The Awful Disclosures of Maria Monk for today

In the wake of other abuse literature turning out to be fiction it looks like Kathy O'Beirne's 2005 memoir, Kathy's Story: A Childhood Hell Inside the Magdalene Laundries" can be added to the list.

6 Comments

By Kristen J on March 5, 2008 2:56 PM

It is shameful that authors like these and some journalists (whom I knew being in that field myself) often forget that culumny (telling harmful lies about another person) and detraction (needlessly revealing the faults of another) are grave sins. They essentially violate the commandment against stealing by stealing another's good name and ability to function in society with respect. They also are a form of murder because they can kill a person's rights. We all need to be more careful about what we say...

By Michael Mary on March 5, 2008 4:02 PM

This is also about the same subject:

http://www.remnantnewspaper.com/Archives%20-%20News/archive-news-2006-1015.htm

By joanne on March 5, 2008 4:10 PM

"But what makes the O'Beirne saga so troubling, Kelly believes, is that it fuels Ireland's obsession with clerical sex abuse, and the abuse-claim industry. O'Beirne herself accused Fr Fergal O'Connor, founder of the homeless hostel Sherrard House, of raping her in the 1970s. The investigation took a year, during which the 77-year-old University College Dublin professor was prevented from visiting his own workplace. Yet Fr O'Connor was virtually crippled by arthritis when the alleged crimes took place, unable even to shake hands because of the pain, according to a friend. The priest was exonerated two days before his death."
This sort of thing is good to keep in mind when sensational accusations hit the media.

By PNP, OP on March 5, 2008 6:20 PM

...and what's worse is Mother Church's insistence that all of her ordained son are guilt of any and all accusations until proven innocent...so much for her historic witness to charity!

Fr. Philip, OP

By Mulligan on March 5, 2008 6:36 PM

God bless you Fr. Philip and all priests.
Thank you for your faithfulness and
courage in the face of so much calumny
and injustice.

By joanne on March 7, 2008 8:07 PM

Fr Philip,
I don't understand why this sort of thing isn't viewed as part of the reason for a shortage of new priests. Sons have mothers. As the mother of a son, I think "What if?" every time I hear an account like this. I can't help it. I've never said anything that would push my son away from the priesthood, but I think we may be less likely to encourage vocations when we suspect that our priests are without charity by the Church.
It is a blessing and an honor if your son is hated by the world for the sake of Jesus, but the thought of him being mistreated by the Church is agonizing.
I can't speak for fathers. I don't know of any who would willingly donate their sons in the current climate. Certainly God will call whom He calls, in any case, but fewer may hear.