He (Bishop John McAreavey) said that since becoming Bishop in 1999 “everything I have learned about the abuse of victims I have learned from victims. It is their testimonies and their stories, which have impacted most on me. (The Irish Times)
An Irish bishop announced his resignation March 1 after increased criticism over how he dealt with revelations of an abusive priest.
“Bishop John McAreavey of Dromore was criticized in a program on BBC Northern Ireland Feb. 28, after it emerged that he concelebrated a parish anniversary Mass in 2000 with a priest he knew had stepped down after being sent for treatment following complaints of abuse.
“In a statement from his lawyer released to journalists on March 1, McAreavey, 69, said: ‘Following media reports which have disturbed and upset many people in the diocese and further afield, I have decided to resign with immediate effect.’
“Twelve people accused the late Father Malachy Finnegan of sexual abuse. The priest, who taught at St. Colman’s College in Newry, Northern Ireland, from 1967 to 1976, is also accused of physical and emotional abuse against students.”
By Michael Kelly, Catholic News Service, on Cruxnow.com — Read more …
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