Fr Brendan Doyle, originally from Island Road in Enniscorthy, passed away peacefully in his eighty-seventh year on Friday, August 16.
He had served for a number of decades in Jefferson USA in the churches of St Martin's and Immaculate Conception. He had also been a spiritual leader at the Helios High School.
A gymnasium and recreation centre, built through funding, was named the ‘Doyle Youth Centre’ recognising his work on the project.
In 2012, Fr Doyle was suspended from the ministry following an investigation into images found on his computer. The images were found by a computer technician who was contacted by Fr Doyle after he said his device had been hacked by a virus. These images were found on both his school and personal computers.
Although no charges were filed against him, a seven person review board for the Jefferson City Diocese recommended he be suspended indefinitely after reviewing evidence from the investigation by the US Attorney’s office.
The details of images were not released, but the review board confirmed that they violated the charter protecting children and young people.
Diocese Communications Director Helen Osman said that an allegation is deemed credible if it is more than likely to be true based on the available information and if a priest is removed from ministry, it means he can no longer present himself as a priest. None of the men removed from ministry are then placed in administrative or teaching roles or any other active form of ministry.
In 2018, he was included in the list of names Bishop Shawn McKnight released of 33 priests and religious brothers who have been credibly accused of actions in violation of the charter of children and young people in the Diocese of Jefferson City.
Speaking at the time, Bishop McKnight said: “Some of (the 33 men) have been investigated, but for whatever reason, law enforcement has chosen not to pursue their cases. That’s where the church has to step in and do what we can out of concern for the safe environment we want for our church and for society.”
There were no previous complaints before this issue came to light and there was speculation that the images were placed on his computers by a virus.
Despite these allegations, mourners and people who knew Fr Doyle have taken to social media to express their sadness over the news of his passing.A post on the social media page of Oscar's Classic Diner in Jefferson City read: “He will be fondly remembered for his endearing Irish accent, calm commanding presence, and dry sense of humour. Racquetball kept him strong and young-at-heart over many decades and through his long battle with cancer. Close friends took him to Ireland this summer where he was able to make his farewells.”
He was predeceased by his parents, Tim and Catherine, brothers, Aidan and Brian. He is survived by his nephews, Tim, Michael, Aidan and Alex, grandnephews, grandnieces, cousins, his brother priests in Jefferson City, extended family, relatives and friends.
His funeral mass will take place on Friday, August 30, in St Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy with burial afterwards in St Mary’s Cemetery.