HUNDREDS of parishioners turned out on Saturday night to welcome back Co Donegal parish priest, Father Edward Kilpatrick who was last week cleared of sex abuse charges.
Father Kilpatrick was cleared by a jury in Armagh Crown Court of 19 sex abuse charges following allegations by two former altar boys.
After an absence of 18 months, Father Kilpatrick's term of liturgical banishment came to an end at 8 p.m. on Saturday when he said Mass to a packed congregation at St Patrick's Church at Murlog parish, Lifford.
There was loud applause as Father Kilpatrick entered the church accompanied by the Bishop of Derry, Dr Senmus Hegarty, and concelebrants, Father Michael Doherty, Melmount, Strabane Father Bill Rafferty, Murlog, Lifford; Father John Doherty PP Leckpatrick, Strabane; Father Kevin Mullen, Strathroy, Omagh and Father Gerry Convery, Limnvaddy, Co Derry.
Speaking before Mass, Father Kilpatrick said it was great to be back. "I'm not a very emotional kind of person but I have a great feeling of being back where I belong. It's just wonderful," he said.
He said it was too early to have plans for the future. "My first call of duty will be to say `hello' to the people of the parish and I'll be asking for their continued patience and tolerance," he said.
Asked if there was a possibility of legal action against his accusers, Father Kilpatrick said the matter was in the hands of his legal team.
In his homily, he said it would be unrealistic for him not to acknowledge that there might be some people who have reservations as a result of recent events.
"Could I ask you not to be anonymous in your comment or remain alone in your hurt. Have courage, be open and come and talk to me, he said.
The Bishop of Derry Dr Hegarty, said the past 18 months had been difficult. "I hope that from tonight the spotlight will be removed and normality will be restored," he said.
Outside the church there was joy as Father Kilpatrick greeted the people of the parish after Mass.
Father Kilpatrick's sister, Ms Marie Kilpatrick, said it was a wonderful occasion for the family, especially for her parents, who were in the congregation. "We really believed it was all over when we saw him say Mass again," she said.