LOCAL REACTION:THERE WAS mixed reaction among parishioners in Limerick yesterday after Dr Donal Murray announced his resignation as bishop of the diocese.
While many expected yesterday’s announcement since the publication of the Murphy report, the sense of sadness among those gathered at St John’s Cathedral was palpable, when Bishop Murray confirmed his resignation.
“I think he could have served more purpose by staying on and doing some good. I do think he was a good bishop, he didn’t actually do anything himself. He has taken responsibility and held up his hand so I do think by staying on, he could have done more good. We are short priests,” said Brigid Fitzgerald.
Some of those present paid tribute to Bishop Murray’s work in Limerick since his appointment in 1996 while others were angry at how he has been treated by the media over the past three weeks.
“I think he made the right decision in the circumstances – he had no other option. It is a pity that the troubles in Dublin had to be transferred down here and that we have had to bear them. He was a most popular man, a decent man and our bishop of the last 14 years. I hope that there is another job for him,” said John Leonard.
“I thought it was inevitable when they [the authors of the Murphy report] used the word ‘inexcusable’. It was inevitable. The media gave him a hard time as well, but it is the right decision definitely,” he added.
Fr Adrian Egan of the Redemptorist order in Limerick was also among those present yesterday.
Welcoming the decision by Bishop Murray to resign, Fr Egan called for collective responsibility and a full review of how the structure of the church is formed.
“I think he made the inevitable decision, but it was a decision that they [the Irish hierarchy] could all take. There should be collective responsibility and accountability for this and for expressing sorrow. I think there needs to be a whole review about how the structure of the church is formed, how leadership is appointed, the manner in which consultation does or doesn’t take place among all the people in a diocese or at parish level,” he said.
Regular Mass goer Mary Reale described yesterday as “one of the saddest days that ever was in Limerick”.
“It is so sad for our bishop. He is a lovely devout man, but human nature is weak isn’t it?”
The mayor of Limerick, Cllr Kevin Kiely, paid tribute to the work done by Bishop Murray in the diocese. “I would like to acknowledge the contribution that Dr Donal Murray has made to the diocese of Limerick over the last 13 years,” he said.