MASS-goers in Bishop Donal Murray's parish supported him yesterday as his resignation looked imminent -- but they did not offer a round of applause after his statement was read out asking them to pray for him. Parishioners attending St Joseph's Church on O'Connell Avenue in Limerick showed solidarity with Bishop Murray.
It was the same church where last Sunday week he received a round of applause after he told his congregation that he would be guided by the people of Limerick as to whether his presence was a "help or a hindrance to the diocese".
There was no sign of Bishop Murray at St Joseph's yesterday and no similar outburst of applause when a statement was read out on his behalf by his secretary Fr Paul Finnerty.
However, some people who attended 10am Mass yesterday were still standing behind the bishop. While many accepted that his resignation seemed inevitable, there was still a desire for him to remain on in his position in Limerick.
"I think he is handling it all reasonably well," said parishioner Martin Murray. "He explained reasonably well last Sunday as much as could be expected and the congregation were very receptive to it and supported him with a very substantial applause. I think he should be given as much time as he needs."
Another parishioner, Liam Cotter, believes there is a vendetta against the Bishop of Limerick. "I don't for a moment condone anything that happened, but I do feel there is a section of people going too far and I think there's a viciousness attached to it," he said.
When asked if Bishop Murray deserved more time to consider his position, the pensioner replied: "That's up to his own conscience but I do feel that they are going right over the top and they are not being completely impartial. There's a vendetta."
Eileen Hyde, who also attended yesterday's Mass at St Joseph's, thinks Bishop Murray should remain on in his position.
"A lot of people want him to resign and I know everybody has their own opinion but I think he should be given a chance."
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