PARISHIONERS in a south Kilkenny village were stunned on Saturday when the local bishop turned up for evening Mass to tell them their parish priest was taking a leave of absence while an allegation of abuse against him was investigated.It is understood Fr Peter Muldowney, parish priest of Mooncoin, asked for a period of leave from his ministry with immediate effect so that "a safeguarding matter" concerning him could be addressed.
The Bishop of Ossory, Dr Seamus Freeman, acceded to the request.
A garda investigation has begun but it does not relate to Fr Muldowney’s period in the Diocese of Ossory.
At Mass in Kilkenny city on Saturday evening, Fr Martin Delaney told the congregation in St Canice’s Church that he had been asked to go to Mooncoin with immediate affect so that the claim of "abuse" against Fr Muldowney could be investigated.
In a statement posted on the diocesan website on Saturday evening, Bishop Freeman stated that: "In compliance with our diocesan policy on safeguarding, this matter has been referred to An Garda Siochána, the HSE and to the National Board for Safeguarding Children. The presumption of innocence must prevail.
"There can be no further comment until this matter has been clarified by the civil authorities. I ask you for your prayers for all concerned.
"I have appointed Fr Martin Delaney administrator of the parish of Mooncoin and he will take up duties with immediate effect.
"Fr Muldowney is from Kilmanagh in Co Kilkenny and was ordained in 1984. He was a late vocation and was formerly a Christian Brother," he said.
The Bishop of Ossory, Dr Seamus Freeman, acceded to the request.
A garda investigation has begun but it does not relate to Fr Muldowney’s period in the Diocese of Ossory.
At Mass in Kilkenny city on Saturday evening, Fr Martin Delaney told the congregation in St Canice’s Church that he had been asked to go to Mooncoin with immediate affect so that the claim of "abuse" against Fr Muldowney could be investigated.
In a statement posted on the diocesan website on Saturday evening, Bishop Freeman stated that: "In compliance with our diocesan policy on safeguarding, this matter has been referred to An Garda Siochána, the HSE and to the National Board for Safeguarding Children. The presumption of innocence must prevail.
"There can be no further comment until this matter has been clarified by the civil authorities. I ask you for your prayers for all concerned.
"I have appointed Fr Martin Delaney administrator of the parish of Mooncoin and he will take up duties with immediate effect.
"Fr Muldowney is from Kilmanagh in Co Kilkenny and was ordained in 1984. He was a late vocation and was formerly a Christian Brother," he said.
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