to move to South Shields. He asked for a move as his appointment had been a disaster in Gosforth. Loved by the people of Gosforth? I think not.

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That was not my impression as a St Charles parishioner. I think he was well liked and respected, but many thought he wouldn’t be at St Charles for long as he was marked out for higher things. His requesting the move came as a surprise. I have heard two theories: (a) that he did not feel welcomed by a clique at Sacred Heart, N Gosforth, of which he was also pp (I don’believe this; he is too strong a character to be ousted like that); and (b) that he was fed up of Byrne calling him round for advice or help every five minutes and wanted more physical distance. Likewise, Bowes was sick of chauffeuring. This seems more likely to me, and it may also be that he wanted out of a toxic environment (Bishop’s House, not St Charles).
The comments about the ‘exactness’ of his Masses were spot on, except that he invariably began Mass a minute or two late.

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It looks like you have missed several canons from your list there Bishop Pat. What about Simon Lerch (Cathedral Dean), Dennis Tindall, John Cooper and the VG Peter Leighton. Can we expect a second instalment?
You need to ask questions about all the appointments made by Byrne. For instance, the newly ordained priests Jonathon Bowes and Luke Wilkinson, both studied at Oscott. Both are lovers of the Latin Mass and love dressing up in their cassocks, lace and old fashioned bib vestments. I don’t know that much about Wilkinson. He came and did a placement in my parish and was a disaster! I was shocked he was ordained. He couldn’t relate to anyone and was living in a bygone era. Bowes also came on placement and ended up staying and living in Hartlepool with Michael Griffiths while a seminarian, and it is well known, as you have mentioned, that Michael Griffiths has many a priestly friend. Jonathon Bowes was then appointed as an assistant to William Agley in Gosforth before moving with him to South Shields last August. Bowes was also Byrnes right hand man from his ordination, appointed his personal secretary and drove him all over the country. I don’t think he has been seen around the diocese since Byrnes sacking. I must admit that although he should never have been ordained he was always very approachable during his time and did more than Griffiths ever did. I am sure that Bowes could tell a story or two about the whole saga.

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Peter leighton VG? He’s not a VG!!!
He’s just weak, somebody Byrne put in who would not challenge him when he knew fine well he should. Just like the rest of the yes men on that council. The cathedral Dean acted as a double agent. One day reporting Byrne for having a sex offender living at the west avenue mansion and the next being burned loyal subject in order to feather his own nest. Byrne even planned to make him a second VG so that he could just go to the opera, ballet and gentlemen’s clubs and drink gin while he ran the diocese. All he needed was rid of the COO and they could make their move. It never happened. It should never happen.

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Those last two ordinations a disaster! The one who is with Agley is dangerous!!! No real faith! Just needed a meal ticket. Sees himself as untouchable, or he did when he had the protection of Byrne. Gone very quiet and would do even better to just go really! I see the other one has had a gastric sleeve fitted but will balloon again in no time I’m sure.

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12:46
How are they different to any other ordinations? Would a person of real faith be bitching anonymously about them on Bishop Buckley’s blog?

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1:03
If it was necessary a person of real faith might have no choice but to comment on Bishop Buckley’s blog.

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5:33.
No. A person of *real* faith would have faith that they were doing the right thing and whistle blow publicly…yes, and put their name to it.
Commenting here is a way to make yourself feel like you’re doing something, but the bishops will deny they’ve seen it, and, frankly, who would feel any obligation to respond to an anonymous comment on a blog?
Grow up, you’re pathetic.

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7:24
Yes. People of real Faith in the *know* are not stupid. Bishops can deny whatever they wish to deny. What you forget is the public reading this blog are also now in the *know*. Don’t dismiss or under estimate the power of public opinion or pressure placed on Bishops to respond. Does your failure to put your name to your comment indicate a lack of *real* Faith or indicate you’re in the *know*.

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7:45 You’ve merely confirmed the point I was making: it requires action. And I would bet that precious little action will take place, none of it from clergy. This will reflect the faith they have, of course. And then nothing will happen as a result.
Promise you.

