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PRESS RELEASE FROM THE DIOCESE OF CLOYNE

Sat. December 5th. 2009

Archbishop Dermot Clifford, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Cloyne, met Fr. Tadhg O'Donovan on Friday afternoon. At that meeting it was agreed that Fr. O'Donovan will take some time away from his parish appointment for a period of prayer and reflection. Archbishop Clifford also instructed Fr. O'Donovan to cease any involvement with commercial activity of any kind.

 

December 2nd. 2009

STATEMENT BY ARCHBISHOP CLIFFORD

Archbishop Dermot Clifford, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Cloyne has apologised to the Revenue Commissioners for the unacceptable comments made by Fr. Tadhg O'Donovan, a priest of the Diocese of Cloyne, as reported in today's press. The Archbishop has had a brief telephone conversation with Fr. O'Donovan and all he can say at this point is that he has demanded that he publish a full and immediate apology. The Archbishop takes a most serious view of this matter. Further comment is postponed until the Archbishop has met with Fr. O'Donovan.

 

Personal apology by Fr. Tadhg O'Donovan.

I wish to apologise for the offensive remarks I made in relation to the Revenue Commissioners. I unreservedly withdraw what I said about them in relation to the timing of the publication of the list, the offensive allegation that they were responsible for suicides, the very intemperate tone and obscene language of my comments, and the statement that the Revenue Commissioners were inconsiderate and inhumane. I made these remarks in the heat of the moment and did not realise that they would be published.

 

Cloyne Diocesan Changes

The Apostolic Administrator of Cloyne, the Most Rev. Dermot Clifford, D.D., has accepted the resignation of the following priests in the Diocese of Cloyne:

• The V. Rev. James O'Donnell, P.P., Macroom
• The V. Rev. Vincent O'Donoghue, P.P., Blarney

Archbishop Clifford has made the following appointments in the Diocese of Cloyne:

• Dean Eamonn Goold, P.P., V.F. Midleton to be Vicar General
• The V. Rev. Donal Roberts, P.P.,V.F., Aghabullogue, to be P.P. Macroom
• The Rev. Peadar Murphy, C.C. Berrings to be P.P. Aghabullogue
• The Rev. Gerard Coleman, C.C. Cobh, to be C.C. Berrings
• The Rev. William Bermingham, C.C. Youghal, to be P.P. Blarney.
• The Rev. Michael Murphy, Our Lady's Shrine, Knock, to be C.C. Youghal
• The Rev. Patrick Buckley, C.C. Ballyvourney, to be P.P. Glantane
• The V. Rev. Micheal Cogan, P.E., to be C.C. Glantane
• The Rev. Declan O'Brien, C.C. Donoughmore, to the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Australia
• The Rev. Paul Bennett, C.C. Glantane to be C.C. Donoughmore.

 

 

 

 

 

Statement by Bishop Magee on the appointment of Archbishop Dermot Clifford as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Cloyne

Bishop Magee welcomes the appointment of Archbishop Dermot Clifford as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Cloyne. Bishop Magee had requested the Holy See on 4th. February last to appoint an Apostolic Administrator who would carry out the ordinary governance of the Diocese of Cloyne. This means that the governance of the Diocese has now been transferred to Archbishop Clifford and that he has been given all the powers and duties of the Bishop of Cloyne. Bishop Magee retains the title of Bishop of Cloyne.

This appointment will enable Bishop Magee to devote the neccessary time and energy to cooperating fully with the government Commission of Inquiry into child protection practices and procedures in the Diocese of Cloyne, as he has already committed himself to do

Bishop Magee is grateful to the Holy Father for the appointment of Archbishop Dermot Clifford as Apostolic Administrator of Cloyne.

Bishop Magee will address the people of the Diocese in a statement at 6.00 p.m. Mass in St. Colman's Cathedral this evening, Saturday March 7th.

 

 

Archbishop Dermot Clifford, Apostolic Administrator of Cloyne, meets with members of the College of Consultors and of the Council of Priests at Cobh.

 

CONFIRMATION FORUM

Some 120 children from Primary Schools throughout the Diocese (two from each school) gathered in Mallow on March 4th. for a Confirmation Forum run by the Cloyne Diocesan Youth Service under the direction of Shelly Murphy. A range of activities, using art, meditation, prayer, social awareness and information workshops, made for an energy-filled learning day for the young people. These children returned to their respective schools alive with enthusiasm and shared their experience with heir classmates.

Fr. Danny Murphy with Holy Oils .......................................Transition Year Helpers .........................................Meditation.

 

STATEMENT BY BISHOP JOHN MAGEE AT 6 p.m. MASS ON SATURDAY 7th. MARCH IN ST. COLMAN'S CATHEDRAL, COBH

At midnight Mass last Christmas, following on the recommendations of the report on the handling of clerical sexual abuse in the Diocese of Cloyne, I assured you, the people of the Diocese, that early in the New Year I would give an account to you of all the work that has been undertaken on this critically important issue. I wish to address this crucially important matter with you again to-day.

Since that time, significant developments have taken place. A number of meetings have been held involving the Diocese, the National Board for Safeguarding Children, the Gardaí, and the HSE to review both current allegations and general communications between all of these agencies. Training for child protection representatives in each parish of the Diocese is ongoing. We are also revising our procedures and structures to make sure they are in line with the new national guidelines published during this past week.

You may be aware that on January 7th last the government decided to ask the Commission of Investigation into the Dublin Archdiocese to carry out an examination of the operation of practices and policies in relation to child protection in this Diocese. At that time I stated I would give every possible cooperation to the Commission in carrying out its task.

