Maynooth Is "Living in the Past', Says Fr D'arcy

By Ciara Treacy
Irish Independent
August 6, 2016

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/maynooth-is-living-in-the-past-says-fr-darcy-34943122.html

Fr Brian D’Arcy. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin.

Fr Brian D'Arcy said the seminary's issues were broader than a "couple of guys in some form of homosexual contact".

He also argued that the seminary draws students who want the security of traditional views.

Asked if he thought the issue surrounding St Patrick's College was one of promiscuity or homosexuality, the Fermanagh-based priest said: "I don't think it's either. Honestly, I do not know. There are, at most, a couple of guys involved in some form of homosexual contact.

"The issue is that the Archbishop feels that Maynooth is not suitable to educate priests and that is a major issue.

"There must be other issues going on which are not suitable for the training of spiritual leaders."

Fr D'Arcy referred to the culture of "anonymity" in the seminary.

He added: "We need somewhere that is all-inclusive, not just top-down. Maynooth is living in the past. We are not in the past and it is never coming back."