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Read the documents before making further plans. Rome is not allowing churches to be sold. Closed and rarely used, yes (and maintained), sold, a big no, no!

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@9.51 sounds like a corporate NHS type, prescribing drugs and diagnosing people with mental illness. But what corporate NHS type would be all in favour of selling churches in order to keep the bank account healthy enough for them to remain in employment? I cannot imagine?
When the money runs dry, the business people will be made redundant and their building on sand will be shown for what it is!
Read the documents Rome has issued on the selling of Church property!

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You’re going to pretend to be very angry when you find out the rate at which churches, convents, etc have and continue to be sold internationally.
Don’t you understand that Romanist published documents are the cover story and nobody pays attention to them? Cf the requirements for celibacy for clergy. 😂

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Anon at 12.57pm
When looking at other religions especially in area of married priests, there was very little abuse coming from these religious in comparison to rcc itself.
Where does the requirements re celibacy came from or originate from? Was it St Paul but it shouldn’t be taken as face value cos his books aren’t regarded as gospel except for Matthew, Mark, luke and John. I found gospel of John to be of mystical or symbolic narrative.
I personally think that the Vatican imposed celibacy sometime around 11AD cos of rcc priest wife’s claims to property or an asset which is technically a house or home plus cash as well. Thus rcc came up with an idea of celibacy.
Once a priest is caught or exposed re his duplicitous lives which gives an Bishop a massive leverage and control over any priests in question. So rcc bishops is all about control.
To date I never saw or me any bishops in public except for Casey of Galway, Martin of Dublin, drennan of galway and Galvin in Cork.

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Anon at 9.51pm

Rcc are selling properties that are owned and paid for by people of any parish. In other words rcc bought it with other people’s money.

Can it be challenged in courts🤷‍♀️

Recall that Egan was bemoaning about low attendences cos he wanted more attendences thus more cash flowing into.

Finally one poster mentioned last week that rcc is a NGO.

If they are NGO which implies they aren’t doing it on a charity basis thus a position of huge influence. Therefore rcc or their arm should be stripped of charity status. That would be a good starting point for an argument that rcc charity status should be stripped and removed.

Remember Vatican tried to sell properties in London which made the headlines. It’s more of an( property and land) asset management organisations.

I often wondered when I see a priest with skills in Finance who got promoted rapidly within time frame, for instance, Farrell of Dublin.

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1:09 Bishop Fintan Monahan has sold the land required to accommodate growing numbers of students in our local secondary school here in Ennis. The Will of the elderly lady, Mary Charlotte McNamara, states “shall not be sold or let under any circumstances”. Seems like Fintan Monahan has the power to overthrow a legally binding document such as a Last Will and Testament. The church in Ireland still has the last say as Bishop Monahan has proved. He must be very pleased indeed with himself.

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It’s incredible that clerics are pointing to certain other clerics and making out they’re unsuitable or disastrous. There has been a tacit admission that no diocesan chapter could face much scrutiny, but were you seriously hoping people would forget you’re all unsuitable and a disaster?
That’s a can of worms that you can’t really slam the lid on at this point.

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The comments at 9:51 and 11:34 (by the same person who has given himself away by his eccentric spelling) are an accurate reflection of the current state of clergy literacy.
He would no doubt spell it literracy.

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William Agley according to my sources in Gosforth announced in the pulpit that he asked to be moved.During his tenure attendances declined!!!
Moved with the lace wearing ,Latin Mass celebrating assistant priest trained at Oscott Jonathan Bowes who was the chauffeur to Bishop Byrne!!!Thought such a position would protect him!!!

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Seems to me Dean of Cathedral (who closed doors of Cathedral) should consider taking up a new role that of acting.Would Archbishop McMahon allow Liverpool Cathedral to be closed as St Mary’s the Mother Church of H & N has been!!I Doubt it!!

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Shouldn’t William Agley as Chancellor have advised Bob that a convicted sex offender should not be allowed into the Diocese let alone Bishop’s House so close to private boys schools.

