Michael Kelly
There is grave concern about the future of the diocese and the damage to priestly morale caused by the ongoing controversy, writes Michael Kelly
The priests of the Diocese of Ossory are currently involved in a ‘listening process’. Facilitated by three priests of the diocese, the process is designed for Bishop Séamus Freeman to get honest feedback about his stewardship and the priests’ views on the current situation in the diocese and hopes and expectations for the future.
Bishop Freeman has promised that an unvarnished report will be drawn up and this will be distributed to all of the priests of the diocese. Dr Freeman has been the subject of criticism from many priests in the diocese in recent years and the issue has led to considerable disquiet (see page three).
Evidently, the issue has caused a great deal of pain and sadness in the diocese. Some are openly saying that the only resolution will be for Dr Freeman to retire and there has been correspondence both with the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin and the Pope’s representative in Ireland, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown.
But Dr Freeman is not scheduled to retire until 2019. He could go earlier, of course, if he so wished, and bishops who have experienced health difficulties often do.
When the report of the ‘listening process’ is delivered, it is expected to be extremely critical of a perceived lack of leadership from Dr Freeman. But priests who are sympathetic will have their say too, so the report is likely to be a mixed bag.
Finances and the issue of mounting debt is also a major concern for many priests. An ambitious programme of works around the cathedral in Kilkenny has eaten considerably in to diocesan resources.
Some priests have been critical of the project and the spending. However, others have pointed out that the work is absolutely necessary. The priests loyal to the bishop have also accused Dr Freeman’s detractors of being unfair to him and not giving him a chance to answer criticisms.
Canonical visitation
As the Metropolitan archbishop with responsibility for Ossory, Diarmuid Martin has a role in keeping the Pope aware of the situation in the diocese.
Under Church law, Pope Francis can ask Archbishop Martin to carry out a ‘canonical visitation’ of Ossory, a kind of investigation in to the Church there. The Archbishop of Dublin also has the responsibility “to see that faith and ecclesiastical discipline are carefully observed and to notify the Roman Pontiff if there be any abuses”.
Bishop Freeman suffered a stroke almost three years ago and questions have been raised by some about his capacity to continue running the diocese of some 85,230 Catholics. However, his defenders have accused some priests of using his illness to undermine his leadership. In truth, some priests had been raising doubts about Dr Freeman’s leadership long before his stroke.
There is grave concern about the future of the diocese and the damage to priestly morale caused by the ongoing controversy. But, priests who speak up for the bishop say the concern is exaggerated and that things have settled down.
Like many other dioceses, Ossory is struggling to cope with an aging clergy and questions have been asked about Dr Freeman’s ability to cope with this and other pressing issues facing the diocese. Not least of which is the deteriorating financial situation.
Listening processes can be dangerous exercises. Engaging in such a process implies that one is willing to hear what people have to say. That can often be an uncomfortable experience. It can also create expectations that, if left unfulfilled, make matters worse and infinitely more difficult for the instigator of the process.
Kieran O’Reilly – now Archbishop of Cashel and Emly but previously Bishop of Killaloe – found himself the subject of criticism after he invited men to present themselves for the permanent diaconate.
Dr O’Reilly had engaged in a listening process in Killaloe, one of the findings was that women felt that they had no role in leadership in the diocese. Evidently these women saw the launching of the diaconate as a sign that this concern was unheard and the bishop was forced to postpone the introduction of the ministry.
When the Ossory report is distributed to priests, it will undoubtedly provide much food for thought both for the priests and Dr Freeman. If the report contains as much criticism as indications suggest, it’s hard to see how Bishop Freeman might be able to build bridges.