This, I came to realise, will entail quite an amount of work for me and so, last week, I asked the Diocesan Vicars Forane to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation in their respective Deaneries this year, and I want to wish all the children and families involved in Confirmation this year God's blessing.

I am conscious of the fact that, as I have to give so much of my time and energy to the task ahead, conducting the normal administration of the Diocese, in all its aspects, would prove to be very difficult. Therefore, as you may have heard from media reports earlier today, on February 4th last I requested the Holy See to appoint an Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese. The Apostolic Nuncio announced today that the Holy Father has acceded to my request and has appointed Archbishop Dermot Clifford as Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Cloyne. This means that the governance of the Diocese has now been transferred to Archbishop Clifford and that he has been given all the powers and duties of the Bishop of Cloyne. I retain the title of Bishop of Cloyne and I will
dedicate my full time to the matter of the Inquiry. I shall certainly give Archbishop Clifford every support and assistance and shall keep him in my daily Masses and prayers. I ask you to do likewise. I am grateful to the Holy Father for the appointment of Archbishop Dermot Clifford as Apostolic Administrator of Cloyne.

I ask you to join with me as we continue to remember in our prayers any persons who have been so wrongly abused by priests of this Diocese.

+John Magee
Bishop of Cloyne

 

Statement from the Diocese of Cloyne re Cabinet decision: Jan. 7th. 2009

We note the decision of the Cabinet to notify the Commission of Investigation into the Dublin Archdiocese of the need for that Commission to carry out, under its terms of reference, an examination of the operation of practices and policies in relation to child protection by the Catholic Diocese of Cloyne. Bishop Magee will give every possible cooperation to the Commission in carrying out its task. ......... read full text

 

 

Message from Bishop Magee at Midnight Mass, Christmas 2008.

I want to briefly address you this evening prior to this special midnight Mass. You will be well aware of the publication of the recent Report into the management of child sexual abuse issues in this Diocese. I fully accept this Report and all its findings and I take full responsibility for the criticism of our management of some issues contained in this report. We made errors, not intentionally, and I want to assure you that such errors will not be made again in this diocese.

I am taking full personal responsibility for the implementation of all recommendations made in this NSBC Report - a process which is well in train. In the future we will have a clerical environment which is as safe as it possibly can be for the children of this diocese. We have, I can assure you, been working to create such an environment but clearly this report highlighted the need for changes, which have been addressed or will be addressed in the immediate future.

I have already contacted the National Board for Safeguarding Children, outlining the steps this diocese has taken and is continuing to take to implement the recommendations of this recent NSBC Report. I will give account to the people of this Diocese for all of the work that has been undertaken on this critically important issue early in the New Year.

I again want to sincerely apologise to all victims of clerical sexual abuse and particularly to those who were abused by priests in the Diocese. There can be and there will be no place in the Church or indeed in wider society for persons who abuse children. For a priest to abuse a child is a massive breach of trust and I am determined to ensure that it extremely unlikely that this will happen again in this Diocese.

Again, my sincere apologies to victims of abuse by the priests of the diocese - and finally can I urge any person who has been abused or has concerns about child protection to contact the Gardai, the HSE or the Diocese.

End of Statement.

 

 

Christmas Message 2008

As we come towards the end of a year that has brought its own share of pain and suffering, of achievement and tragedy, stress and strain, we all look forward to more uplifting times- times when families are more secure and united, when jobs are no longer hanging in the balance, when the health and well-being of our society are assured. It is precisely at this time, when we experience the short cold days and the long dark nights, that we are given the opportunity to come together to celebrate family, to off-load the personal baggage of the year before the mystery of Light which once more comes into the world in the form of a child, the Child of Bethlehem. ....... read full text.

 

Midnight Mass - Cobh Cathedral

Homily

"Today a saviour has been born to us; he is Christ the Lord"(Lk. 2:11).

The Church celebrates today a great mystery, the Mystery of God the Father's Love becoming tangible in the person of a child, the Child Jesus of Bethlehem. His Eternal Son becomes one of humankind in order to draw all humanity to Himself. "God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life"(Jn. 3:16). To have eternal life means to live forever with God, to live forever in love. ......read full text.

 

 

Statement by Bishop John Magee regarding the Report on the Management of Two Child Protection Cases in the Diocese of Cloyne.

Bishop John Magee, Bishop of Cloyne, today [December 19th 2008] released the following statement:

The safety of children is the priority for me and for the Diocese of Cloyne. Supporting those individuals who suffered clerical child sexual abuse is an integral part of my ministry and that of the diocese. Today I apologise to victims of clerical sexual abuse. There can be no place in the Church, or in wider society, for those who have perpetrated such vile acts and who have betrayed the sacred trust placed in them.

The Church's National Board for Safeguarding Children (NSBC), which is independent of the Diocese, completed a review in June of two child protection cases in the diocese. I cooperated with this review and fully accept its recommendations. I am currently implementing the findings of this review.

Clearly, implementing these recommendations is important but so too is public confidence in the child protection procedures in the diocese. For this reason I am today placing the NSBC report on the public record. ....... Read full statement

 

 

Report on the Implementation of the Review Recommendations

1. As requested, this Report comments on the progress that has been made to date in implementing the necessary changes to safeguarding practice in the Diocese of Cloyne since the acceptance of the Report findings by the Bishop.

2. The National Board welcomes the appointment of Fr. William Bermingham as the new delegate for the Diocese. In all the contacts to date, he has impressed as a competent, and caring person who has a deep passion for safeguarding children. In all respects, Fr. Bermingham appears to be capable of leading the Diocese forward in its practice in this area.