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Shouldn’t he also have done this given his position on the Diocesan Safeguarding committee? The whole board membership needs looking at again given the failures.

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The ‘three in a bed’ comment is extremely concerning. Messers Watson, Griffiths and Shaw should be suspended from all priestly duties, with immediate effect pending an investigation as to what is actually going on.

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Don’t worry 1.56. It’s just a an untrue nasty comment by someone judging others with their low standards

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Sadly it is you who are wrong. Griffiths and Watson are well know to holiday at gay resorts and return to their respective parishes wiped out after a fortnight holidaying !

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The publicly available Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle Trustees’ Report for the year ended 31 March 2022 https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity suggests a charity which is well governed.
The management structure suggests checks and balances. There are Trustees and a Board of Directors. Additionally there are 46 Diocesan staff employed at a cost of £1.6million
However closer scrutiny suggests that power is concentrated in few hands with an overlap of positions held by a small number of clergy.
If Bishop Robert appointed his Chapter of Canons “to act as a confidential consultative body?” What role do the Episcopal Council have and were they also appointed by Bishop Robert?
Why do Episcopal Vicars also act as Directors and two of them as Canons?
Reverend Canon Peter Leighton V.G. also acting Chair of Board of Directors
Rev. Mark Millward
Rev. Canon Simon Lerche – also a Director of the Board
Rev. Jeffrey J. Dodds – also a Director of the Board
Rev. Adrian Tuckwell – also a Director of the Board
Rev. Colm Hayden – also a Director of the Board
Mgr. Andrew Faley – also a Director of the Board

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You’ll find that’s the case in a lot of charities. Because that’s what you say about child abuse, isn’t it, that you’re no worse than anyone else.

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We shouldn’t forget the recently disgraced canon Jackson! Now there’s a novel that will take time to read you won’t ever get back.

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Sorry! You’re wrong! Here’s an emoji for you – we know how you like them! 😂😂😂😂

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So why are canons elected in one diocese but picked by the bishop in another?
Is this difference up to the bishop? If so, so much for his clergy painting EGAN as autocratic, if he lets them choose which deviants get to wear fur.

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My current favorite thing is the Popish clergy trolling and insulting each other and pretending to identify HAUSCHILD commenting here.
This is what your PP is like when afforded the cover of anonymity (apart from a bathhouse dark room of course), folks.

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What’s the story on Douthwaite – great fan fare when appointed National Prison Chaplain then suddenly and abruptly no longer in post.
Who is the National Prison Chaplain now?
Why no reportage or announcement?
Someone knows the true story.
Antique position, close to Dorothy or otherwise a man who enjoys power and flexing as ex military are prone.
This much I know there’s a story and it would be refreshing to know – the truth will out.

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The two main documents shared with us in our diocese are below. (I’m sorry I can’t add the links – I’m an ancient technophobe! Just type the titles into the search bar and you’ll find them!!)
1) Instruction “The pastoral conversion of the Parish community in the service of the evangelising mission of the Church”, of the Congregation for the Clergy, 20.07.2020
2) Official documents of the Holy See: letter from the Congregation for the Clergy and procedural guidelines for the modification of parishes and the closure, relegation and alienation of churches, 2013
As far as Portsmouth’s ten year plan goes the documents have much to say:
Regarding the permanent closure of a church building, whether it be a chapel, oratory, or parish church, the Congregation reminded bishops in 2013 that according to Canon Law, “a sacred edifice which has been given over perpetually for divine worship should retain that sacred character if at all possible, and only a grave reason to the contrary is sufficient to justify relegating a church to profane but not sordid use (cf. can. 1222 §2).”
The Congregation stipulated that, “Because churches can remain sacred edifices even though they are only occasionally or even rarely used … the following reasons in themselves do not constitute grave cause: i. a general plan of the diocese to reduce the number of churches, ii. the church is no longer needed, iii. the parish has been suppressed, iv. the number of parishioners has decreased.” Again, in 2020, the Congregation reiterated that “the legitimate causes for decreeing such a reduction [to profane but not sordid use] do not include reasons like the lack of clergy, demographic decline or the grave financial state of the Diocese.”

