A Redemptorist writes from Brazil to support Tony
Tony, It can hardly be true that they´re building a hermitage for you in Esker! I just wanted to offer prayerful support at this difficult time for you and Gerry and the ACP. I´m sure the many fine tributes pouring in from people you´ve deeply touched in your priestly ministry is very heartening. I feel privileged to be part of that immense group of people who have contributed their opinions on this site over the past while. The richness, profundity, and diversity of opinions expressed, surely shows how important and beneficial it is to be promoting a process of dialogue on all the burning issues of the day for our church and society. I get a feeling that there is something bigger than all of us going on here. What a pity to see fear taking over and trying to artificially hinder this effort. As Joe Moran reminded us in his contribution a few days ago, we redemptorists have so often, these last decades, sang with the people of God “Do not be afraid” Now perhaps, more than ever, we need to cultivate that spirit amongst us, as we try to follow the Spirit of the risen Jesus, leading us into a better understanding of one another and of the complex issues that face our church and world.
Albert Mc Gettrick Redemptorist Community Aracati Brasil
It is reported in today’s Irish Times that Fr Sean Fagan has been advised by Rome that if any word of their latest action against him reached the media he would be stripped of his priesthood.
If this is true, should it not be a matter for the European Court of Human Rights?
I would just like to lend my voice to those offering supportU to Fr. Tony Flannery, and indeed all those Catholic priests who are showing great courage and going a long way to redeeming the church This is what my church is all about and I am proud of you. Keep up the good work. Helena O’Gorman
Entirely agree with Michael Commane. The Dominicans in Italy don’t tolerate the corruption of Rome. Well said, Michael. Rome is a bully and it’s up to the PEOPLE of Ireland not to allow another Inquisition. Speak out! Enough of this absurdity! Support these BRAVE men. The Irish bishops have been appalling in their behaviour regarding the devastation of Irish children (many since dead – I refer to past decades, 60 and 70 years ago) due to sexual abuse at the hands of the religious AND THE IRISH STATE. BOTH CHURCH AND STATE WERE IN COLLUSION – INSTITUTIONALISED PHYSICAL, VERBAL AND SEXUAL ABUSE. It went on for decades. SHAME ON YOU IRELAND. SHAME ON YOUR GOVERNMENT BENDING OVER BACKWARDS TO THE BIG BULLY IN ROME.
Now let’s support those who HAVE the courage to take issue with this fundamentally flawed institution.
Thank you Michael Commane – another man who speaks the truth. Your blog is another which speaks the truth. Thank you.
The very idea of this meeting in May suggests that people like me may have somewhere to go, rather than walk away from the unacceptable giant leaps backwards being made by Rome. Can Rome be so completely unaware that women can and will walk away in their thousands rather than suffer a return to the old regime, which is without honour and without honesty.
I dont know where you are all coming from. I or any of my many women friends will not be walking away from the Roman Catholic Church. I keep my eyes on Jesus. I especially remember ‘Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church’. Lots of people supporting you does not the ‘truth’ make. You will end up in schism if you continue on this road. I certainly wont be joining you.