3. The Diocese has shown a new openness and willingness to engage with the National Office which is greatly welcomed. This close working relationship enables us to provide guidance and to monitor closely practice in the Diocese ......... Read full report

 

 

 

Report on the Management of Two Child Protection Cases in the Diocese of Cloyne

Executive Summary

This report presents the findings of a review of two child protection cases which arose within the Diocese of Cloyne. The review was primarily records based but was supplemented by interviews with Bishop Magee, his delegate Monsignor O'Callaghan, and Dean Goold. Each case involved members of the clergy as the alleged perpetrators. Child protection practice was examined through the case records provided by the Diocese of Cloyne and found to be inadequate and in some respects dangerous. There was no evidence that risk had been appropriately identified or managed, thereby potentially exposing vulnerable young people to further harm. Deficits in practice are identified and recommendations listed to address these.
Please note that the allegations referred to in this report are not proven and this report makes no determination as to their veracity. .... read full report.

 

Cloyne Diocesan Changes - September 2008

The Bishop of Cloyne, the Most Rev. John Magee, D.D., has accepted the resignation of the following priests in the Diocese of Cloyne:

• " The V. Rev. Michael Madden, P.P., Castlelyons;
  " The V. Rev. John Canon Terry, P.P., Kanturk;
  " The V. Rev. Timothy Canon O'Leary, P.P., Mitchelstown;
  " The V. Rev. Anthony Cronin, P.P., Newmarket;
  " The Rev. Timothy O'Connor, S.P.S., C.C., Coachford.

Bishop Magee has made the following appointments in the Diocese of Cloyne:

• " The V. Rev. Timothy Canon O'Leary P.P., Mitchelstown to be C.C., V.F., Mitchelstown;
  " The V. Rev. Jackie Corkery, P.P., Mourneabbey to be P.P., V.F., Kanturk;
  " The V. Rev. David Herlihy, P.P., Meelin and Rockchapel to be P.P., Newmarket;
  " The Rev. Michael Fitzgerald, C.C., Mitchelstown to be P.P., Mitchelstown;
  " The Rev. Gerard Coleman, C.C., Macroom to be P.P., Castlelyons;
  " The Rev. Peadar O'Callaghan, C.C., Ballycotton to be P.P., Mourneabbey;
  " The Rev. Denis Stritch, C.C. Mallow to be P.P. Meelin and Rockchapel;
  " The Rev. Aidan Crowley, C.C., Grenagh to be C.C., Ballycotton;
  " The Rev. Daniel Murphy, Diocesan Director of Liturgy, to be Resident Priest in Castlelyons;
  " The Rev. Daniel McCarthy, C.C., Castlelyons to be Chaplain to the Defence Forces;
  " The Rev. Francis Manning, C.C. Aghinagh and Chaplain to Coachford Community College to be C.C. Macroom;
  " The Rev. Eamonn McCarthy, C.C. Kanturk to be C.C. Coachford and Chaplain to Coachford Community College;
  " The Rev. Patrick McCarthy, C.C. Newmarket to be C.C. Mallow;
  " The V. Rev. Denis O'Sullivan, retired P.P. of Shrewsbury Diocese to be Resident Priest in Kilcorney

 

CONFERENCE ON PLACES OF WORSHIP

Dr. Kevin Seasoltz and Bishop Magee at the Conference

On Fri. Oct. 3rd., a Conference on Places of Worship took place at the Oriel Hotel, Ballincollig, Cork, at which Planners, Heritage specialists and Church persons responsible for the care of historic buildings came together to share concerns over their mutual responsibilities. Some 200 persons attended.

The opening address by Dr. Richard Hurley, Architect, was followed by a talk by Prof. Kevin Seasoltz OSB on the development of worship and its settings through the ages. Fr. Paddy Jones spoke on the present situation affecting the adaptation of historic Church Buildings in Ireland. Table discusions followed these presentations, followed by reporting back to the assembly.

After lunch the gathering was addressed by Ms. Nessa Roche in place of Naoise Connolly. She presented the scope of heritage protection in the built environment. This was followed by a presentation by Ms. Mona Hallinan titled As Little as Possible, as Much as Neccessary. In her address Ms. Hallinan outlined the present legislation and its implications for churches. Again, table discussion and reporting followed.

Chairperson, Ms. Tricia Tracey, Senior Planner , Cork Co. Council, thanked all for their contributions and welcomed the coming together. She saw the event as a first step in ongoing meetings between the parties involved in the care of historic churches.

 

 

TWO NEW PRIESTS FOR CLOYNE

Sun. June 29th. was the occasion of a second Ordination in the diocese of Cloyne this month. There was great rejoicing in Newmarket, Co. Cork, as Gerard Cremin was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Cloyne by Bishop Magee. One week previously Bishop Magee had ordained Fr. Sean Corkery in the parish of Mourneabbey. Bishop Magee spoke on both occasions of the happiness these ordinations generated for the families, the communities and the diocese.

 

A native of Newmarket Fr. Gerard studied at the local Primary school and Boherbue Comprehensive before going to Maynooth to study for the priesthood.

Bishop Magee's Homily

 

Gerard prostrates himself before the altar prior to Ordination

 

 

The moment of Ordination for which Gerard prepared for so long

 

 

Concelebrating priests welcome Fr. Gerard into the priesthood

 

 

Four generations of family at the ceremony

 

 

Fr. Gerard with Bishop Magee, his parents Eugene and Betty, sister Lisa, brothers John and Eoghan, together with nieces Shauna and baby Alva.

