AUSTRALIA
Broken Rites
By a Broken Rites Australia researcher.
Father John Ignatius O’Callaghan (of the Melbourne archdiocese) took the traditional Catholic vow of a “celibate” priest. That is, he vowed never to get married. Instead, in the 1980s, he merely had a private relationship with a woman, who gave birth to Father O’Callaghan’s two daughters. These girls have grown up into adulthood, knowing that they are the offspring of Father John O’Callaghan.
The private life of Fr John O’ Callaghan is no secret among the Melbourne clergy of his generation. Several Melbourne priests have confirmed the O’Callaghan matter to Broken Rites. And a relative of O’Callaghan has spoken to Broken Rites, confirming the matter.
This kind of “private life” is accepted by a priest’s colleagues (many of whom have a “private life” of their own). Meanwhile, bishops and other church leaders (some of whom may have a “private life” themselves) look the other way, hoping that the practice does not get into the media. Any media exposure would damage the church’s corporate brand-name.
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