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anon at 4.49pm
Thanks a mil as its deeply appreciated . will post it when and if i find that documents that you mentioned.
Well im a fairly good technophobe including the cryptographic/security aspect as well. Its all the flaws if you know where to look for in the right place. Otherwise, its a waste of time like a headless chicken going round and round.
BTW, interesting bit came up with late bishop o connell in LA as it is getting more murkier and dodgy. That info came from Jesse Romero.

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I see that one of the reasons that is NOT sufficient for a church to be relegated to profane use is that it is no longer needed.
As usual everything which comes out of Rome makes no sense whatsoever.
Seriously reading those documents I can see how Egan can close churches and I’ll bet he sees it too. 😉

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If Portsmouth’s plan is to sell off the property to make a quick buck, then the reasons given in the ten year plan, for the plan, are not legitimate:

Again, in 2020, the Congregation reiterated that “the legitimate causes for decreeing such a reduction [to profane but not sordid use] do not include reasons like the lack of clergy, demographic decline or the grave financial state of the Diocese.”

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The exact reasons for Portsmouth’s plan (according to EGAN’S document ‘you will be my witnesses’, including all the pretty photos) are exactly the reasons the 2013 document dismisses. There’s no justification then for what EGAN (and CO / COO) propose????

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Egan’s double vission for the diocese! The document clearly states that these are NOT acceptable reasons:
i. a general plan of the diocese to reduce the number of churches,
ii. the church is no longer needed,
iii. the parish has been suppressed,
iv. the number of parishioners has decreased.

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If you find the documents, please add the link here. They’re not very long but are very enlightening! Worth reading for info!
Thank you!

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So here’s the thing. If what Egan is proposing is in some way duplicitous or against Vatican rules (lol), ‘fathers’, then what are YOU going to do about it?
Delate him to Rome????
Let’s see you!

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Are there enough priests willing to take a stand in Portsmouth? Are there any who will stick their neck out?

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Gonna put that at a big fat zero. If they were, they would be doing it instead of wailing on here.
Self preservation is the main thing for them.

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Spot on – they are the Self Preservation Society

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Who advises Bishop Egan? We know he forks out for expensive ‘professional’ suits to boss him about but what about advising in actual church matters? This is embarrassing. Are there no church law people in his inner-circle? How much will he have spent (in time and money) drawing up this ridiculous plan that has no legs!???

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“Fingers” Irish Banker loses his Appeal where he attempted to use his ill health and age to avoid civil proceedings.says:

Irish banker “Fingers” Michael Fingleton has lost his Appeal, well known in clerical and horse racing circles Fingers Fingleton had been attempting to avoid justice on the basis for his part in the banking crisis citing his age and ill health.

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Age & ill health! The usual modus operandi utilised by paedophile priests. Honestly these white collar thugs in the clerical and secular world are arrogant beyond belief.

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5.51: What a lie…Fingleton was not and is not well known in clerical circles. Horse racing world, yes…Get a grip you mop head.

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Interesting response to the Douthwaite thread and me thinks his supporters protest Tom much.
Likes to be in control and pisses of elderly parishioners – ergo – all parishioners are elderly. Does he piss off all his parishioners?
Whenever a sycophant bangs on about how hardworking a priest is I always smell a rat to the contrary.
He slipped out of National Chaplain role – no mention of it on Bishops website and actually is listed as National Prison Chaplain despite having left.
Very few if any Catholic clergy are straight and those that are are v likely up to one thing or another.
What is Douthwaite up to and why is he a Canon when Griffith, Dunn and Cunningham wouldn’t touch him with a barge pole?
And that my sister thinks he’s great and brought many back to the church – what total bollox is that.
I repeat no one is stirring up shit for high control and authoritarian Douchebag just asking questions and blowing smoke up our arses about him only suggests the line of questioning is rattling the cage.
You judge a man by his friends and the company he keeps – Byrne and Douthwaite?
What’s the story glory?