 

Fr. Gerard celebrated his First Mass in St. Mary's Church, Newmarket, on Monday 30th. June at 7.30 p.m.

 

Last Sunday the Ordination of Fr. Sean Corkery took place.

Click here for pictures of Fr. Sean's Ordination.

 

The Diocese of Cloyne has three other men training for priesthood at present. Interviews for prospective seminarians will take place on Saturday July 5th. Anyone interested should contact their local priest or Fr. Patrick Relihan, Director of Vocations, at 024 92456.

 

Bishop Magee has completed the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation in the diocese for this year. His homily is available here.

 

Celebration of Holy Mass
in accordance with the Motu Proprio "Summorum Pontificum"
of Pope Benedict XVI.

Mass was celebrated in the Cathedral of Saint Colman in Cobh on Easter Tuesday at 12 noon according to the extraordinary Rite promulgated by Blessed John XXIII in 1962 .

The Celebrant of the Mass was His Lordship, the Most Reverend John Magee, Bishop of Cloyne. The assistant Priest was the V. Rev. Michael Leamy, Administrator of the Cathedral. The Master of Ceremonies was the Rev. Robin Morrissey, M.C. to the Bishop.
The Cathedral Choir was under the Direction of its Director, Mr. Dominic Finn. A team of Cathedral Altar Servers served the Mass.

In accordance with the Norms laid down by the Bishop of Cloyne, following the promulgation of the Motu Proprio "Summorum Pontificum", all Parish Priests will respond to any request from a group of faithful of their Parish to have the extraordinary Rite of Holy Mass celebrated in their Parish. This will be done for pastoral reasons.

The Mass celebrated in the Cathedral of Saint Colman on Easter Tuesday was in response to a Diocesan request.

 

 

 

CONSECRATION OF NEW ALTAR AT KANTURK

Photo by Ivor Speers

 

 

The death has occurred of Fr. Corneilus (Con) Casey, PE, former parish priest of Rathcormac.

Born in 1916 in the parish of Donoughmore, and having received his secondary education in St. Colman's College, Fermoy, Fr. Con entered the seminary in the Irish College, Paris in 1934. Due to the outbreak of war, he was recalled to Maynooth to complete his studies in 1939, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1940.

After a very brief period as Assistant Curate in Youghal, he then served as curate in the parishes of Kilnamartyra, Ballymacoda, Dungourney and Ballyhea. In 1959 he was appointed as convent chaplain and assistant curate in Newmarket.

In 1974 Fr. Con took up the position of Parish Priest of Rockchapel and Meelin, and two years later became parish priest of Rathcormac, where he remained for nineteen years until his retirement in 1995.

During his years of retirement Fr. Con was excellently cared for by his family, and in his last few years, by the sisters and staff of Nazareth House.

Fr. Casey died on Friday 23rd November at Nazareth House, Dromahane, Mallow.

His funeral Mass was celebrated on Nov. 26th by Msgr. James O'Donnell, P.P., V.G., representing Bishop John Magee who was in Rome. A great number of priests concelebrated. A message from Bishop Magee was read at the funeral Mass. Fr. Con was buried in Stuak cemetery.

 

 

CLOYNE DIOCESAN CHANGES - September 2007

The Bishop of Cloyne, Most Rev. John Magee, D.D., has accepted the resignation of the following priests in the Diocese of Cloyne:

• The Rt. Rev. Msgr. Denis O'Callaghan, P.P., Mallow;

• The V. Rev. Liam Ryan, P.P. Banteer.

• The V. Rev. Richard Hegarty, P.P., Milford;

• The Rev. Denis Vaughan, C.C., Mitchelstown.

The Bishop has made the following appointments in the Diocese of Cloyne:

• The V. Rev. Padraig Keogh, P.P. Lisgoold to be P.P. Milford

• The V. Rev. Richard Hegarty, P.P. Milford to be C.C., Killavullen;

• The Rev. Jeremiah O'Riordan, C.C. Midleton to be P.P. Donoughmore;

• The V. Rev. Anthony O'Brien, Adm. Fermoy to be P.P. Lisgoold;

• The Rev. Declan Hennessy, C.C. Mallow to be P.P. Mallow;

• The Rev. William Winter, C.C. Whitechurch, to be P.P. Banteer.

• The Rev. Micheal O'Loingsigh, C.C. Mallow, to be C.C. Midleton;

• The Rev. Micheal Leader, C.C. Conna to be C.C. Mallow;

• The Rev. Joseph O'Keeffe, C.C. Killavullen to be C.C. Conna;

• The Rev. Aquin Casey, C.C. Fermoy to be Adm. Fermoy;

• The Rev. Tadgh O'Donovan, C.C. Kilworth, to be C.C., Whitechurch

 

 

 

Death of Fr. Denis Buckley

 

The death occurred, on June 19th., 2007, of Fr. Denis Buckley, P.P., Donoughmore. Fr. Denis had been ill for just a short period before his death. His death occurred a few days before he would have celebrated his Golden Jubilee, 50 years of priesthood.

A native of Glantane, Denis Buckley grew up in a farming community. After his years at St. Colman's College, Fermoy, he studied for the priesthood at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth. His academic competence was evident. He took his degree in Celtic Studies and in history and on one occasion was invited to lecture to the Royal Historical Society by his professor, Dr. Patrick Corish. He was ordained a priest at Maynooth by Bishop John Charles McQuaid on June 23rd., 1957. In September of that year he was appointed a curate at Castlemagner, a position he held until December 1990. For many years he taught religion at Kanturk Vocational School where he was held in respect and affection by both staff and pupils.

