Sunday, March 11, 2012

Heavenly messages are destined for Kilnacrott

The lay religious group behind the imminent purchase of Kilnacrott Abbey for their new headquarters have lost the support of two celebrated clergy members - neither of whom will explain their motives.

The Irish-American group, called Direction For Our Times (DFOT), whose figurehead - only known as 'Anne' - claims to receive monthly messages from heaven. 

The group is also the subject of an official Church inquiry, commissioned by Kilmore diocese Bishop Leo O'Reilly.

Internationally-known Florida-based nun Sr Briege McKenna and retreat leader, and brother-in-law of Dana, Fr Kevin Scallon both have not elaborated on why they have withdrawn their support for the group.

A statement on the website www.sisterbriege.com reads: "It is with regret that I have discerned the need to withdraw my endorsement and support of Direction For Our Times. I am praying that God's will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."

Similarly, Fr Scallon says on the same site: "Recent information has caused me to question the authenticity of Direction for Our Times. Regretfully, I've come to discern that I can no longer support or encourage involvement in this organisation."

Phonecalls and email queries to both asking for an explanation were answered by their secretary: "Thank you for again inquiring regarding a comment from Sr Briege and Fr Kevin for The Anglo-Celt newspaper, however it is not possible for Sr Briege or Fr Kevin to do so."
DFOT has received the bishop's permission "for the distribution of the messages and written materials for Anne."

The permission, however, is pending the commission report and "does not imply a final judgement on whether they are authentic private revelation".

The anonymous Church commission is made up of a former professor of dogmatic theology, a Canon lawyer and a specialist in spirituality and none are from the diocese.

Father Darragh Connolly has been employed as salaried chaplain with the group since 2006.

He dismissed negative online rumours about the DFOT as "tripe and trash", which he found "perplexing and astounding".

When asked if he thought that his position as a salaried employee of DFOT was a conflict of interest he said: "Given that I am assigned as chaplain to serve the apostolate it seems fair that the apostolate assume the responsibility of paying my wages. There is no conflict in that."

In 2010 four Kilmore priests were sitting on a board of seven at DFOT in Ireland, which Fr Connolly says points to "good oversight".

"The board of directors of an organisation such as this one is charged with the responsibility of overseeing the activities of the organisation... we currently have two priests on the board, however it would not be a conflict in having four priests of the diocese on the board. It points to good guidance and oversight," he said.

DFOT has been attacked online regarding the anonymous leader of the group, known as 'Anne', an American divorcee and religious author living in Cavan, who emails her monthly messages to around 26,000 followers around the world.

"Anne does not profit from the Word of God no more than anyone who works in the Church," said Fr Connolly. "It was decided by the board that Anne should be compensated for her tireless leadership and administrative work for this international apostolate. Anne receives no compensation for the writing of books nor any royalties from the sale of these books. I have worked as full-time chaplain with DFOT since August 2006. DFOT does not make any profit. We make all the books available for free online and give away many hard copies also. We rely heavily on the generosity of donors on top of the sale of books to keep the work going. As any charitable organisation will tell you keeping a staff working full time is a heavy financial burden for any charitable organisation to carry," he said.

Well-placed sources believe that the abbey will cost DFOT around €750,000 - a purchase funded by their cash reserve - and that the grave of notorious paedophile Fr Brendan Smyth, buried on the 44-acre grounds, will remain intact.

The Catholic Press Office said it would be making "no statement or comment" on the DFOT.

The directors of DFOT Ireland are listed as Rev Darragh Connolly, Rev John Canon Murphy, Jane Gomulka, Eustace Mita, Kathryn Clarke, James Clarke and Nora McCarthy.

"The Norbertine Priests will continue to live at the abbey for the next period of time. After this time Direction for Our Times plans to make the site a headquarters for our organisation and a place where people can come and rest in the Lord seeking renewal and healing," said Fr Connolly.