Up to 100 priests of the Diocese of Cloyne gathered this week to discuss the fall-out from the mishandling of abuse claims in the diocese and to map a way forward, this paper has learnt. The meeting, held in the Silver Springs Hotel in Co Cork, was convened by Archbishop Dermot Clifford, who was appointed Apostolic Administrator for the Cloyne diocese in March by Pope Benedict.
The meeting was also attended by Bishop Denis Brennan of Ferns and a small delegation from that diocese.
According to sources at the meeting, priests were invited by layman Martin Kennedy acting as facilitator to articulate their experiences of recent events in the diocese.
The feedback was described as ''an open and honest discussion''after which the gathering broke up into small groups and reported back to the facilitator.
While priests were keen to welcome the new Administrator, there were also individual expressions of concern for the personal welfare of Bishop Magee, and a worry among some priests that the bishop has had to shoulder all the blame for mistakes made by several individuals.
A spokesman for Cloyne said that while the meeting was an ''internal'' meeting it was ''positive''.
The mood of the meeting was described by one priest who was present as ''very helpful and welcome.''
He added: ''The opportunity for Cloyne priests to voice their opinions and feelings was necessary prior to any discussion of the deeper issues of those affected by child sexual abuse.''
Issues of continued outreach to victims of abuse and cooperation with the State Inquiry were dealt with in the afternoon when the delegation from Ferns addressed the gathering led by the Bishop of Ferns, Denis Brennan.
"The purpose of this was to assist priests in considering what is now required as a continued priority, building on what is already there and moving onto what is best practice today," said a priest who asked not be be named, adding, "I went home feeling better than when I arrived."
It is believed this is one in a range of events which will occur in the weeks and months ahead and it appears the model that was used in Ferns is being considered for guidance.
Archbishop Clifford was unavailable for comment.
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(Source: IC)