His appointment to Ballyvouorney on December 8th., 1990 was most suited to his competence in the Irish language and he was at home in the rich gaelic cultural tradition of that parish. in 2000 he was appointed Parish Priest of Donoughmore, a position he took up on 16th. September. Here his experience, manner and good humour endeared him to the largely farming community of the parish. He served the people of Donoughmore up to a few weeks before his death, even though it was increasingly evident that he was seriously ill.

To his brother Fr. David, PE Dromina, and his sister Mary, as well as to his parishioners and many friends, we offer our sincere sympathy. May he rest in peace.

 

Death of Sr. M. Cabrini Delahunty

The death of Sr. Cabrini at Mercy Convent Cobh on June 22nd., 2007 was an occasion of deep sorrow for her family and her Religious Community. The loss was also felt by Bishop Magee and the Diocesan team with whom she worked, as well as by the people of Cobh amongst whom she worked for a number of years.

Born in Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny, she joined the Sisters of Mercy over 50 years ago. Her vocation was lived out in Dublin, in Washington, in Cork and in Cobh. Her academic excellence saw her lecturing in UCC, Maynooth, UCD as well as Carysfort, where she also served as President.

In 1990 she was appointed by Bishop Magee to the post of Diocesan Archivist, in which capacity she undertook the mammoth task of cataloguing and storing thousands of historical documents. She was held in the highest esteem by fellow archivists and, in 2005, was invited to lecture to the Catholic Archivists Society Conference in Norfolk, England. She was always willing to assist the humblest enquirer into historical diocesan records.

As a religious she served the mission of her Congregation at Cobh through her assistance to the schools of the parish, especially the Boards of Management. Her closeness to her family remained an essential part of her personality and their devotion to her was evident in the months and weeks before her death. Her funeral Mass was celebrated by her brother, Fr. Dick, who ministers in USA, and presided over by Bishop Magee who spoke of her service to the diocese as well as to her Sisters and family. Her memory will long be cherished. May she rest in peace.

 

NEW APPOINTMENT

 

Monsignor Michael Crotty, a priest of the Diocese of Cloyne in the service of the Holy See, has been appointed to the Apostolic Nunciatures in Jordan and Iraq. Msgr. Michael, a native of Mitchelstown parish, has completed a three year appointment to the Apostolic Nunciature in Canada, having previously served in the Vatican Diplomatic Service in Kenya.

The Church in Iraq and its trials, has recently been in the International spotlight because of the murder of Fr. Ragheed Ganni, a former student of the Irish College in Rome. Msgr. Michael came to know Fr. Ragheed during his time in Rome and was, with so many others, moved by his heroic witness to the faith that led to his martyrdom.

We pray God's blessing on the work of Msgr. Michael in his new mission and on that of his colleagues.

 

CLOYNE DIOCESAN CHANGES - 2007.

The Bishop of Cloyne, the Most Rev. John Magee, D.D., has accepted the resignation of the V. Rev. Finbar Canon Kelleher from the Office of Parish Priest of the Parish of Cloyne and appointed him Curate pro tem. in the Parish of Glanworth and Ballindangan with residence in Ballindangan.

The Bishop has made the following clerical changes in the Diocese of Cloyne:

The V. Rev. Donal O'Mahony, Adm., Cobh to be Parish Priest of Cloyne;
The Rev. Patrick Buckley, C.C. Charleville to be C.C. Ballyvourney;
The Rev. Michael Fitzgerald, C.C. Cloyne to be C.C. Charleville;
The Rev. Michael Leamy, C.C., Cobh to be Administrator, Cobh;
The Rev. P.J. O'Driscoll to be C.C. Fermoy;
The Rev. Robin Morrissey, C.C. Glanworth and Ballindangan to be C.C. Cobh;
The Rev. Michael Murphy to be Chaplain, Shrine of Our Lady, Knock. Co. Mayo.
The Rev. Thomas Bierney, C.C. for missionary service with the Society of St. James.
The V. Rev. Joseph McGuane to be Diocesan Director of Trocaire and Diocesan Chaplain to the Deaf.

 

CLOYNE IN MISSION

Frs. John Keane and Tom Bierney

On January 3rd., 2006, Bishop Magee commissioned two priests of the Diocese to serve with the St. James Missionary Society in South America for a period of time. Frs. John Keane and Tom Bierney had requested leave to serve with the St. James's Society. On January 3rd., in the presence of Msgr. Finbarr O'Leary, Superior of the St. James's Missionary Society, a gathering of priests of the Diocese and a full congregation at Dungourney, in the parish of Imogeela, Castlemartyr, Bishop Magee invested both priests with a Missionary Cross and sent them with his blessing to work in South America.

Bishop Magee recalled his own experience as a Missionary in Africa as a Kiltegan Father and spoke of the internal and external Mission of the Church. Even in these time of a shortage of priests in Ireland, the diocese must also be faithful to the external mission of the Church to go teach all nations. He congratulated Frs. Keane and Bierney and assured them of the support of the Diocese for their undertaking.

 

Bishop Magee invests the priests with a Missionary Crosss: Bishop Magee welcomes Msgr. Finbarr O'Leary, St. James Missionary Society.

Msgr. Barry O'Leary thanked Bishop Magee for affirming the Missionary task of the Church in loaning two priests to the Society. He recalled the great tradition of Mission in Cloyne Diocese, referring to the many priests of Cloyne who served in the English and Welsh Church in the 1960's and 1970's. Priests of Cloyne have also served in Africa as well as with St. James's Missionary Society in earlier years. The memory of the late Frs. John Murphy, Donal McCarthy and Paddy Hennessy was recalled. Fr. John and Fr. Tom would be keeping that missionary vision of our diocese alive.

