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Priest resigns over relationship
17.11.09
THE Derry Diocese has
been left stunned by the resignation of a popular
parish priest over his relationship with a woman. Fr
Sean McKenna made his announcement during Masses on
Saturday and Sunday at Holy Family Church in
Ballymagroarty, Derry.
In a statement to shocked parishioners he said: "As
you are aware, celibacy is an integral part of the
commitment to priesthood. In my personal life I am
in a relationship. The nature of this relationship
is such that the rule of celibacy does not allow me
to continue in priesthood and to be in this
relationship at the same time. Therefore I have made
my choice. It is a difficult choice but a clear and
free one."
Among the weekend congregation were a small number
of people from Inishowen who, because there is no
early Mass in Burt on Sunday, often attend the
9.30am Sunday Mass in Ballymagroarty. |
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Fr McKenna's statement
from the altar continued: "After a long period of
reflection and discernment, I have approached Bishop
Hegarty this week to inform him of what I have
decided. He has, with great regret, agreed to accept
my decision."
Fr McKenna, who is 51 years old and from Gortin, Co
Tyrone, was ordained in 1985. He told the
congregation that he had found the priesthood to be
"very meaningful and spiritually uplifting". |
He also thanked
parishioners in his former parishes of St Mary's,
Creggan and Long Tower.
He said his decision to leave had been very
difficult and it was "not without pain, struggle and
sadness" that he arrived at his choice.
Derry Diocesan spokesman Fr Michael Canny yesterday
said Fr McKenna's resignation came as "a total
shock" to Bishop Seamus Hegarty, himself and others,
when he broke the news to them last week.
"We are deeply saddened because Fr McKenna was held
in very high esteem. He served on endless diocesan
committees and made a huge and valued contribution
during his 24 years as a priest," said Fr Canny. Fr
McKenna told parishioners he was leaving the
priesthood because he had entered into a "loving and
beautiful relationship". It is believed that he is
involved with a mother-of-two, who is separated from
her husband. |
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