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Sitting on their hands whining is much more characteristic of the clergy, rather than do anything which might risk them being assigned to St Nightjack on the Bog.

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This is an interesting development. The people in the pews need informing. Maybe they’ll delate the EGAN to Rome to save their parish?

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The people in the pew are more likely to do it than the clergy are. Although, can a sheep operate a computer? 🐑

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Absolutely splitting my sides at the cathbots howling (your turn) at the bishop’s plans to close churches and quoting Vatican directives.
How naive are you?
I’ll pop to William Hill tomorrow and see what odds he’s giving on the bishop winning and y’all either doing nothing or losing if you do do something.
Actually while I’m there I’ll put a fiver on EGAN getting Hexham and Portsmouth getting a bishop you really hate. 😂

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Pat is there no way you can start verifying comments or allowing only non anon patients, sorry I mean people, comment on your blog? I have read over some of the blog the last few days and there have been truly damning accusations. Priests being drunk at funerals and being late for burials? Couldn’t be true surely.

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The cat is among the pigeons! Someone is having a read of the documents and trying to make fun of them! We’ll see how long she finds the situation entertaining! 😂

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6.42pm
Nope I live a very happy and contented life and Gods sun shines on tge righteous and unrighteousness in whom there is fullness of redemption.
Ps. What rattled your cage – abusive ad hominum so passé darling – I spoke the truth why do you then strike me!!

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Today is a great day in the history of this blog. Finally a commenter has got these Latin words right.

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The cathbots thinking every comment is from HAUSCHILD is nearly as funny as them thinking every comment is from a certain former semenarian.
But I have to correct you on one thing. In no way am I making fun of the documents. Not at all.
I’m ridiculing *you*, Stupids.

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On Palm Sunday (perfect timing!) our Parish Priest announced that there will be church closures and neighbouring parishes would merge. He said the current 4 priests would be reduced to 2. Obviously this ruined Holy Week and Easter for all concerned.
All anyone spoke about were the various scenarios. Now, these documents have been shared, we have hope. My friends and I thank you very much. We will share this far and wide!

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In the diocese of Portsmouth this Sunday has been declared ‘Creep up behind your parish priest, whisper the word “HAUSCHILD” and watch him jump’ Sunday.

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Bishop Pat, this is going to be big in Portsmouth. This has totally knocked the stuffing out of their ‘plans’.
Now this is out in the open, and folk know they can resist the attempts to sell of the psrish and assets, they most certainly will.

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St Patrick’s in Felling was targeted by pedophile catholic priests for years. One went to prison. Some of the boys really suffered.

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St Patrick’s is in crisis. The Pp from August will be the only Pp in residence. Due to the lack of clergy, they will not have a curate anymore.

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As an unapologetically gay Christian man, have you ever been homophobic-ally been attacked by other gay men?

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I have been attacked for being a lesbian for as long as I can remember. I played football in primary school and was called fanny football. 2 of the 5 that bullied me, came out themselves later in life.

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9:22 I worked with a guy in the 80’s, he was married with 4 kids, he frequently made derogatory comments about gay men. Met up with a former colleague recently and was informed he left wife when kids finished college and moved in with his new male partner. It all makes sense now!

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Clerical changes in Dublin later this week. Lots of us not happy with the Building Hope farce. A bunch of armatures leading change. They haven’t a clue. Our sacramental vision is a joke. Worse than pre Covid. Farrell is out of touch. Glad I’m retiring.

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Does the bishop of Portsmouth tell the truth about anything at all?
It has been said on this blog before that the bishop of Portsmouth is a Lone Ranger who considers himself independent and able to build his own structures etc. and having now read through these documents, I couldn’t agree more. The bishop of Portsmouth needs reigning in!

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Isn’t he lucky he’s a Protestant, he only has the newspapers to stalk him.