The parish community at Dungourney provided a great welcome in the church on the occasion and ensured a dignified and impressive ceremony. They also hosted the entire gathering afterwards at the local school. Fr. Keane had served for six years as a curate in Dungourney before committing himself to the South American Mission. Fr. Tom Bierney has worked in the Cathedral parish of Cobh since his ordination to priesthood over five years ago.

 

 

 

 

Death of Canon Bertie Troy

The death has occurred, on Jan 28th., 2007, of Canon Bertie Troy, former Parish Priest of Midleton, at his residence in Ballybutler, Midleton.

A native of Newtownshandrum, Canon Troy studied for the priesthood at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth and was ordained in 1955. He served for one year in the Archdioces of Southwark in London and as an Assistant Curate at Carrigtwohill for eighteen months. He then spent 21 years on the staff of St. Colman's College, Fermoy up to Septembet 1976. He was subsequently appointed curate at Ballycotton and then at Kanturk. He was appointed Parish Priest of Midleton in 1991. In that year he was also appointed Canon in the Cathedral Chapter and became Chancellor of the Cathedral Chapter in 1996. In 2005 he retired as Parish Priest of Midleton and took up the position of Parish Chaplain at Midleton.

May he rest in peace.

Bishop Magee's Funeral Homily

 

HAPPENINGS AND EVENTS

MURDER OF SHEOLA KEANEY

The funeral Mass of Sheola Keaney at St. Colman's Cathedral, Cobh, was a moving occasion as more than 1000 people attended the Mass and burial of the 19 year old murder victim. Fr. John McCarthy was the celebrant of the Mass at which Bishop Magee presided. Before the final Commendation Bishop Magee spoke to the congregation. We offer the sympathy of so many people throughout the diocese to the family of Sheola at this time of immeasurable grief and loss.

Bishop Magee's words:

"Now, my dear sisters and brothers in Christ, we come to the moment of commending the immortal soul of Sheola to the all-loving and all-merciful God in the sure hope that she has already encountered her Saviour, Jesus Christ, and been welcomed into the Kingdom of His Father to rest in peace forever.

As we confide Sheola to the merciful care of God, our thoughts and prayers go to her dear parents, Carol and Peter, to her many close friends and to all those who, in these sad days, have come to grieve the loss of one so young and so beautiful.

Life is a gift from God to be cherished and respected, to be lived to the full and enjoyed, never to be rejected or taken away. When the life of a person, especially of one so young and vibrant as Sheola, is taken away in so horrific and painful circumstances, the whole of human society is shocked into silence, the silence of indignation and horror. Such an evil act calls for a response from society and indeed from God. The response from society must entail the fullest collaboration with those entrusted with the law and order in our State so that the circumstances of this terrible crime be brought to light and the one responsible be brought to justice. The response from God is twofold: the words of God are clear: "You shall not kill: and whoever kills shall be liable to judgement" (Ex.20:13); however, His Son Jesus, paid the price of all sin by being put to death Himself, thus giving the sinner the opportunity to repent and to be forgiven, for He said: "I came, not to call the virtuous but the sinners to repentance" (Mk. 2:17).

May the one who has been responsible for this heinous crime of taking from Sheola what was most precious to her, her life, come forward and face up to the consequences involved, pay the debt to society that has been incurred and seek the mercy and forgiveness of the all-loving and merciful God "who alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end" (c.c.c. 2258).

May the wound which has been so viciously inflicted on Sheola's Parents, friends and on this whole community begin to heal through the love and care we all share with one another in this time of need and grief".

Words of the Bishop of Cloyne, the Most Rev. John Magee
before the final commendation at the funeral of Sheola Keaney,
Saint Colman's Cathedral, Cobh on Thursday July 20th 2006.

 

 

 

New Ministry to Polish Community in Cloyne.

Bishop Magee has welcomed Fr. Grzegorz Skalniak to the diocese to minister both in the parish of Midleton and to the Polish community in the diocese. Fr. Grzegorz was born in Krynica-Zdroj in 1976. This a beautiful town in Poland under the mountains and near to natural springs. He was ordained in 2001 for the diocese of Tarnow. Fr. Grzegorz has been engaged in pastoral ministry in the town of Mielec, with a population of 23,000 parishioners. His work involved ministry to young people and schools. He will be based in Midleton and has already been warmly welcomed there. Bishop Magee has also introduced him to the Council of Priests.

Fr. Grzegorz will temporarily reside with the Augustinian Community in Cork while accomodation isin Midleton.

 

Death of Canon John Finn

The death has occurred on April 1st. of Canon John Finn, Pastor Emeritus of Aghabullogue. Canon John, who was in his 92nd. year, retired from Aghabullogue in 1995. He continued to give assistance in the parish of Ovens/Farran in the diocese of Cork and Ross, adjacent to his residence at Peake, Coachford. Canon John was born in Mitchelstown in 1915 and is survived by his brother Liam and by a wide circle of in-laws, nephews. nieces and their children, amongst whom he was greatly loved. This circle of friends included many from the parishes in which he had served - Cobh, Killeagh, Donoughmore, Castlemartyr, Ballymacoda, Conna, Cloyne, Clondrohid and Aghabullogue. He enjoyed a great number of friendships among the clergy also, as was in evidence by the large number who attended his funeral from his home diocese of Cloyne, from Cork& Ross and from further afield.

