IRELAND
Irish Independent
SARAH MACDONALD – UPDATED 17 MARCH 2014
Priests have “clearly suffered a lot” and need support structures to help raise their morale, the Catholic Bishop of Limerick has warned.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Bishop Brendan Leahy revealed he has created two new offices in his diocese, one of which is aimed specifically at boosting priests’ morale as many of them are still reeling from the fallout of the abuse scandals.
Dr Leahy, who next month will celebrate his first year in office, said he has appointed Fr Muiris O’Connor as episcopal vicar for the pastoral care of priests.
It is an entirely new position and will be full-time, such is the importance of the role in the eyes of the bishop.
Comparing priests with a seismograph, Dr Leahy said priests are the ones registering the earthquake that is going through the church in terms of changes, new structures and a transition to a new era.
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