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@ 9.12 p.m. Is their going to be a lot of Dublin Changes.? Are they putting a lot of Parishes together?

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A big day for survivors! Survivor Evan Rachel Wood has had multiple defamation claims made against her in a lawsuit filed by her ex-fiancé Marilyn Manson.

The Judge cited anti-slapp laws as the reason why these elements of the lawsuit were thrown out.

We stand with Evan Rachel Wood and all of the other survivors of Marilyn Manson. We see you. We believe you. And you are valid.

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The majority of survivors will experience at least one mental health disorder in their lifetime, and the impacts can be serious

Join us this month as we have conversations about sexual violence and mental health and raise awareness about the facts surrounding this intersection.

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Archbishop Richard A. Burke, S.P.S. *
Accused 2009 of 1983 sexual abuse of 14-year-old girl in Nigeria. [See victim’s statement.] Resigned 2010, age 61, per canon 401.2. Admitted “failure to observe his oath of celibacy.” Sued RTÉ, claiming victim was 20, not 14. Suit settled 2015: RTÉ paid legal costs but made no concession on victim’s age. Benin City archbishop emeritus.

Bishop Eamonn Casey
Resigned 1992, age 65, after revelation that he fathered a child in 1970s. Fled Ireland, worked in Ecuador missions, then English diocese. Accused 2005 of sexual assault of girl, age 5, 30 years earlier. Casey denied accusation. Not charged. Returned to Ireland 2006. Retired to nursing home 2011. New accusation April 2016 by a Limerick woman. Remained Galway and Kilmacduagh bishop emeritus until his death March 13, 2017. News report March 2019 that victim who reported Casey in 2005 was his niece; she says she was raped and sexually abused by Casey for a decade beginning at age 5. News report also revealed settlements with two other victims: the Limerick woman who came forward in 2016, and another woman compensated by the Redress board in 2005. Both women allege being sexually assaulted by Casey as children in the 1950s and 1960s.

Bishop Brendan Oliver Comiskey, SS.CC.
Resigned 2002, age 66, per canon 401.2, after revelations that he protected serial abuser Fr. Sean Fortune. Ferns inquiry in 2005 reported two allegations against Comiskey: 1990 complaint of misconduct toward young woman over age 16, and accusation by Fortune in his 1999 suicide note. Comiskey denied both. Ferns bishop emeritus.

Bishop John Magee, S.P.S.
Stepped aside but didn’t resign 2009 after internal watchdog report that he had mishandled two abusive priests. State launched its own inquiry. Resignation announced 2010, per canon 401.2. State’s report 2011 revealed more cover-up and 2008 report to church of Magee’s inappropriate behavior toward teen, age 17-18. Magee admitted conduct, denied sexual intent. Not charged. Cloyne bishop emeritus.

Archbishop John Charles McQuaid, C.S.Sp.
Retired 1971, age 76, as Dublin archbishop. Died 1973. First accused of sex abuse in 1999 book. News in 2011 that McQuaid was cleric described in 2010 supplement to Murphy report with two complaints of child sex abuse, including of a 12-year-old boy in 1961, and one “separate concern.”

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Cardinal Keith Michael Patrick O’Brien
St. Andrews and Edinburgh archbishop 1985-2013. Vatican announced his retirement on 2/25/2013, a few weeks before he turned 75 and shortly after he was accused publicly of sexual advances toward priests, dating to 1980s. Despite circumstances, retirement was accepted per canon 401.1. See also church announcement. O’Brien issued partial admission and apology [1,2]. Remained archbishop emeritus. Following 2014 investigation of allegations by Bishop Charles Scicluna, Pope Francis in March 2015 accepted O’Brien’s resignation of his “rights and privileges” as a Cardinal. He was allowed to retain the title, however. Died 3/19/2018.

Bishop Roderick Wright
Resigned 1996, age 56, after admitting to sex with woman he counseled. Married the woman. Admitted to son with previous woman. Remained Argyll and The Isles bishop emeritus. Died 2005.