Bishop John Magee was unable to attend the funeral as he was attending the first anniversary Mass for Pope John Paul II in Rome. Bishop Magee sent a personal message which was read at the funeral Mass before Msgr, James's O'Donnell's homily. Bishop John Buckley of Cork and Ross represened that Diocese. Three others of his agegroup in the diocese will especially miss him, Canon Seamus Corkery, Charleville, Canon John Ahern, Aghada and Fr. Con Casey of Nazareth House. Two of these, together with Canon John, formed the last of the priests of Cloyne who studied for the priesthood in the Irish College, Paris. They returned to Ireland at the outbreak of World War II and completed their studies in Maynooth, where they were ordained.

Canon John was a keen sportsman, enjoying his regular golf game until recent years. An excellent cook, he delighted in every opportunity to be with people, both pastorally and socially. He was a popular member of the Cloyne Holy Show, in which he took part up to two years ago. Above all, the diocese says goodbye to a great priest who served God's people and brough happiness to so many for 65 years of priesthood. May he rest in peace.

 

 

Death of Fr. William J. Casey, P.E.

Fr. Bill Casey, former Parish Priest of Aghada parish, died on Monday March 13th 2006 in Corth University Hospital. Fr. Bill had just celebrated his 74th. Birthday.

A native of Mitchelstown, Fr. Casey studied for the priesthood at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth. He was ordained in 1957 at St. Patrick's College, Carlow together with his brother Fr. Denis, who also completed his studies that year for the American Mission.

Fr. Bill served in the Diocese of Northampton, England, after his Ordination. On returning to his home diocese of Cloyne he served as curate in Macroom, Araglin, Kilworth, Meelin, Dungourney, Kildorrery, Newmarket and Midleton. He also studied Liturgy at St. John's College, Minnesota, U.S.A. in those years. He was appointed P.P. Aghada in 1992, where he served until his retirement in 2002. On retirement he lived at Nazareth House, Mallow.

Fr. Bill is survived by his brothers Fr. Denis, USA, Fr. John, CSsR, Fr. Con, CSsR, sisters Sheila and Peggy. Fr. Billwas buried in the family plot in Mitchelstown.

 

DIOCESE LAUNCHES NEW RESOURCE FOR READERS IN CHURCH

 

Bishop Magee and Rita Scannell, seated, with Fr. Danny Murphy (left), author, and Fr. John Keating, O'Carm

The Diocese of Cloyne has published a resource for parishes on how to conduct the readings of Scripture in the celebration of Church services.

Titled The Word of the Lord, this booklet includes a practical step-by-step guide on how to perform the task of minister of the word in Sunday Mass, in the celebration of the Marriage Liturgy, in Funeral Liturgies and so on.

It was launched at the Blarney Park Hotel on Monday 23rd January, 2006 by Fr. John Keating O Carm, Kinsale, a member of the Irish Commission for Liturgy. Bishop Magee, the Chairperson of the Irish Commission for Liturgy and Bishop of Cloyne also addressed the gathering. "Indeed, it is true, when there is a good proclamation of God's Word in the Liturgy," the Bishop said, "Christ's work of human salvation greatly prospers, He reaches to the human heart, and people are moved to follow Him. I congratulate all involved in this production," he continued.

This project has been brought to fruition by the Cloyne Commission for Liturgical Formation under the direction of Fr. Daniel Murphy, the diocesan director for Liturgical Formation. It forms the basis of a diocesan wide course for readers to commence shortly in the Diocese of Cloyne. It is hoped the first phase of this course will have been completed by Pentecost Sunday next.

The Word of the Lord is a very attractive colour production. It has been designed by Rita Scannell, Killeagh and printed by Collins Print, Dublin Hill, Cork.

The Word of the Lord is being distributed directly to all parishes in the Diocese of Cloyne. Copies are also available from the Cloyne Diocesan Centre, Cobh. Cost:  7.00 excl. postage.

 

 

 

Bishop John Magee Investiture,
St. Colman's Cathedral, Cobh, Co Cork, Sat. 10th Sept 2005 at 6.00 pm Mass

The President of the Order of Malta, Judge Peter Smithwick invested the Most Rev John Magee, DD, Bishop of Cloyne with the Cross of Conventual Chaplain ad Honorem, in St Colman's Cathedral, Cobh on Saturday 10th September 2005.

As the Order of Malta is a world wide organisation this award was made by the Grand Master and Sovereign Council of the Order of Malta in recognition of the contribution Bishop Magee has made to the service of the whole Catholic Church as a former Secretary to three Popes and Papal Master of Ceremonies With particular regard to the Order in Ireland, as principal Celebrant at the Solemn Mass in the College Chapel in Maynooth some years ago when Ireland hosted 350 participants from twenty countries in International Camp for young disabled, for ecumenical activities with the Order of Malta and Venerable Order of St John when he became the first Catholic Bishop since 1549 to preside at a Catholic liturgy in Downpatrick Cathedral at a joint service of Vespers with the two orders of Chivalry.

The Order of Malta is an international lay religious organisation with its headquarters in Rome. Through its Grand Priories, Sub Priories, 60 National Associations and 40 Relief Agencies, it runs hospitals, medical centres, homes for the elderly and disabled, ambulance services and training in first aid in over 115 countries throughout the world.

The Order of Malta is best known in Ireland for providing first aid and emergency care services at sporting and national events. There are seven units of the Ambulance Corps in Cork and Kerry: Cork, Rathcormac, Bishopstown, Blackpool, Blackrock, Mahon and Killarney.

 

PAPAL APPOINTMENT

The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has appointed Fr. Michael Crotty a Chaplain of the Papal Household with the title of Monsignor.

