Sean Fagan — a Friend Speaks out

Association of Catholic Priests
April 16, 2012

http://www.associationofcatholicpriests.ie/2012/04/sean-fagan/

Among the comments on the posting 'A Tuam priest reacts to the treatment of Tony Flannery', Joan Molloy writes that she is deeply troubled by the Vatican threat to Fr. Sean Fagan, and wonders if it can possibly be true? Yes Joan, sadly it is true. The silencing of Sean, after a lifetime of service to the Church, was even more painful because if any word of this action demanded by the CDF got into the media, he would be immediately be prohibited from exercising his priestly faculties.

Sean, whom I am privileged to call my friend, loves our Catholic Church. In his own words: "I am passionately in love with the Church which brings me so much of the endless compassion of Christ; the kind strong gentleness of Mary the Mother of Jesus; the consolation of God himself to help us through the many dark nights of the soul." 'Does Morality Change? (2003; 230-231).

Yes, this a difficult time for the Church. But let us not lose hope and listen to each other. There are many who hold opposing views. With goodwill and deep faith we can transcend our differences and become an inclusive Catholic Christian Community. The Holy Spirit is shouting at us.

Mary Cunningham