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In Australia the Catholic Church set up a treatment centre for clergy and others with PsychoSexual issues in 1997 and treated over 1200 persons using Lupron (Chemical Castration) and ECT. It was closed in 2008 as Head of bishops Conference determined the need for the facility had stopped.

It was located at Kincumber NSW and was run by a Company in part run by the Church. Pell, Wilson and a number of other high positioned officials sat on the board. The company is Encompass Australasia and still exists on a consultant basis.

On the surface this sounds quite a responsible approach but at the same time the Church was denying claims and saying “ nothing to see here.”

They also accepted patients from New Zealand.

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Complaints Assessment Committees headed by Roman Catholic hierarchy are understood to be secret committees, that is, its members are not known to the public.

The names of members of the various councils are not published nor made known to the general public in most parishes. Why do clergy and members of church committees and parish councils not want congregations and the public to know who they are. These members have access to data records and not held accountable for how they use parish records.

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Shatter Victim Blaming
Oftentimes, we will see people use a survivor’s mental health against them, as though their mental health disorders are proof that the survivor is lying. In reality, people with mental health issues are actually more likely to experience sexual and domestic violence.

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Denim Day began in response to the Italian Supreme Court’s appeal of a sexual assault conviction on an absurd, victim-blaming rationale. They claimed that because the survivor wore right jeans, she “must have” helped the perpetrator remove them, therefore “implying consent.” Consent is always direct. It is NEVER implied.
The day after the news broke, Italian women went to work wearing denim to stand in solidarity with the survivor.

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Archbishop John Aloysius Ward, O.F.M. Cap.
Coadjutor bishop and bishop of Menevia 1980-1981; archbishop of Cardiff 1983-2001. Arrested 1999 for alleged assault of girl, age 7, in 1960-61. Not charged. Said he was falsely accused. Resigned 2001 at age 72, per canon 401.2, after outcry at his mishandling of two abusive priests. Remained Cardiff archbishop emeritus. Died 2007.

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Bishop Kieran Thomas Conry
Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, 2001-2014.
Resigned September 2014 after publicly admitting to sexual relationship with woman six years earlier. Admission was prompted by threatened lawsuit by husband of another woman with whom Conry allegedly also had an affair. Conry denied that the relationship with second woman was sexual. Resignation accepted by pope 10/4/2014. Conry remains bishop emeritus.
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor
Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, 1977-2000; Archbishop of Westminster, 2000-2009. Retired 2009, age 76. Died 2017.
Died 2017. Accused publicly September 2018, via a LifeSiteNews article and letter from former papal nuncio Archbishop Carlo Viganò. LifeSite alleged that in June 2013, Pope Francis ordered then-CDF Prefect Gerhard Müller to drop investigation of child sexual abuse by Murphy-O’Connor. Müller confirmed the story. According to National Catholic Register, a woman first reported Murphy-O’Connor to English church authorities in December 2008. She was age 13-14 in the late 1960s, when Murphy-O’Connor, still a priest, allegedly joined convicted offender Fr. Michael Hill and other priests in abusing her. Police interviewed Murphy-O’Connor in April 2009 and, according to The Tablet, decided not to pursue case. English bishops reported allegation to CDF in 2011; The Tablet says then-CDF Prefect Levada ruled “there was no case to answer.” Canonical case was still formally open when Müller took over CDF in 2012; it’s not known when or if Vatican closed it. Murphy-O’Connor, who retired as Westminster archbishop in 2009 at age 76, remained archbishop emeritus until his death on 9/1/2017. In November 2019, two English bishops testified to Britain’s Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) that they recently had decided against publicly affirming the credibility of Murphy-O’Connor’s accuser after a church communications director conveyed Cardinal Vincent Nichols’ concern that their affirmations would bolster anti-Francis efforts by LifeSite, Viganò, and others. Cardinal Nichols disputed this interpretation. He also said the alleged abuse by Murphy-O’Connor was not possible for logistical reasons; see Nichols’ written submission to IICSA and the transcript of his 11/7/2019 testimony to IICSA.

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