Fr. Michael is a native of Mitchelstown. He was ordained in 1994 for the Diocese of Cloyne, Having studied in Maynooth and Rome, he wa appointed to the Vatican Diplomatic Service. He served in the Apostolic Nunciature in Kenya for three years and is presently Secretary in the Apostolic Nunciature in Canada.

Sadly, Fr. Michael's father was buried on May 19th, the day the news came from the Vatican of his appointment.

 

 

NEW BOOK LAUNCHED

5 RUE DES IRLANDES
Reminiscences by Canon Seamus Corkery

Canon Seamus Corkery, retired Parish priest of Charleville, has made a most important contribution to the Diocesan memoirs in completing and launching his book "Memories of 5 Rue Des Irlandais and its Students."
5 Rue Des Irlandais is, of course, what is usually referred to as The Irish College, Paris. Canon Seamus is one of the few remaining priests of Cloyne who studied for the priesthood at this College before the outbreak of World War II in 1939. Canon Seamus 's account of life in the College includes their experience as war broke in Paris.
Canon Seamus's work is timely as the memory is now fading of the great history of Irish Colleges all over Europe, dating from the Penal days when Catholic education, and especially the training of priests, was forbidden by law in Ireland. Some 30 Irish Colleges sprang up all over the Continent, not just in Paris, but in Salamanca, Douai, Lisbon, Bordeaux, Rouen, Charleville (France), Seville, Madrid, Antwerp, Lille, Tournai, Louvain, Prague, Vielun (Poland), Toulouse, Nantes and Rome.

Canon Seamus's book records his memories of his Student days in Paris, the Cloyne priests who studied there and the background to the Paris College. He recalls the student days of priests remembered with affection in the Diocese, Frs. Arthur Watson, Pat Aherne, Donie Ryan, Tom Glavin, Tom Wall, Jackie O'Donnell, Michael Cogan, Denis O'Brien, Tom Glavin, Joe Kenneally and includes those who are still part of the story, Con Casey and John Finn.
Canon Seamus includes in his book his own journey as a priest in the diocese of Cloyne, recalling his memories of the many parishes in which he served. He concludes his book with a tribute to their Vincentian mentor in Paris Fr. Pat. Travers. The book is well illustrated with well produced colour photographs, many by Canon Seamus himself.
Congratulations to Canon Seamus on this well written book and to the Abbey Printers, Charleville who have presented his work in a beautiful format. The book is available from Abbey Printers, Charleville, cost  10.

 

 

FUNERAL OF ROBERT HOLOHAN

The funeral Mass for Robert Holohan, an 11 year old child who was killed near his home, was celebrated last Saturday, January 16th., 2005, in Midleton, Co. Cork. The celebrant was local priest Fr. Billy O'Donovan, assisted by many priests from the local and surrounding communities. Fr. O'Donovan had been active in the community search for Robert over the previous week and assisted the family in their ordeal. His homily expressed the support of faith and community at a dark moment for all.

Fr. O'Donovan's homily

Bishop Magee presided at the Mass. He spoke these words before the final commendation at the funeral of Robert Holohan, Holy Rosary Church, Midleton.

" Let the little children come to me….
For it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs" ( Mk. 10: 14).

Now, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we come to the moment of commending the immortal soul of Robert to the all-knowing, all-loving God. In doing so we have the certainty that Robert will rest forever in peace in the loving embrace of Jesus, who gave His life for him.

As we confide Robert to God's loving care, our thoughts and prayers go to his dear Parents, Majella and Mark, to his sister Emma and to little Harry, his brother, to his grandparents, relatives and friends. During the past eleven days the Christian Community in Midleton, Lisgoold and Aghada has been joined by thousands of heart-broken people from every walk of life - from the Head of State and Government to the parents and children in every home in our land - praying, searching, comforting, weeping and grasping for signs of hope and life. Now that the reality of what has happened to Robert has been brought home to us all, we gather together with his family in grief, love and Christian hope. In a sense Robert has brought us together and has made of our Nation one family in grief. In his name and in the name of his immediate family a sincere word of gratitude is due. May Jesus, who now takes care of Robert, comfort each one here present and indeed all who are in contact with us today in Christian and human solidarity.

May the wound which has been so viciously inflicted on Robert's family and Community, on his school companions and teachers, on his sporting colleagues and friends begin to heal through the love which binds us all as God's chosen.

May the one who has been responsible for this heinous crime against an innocent child come forward and face up to the responsibilities incurred, pay the debt to society that is owed and seek the mercy and forgiveness of an all-merciful God who came " not to call the virtuous but the sinners to repentance"( cf. Mk. 2:17). May we, the Christian Community, always reflect in our words and actions the Heart of that loving, merciful and forgiving God who, at His moment of greatest torment cried out to His Heavenly Father: " Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing" ( Lk. 23: 34).

 

COUNCIL OF PRIESTS

Bishop Magee convened the first meeting of the new Council of Priests on January 4th. 2005.

Full text of the inaugural address.

Members of the Council of Priests

 

 

Out of Africa

Bishop John Magee wisited the diocese of Onitsha in Nigeria where he had worked as a young missionary priest.

Bishop Magee at the Ordination ceremony

 

Bishop Magee ordained nine men to the priesthood, a number augmented by the Archbishop ordaining a further ten men to the priesthood on the following Saturday. A sad aspect to these joyous events was the fact that one of those for ordination was involved in a car accident some days before his ordination, but is happily recovering after surgery and will be ordained later.

Bishop Magee's Ordination Homily is available here. An account of the visit will be available later.

 

 

Appointment of Rev. Joseph Murphy, Priest of the Diocese of Cloyne