Author Topic: Death of Bishop Eamon Casey (Read 2303 times)

John Grace · « **on:** March 13, 2017, 01:28:07 PM »

The Bishop emeritus of the Galway diocese here in Ireland has died. He resigned in 1992 after it became public knowledge he had a son with an American divorcee. He rallied the youth during the JPII visit to Galway. Worth watching this video.

Pope John Paul II in Galway 1979

When Ronald Reagan visited in 1984 he opposed his visit and protested against it.

Whilst his funeral details have not been arranged I expect it to be a large funeral because despite everything he was a popular man. People have great time for him in Galway and further afield. I dined in the same restaurant as him several times and people were praising him.

He died this afternoon aged 89 and had been in declining health. He loved fast cars, wine and the ladies.

The 1990s saw scandal after scandal 'rock the church' in Ireland.

John Grace · « **Reply #1 on:** March 13, 2017, 01:39:05 PM »

In 1993 the Irish presenter gαy Byrne interviewed the American woman.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/i-wanted-to-deck-gαy-byrne-over-interview-with-mum-caseys-son-29469382.html

Quote

THE son of Bishop Eamon Casey wanted to "deck" presenter gαy Byrne for the way he had treated his mother during the explosive 'Late Late Show' interview that revealed his existence.

Quote

In his parting words to Annie Murphy, Byrne had said: "I hope his son will be half the man his father was," prompting an outburst of applause from the audience.

Quote

In reply, Ms Murphy had told Byrne: "I'll settle for part of that but also I'm not so bad myself as you'd like to think."

RomanCatholic1953 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2017, 04:20:10 PM »

I wonder where this Bishop is in eternity. Something that will come to all of us
in time.

John Grace says:

He died this afternoon aged 89 and had been in declining health. He loved fast cars, wine and the ladies.

Ladislaus · « **Reply #3 on:** March 14, 2017, 01:00:00 PM »

Quote from: RomanCatholic1953

He loved fast cars, wine and the ladies.

John Grace · « **Reply #4 on:** March 15, 2017, 07:12:44 AM »

The official statement from the Diocese.

https://www.galwaydiocese.ie/feature/most-rev-eamonn-casey-rip

Quote

Statement by Very Rev. Canon Michael McLoughlin, Diocesan Administrator, on the death of Most Rev. Eamonn Casey RIP

On my own behalf, on behalf of the priests and religious of our diocese and on behalf of the faithful people of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora I offer sincere and heartfelt condolences to each member of Bishop Eamonn’s family. Their loss is great and deeply felt and I assure them of our prayers and support, both now and in the days that lie ahead.

Their loss is also our loss. Bishop Eamonn has been part of our lives for many decades and today it is natural that we would reflect and remember. And there are many memories!

When we witness homelessness, poverty and inequality in our society we remember with renewed respect his initiative, his tremendous work and his tenacious spirit among Irish emigrants in England, which ensured for so many the dignity of shelter and a place they could call home.

We remember that Bishop Eamonn brought that same undaunted passion to his ministry as Bishop of Kerry from 1969 to 1976 and to his subsequent ministry as Bishop of Galway and Kilmacduagh from 1976 to 1992.

His indefatigable and boundless energy and his ability to lift and inspire generosity in people saw the building of churches for a growing population at Barna, Seamus Quirk Road, Headford Road, Ballybane, Knocknacarra, Maree and adjacent to the NUI Galway campus. He spearheaded the work of Trócaire and helped found Galway Social Services. He established chaplaincies to respond to the needs of members of the Travelling Community and of prisoners at home and overseas. And then, on that memorable and historic day in September 1979, Bishop Eamon welcomed Pope John Paul II (now St John Paul) to the city of Galway and to his home.

Bishop Eamonn brought blessings to many people. But to be human is to be both blessed and to be flawed. Some of his actions caused great hurt and the circuмstances giving rise to his resignation in 1992 have been the subject of ongoing analysis. Bishop Eamonn asked for forgiveness from all those he hurt and he went on to minister in both Ecuador and England before retuning to Ireland to retire.

In his latter years Bishop Eamonn knew peace of mind and was surrounded by love, both in Shanaglish where he lived and at Carrigoran Nursing Home where he died. As we give thanks for his service to the people of God, we pray that he will also know peace and joy without end in eternal life. To quote the funeral liturgy -

We will pray for you, Eamonn: may you pray for us.
May God and Mary be with you.
Amen.

josefamenendez · « **Reply #5 on:** March 15, 2017, 01:55:48 PM »

Usually that type of eulogy includes close family survivors like his child and mistress.
I feel bad for the son.

cassini · « **Reply #6 on:** March 15, 2017, 06:14:29 PM »

Quote from: John Grace

The Bishop emeritus of the Galway diocese here in Ireland has died. He resigned in 1992 after it became public knowledge he had a son with an American divorcee. He rallied the youth during the JPII visit to Galway. Worth watching this video.

Pope John Paul II in Galway 1979

When Ronald Reagan visited in 1984 he opposed his visit and protested against it.

Whilst his funeral details have not been arranged I expect it to be a large funeral because despite everything he was a popular man. People have great time for him in Galway and further afield. I dined in the same restaurant as him several times and people were praising him.

He died this afternoon aged 89 and had been in declining health. He loved fast cars, wine and the ladies.

The 1990s saw scandal after scandal 'rock the church' in Ireland.

Besides Bishop Casey in the video is Fr Cleary, another who fathered children. Casey used parish money £70,000 pounds 100,000 dollars to compensate the mother of his child. A letter in today's paper said he then 'ran off' to st America leaving his mistress to look after his child. 'He should have left the priesthood and looked after the child himself' the letter said.

Such were their scandals, these two began the decline of belief in Catholicism in Ireland. Their own personal sins can be forgiven, but how many other souls were they responsible for leaving the faith?

Viva Cristo Rey · « **Reply #7 on:** March 15, 2017, 08:21:32 PM »

Is there any decent bishops and clergy in Ireland?

John Grace · « **Reply #8 on:** March 16, 2017, 03:01:26 PM »

Quote from: cassini

Quote from: John Grace
The Bishop emeritus of the Galway diocese here in Ireland has died. He resigned in 1992 after it became public knowledge he had a son with an American divorcee. He rallied the youth during the JPII visit to Galway. Worth watching this video.

Pope John Paul II in Galway 1979

When Ronald Reagan visited in 1984 he opposed his visit and protested against it.

Whilst his funeral details have not been arranged I expect it to be a large funeral because despite everything he was a popular man. People have great time for him in Galway and further afield. I dined in the same restaurant as him several times and people were praising him.

He died this afternoon aged 89 and had been in declining health. He loved fast cars, wine and the ladies.

The 1990s saw scandal after scandal 'rock the church' in Ireland.

Besides Bishop Casey in the video is Fr Cleary, another who fathered children. Casey used parish money £70,000 pounds 100,000 dollars to compensate the mother of his child. A letter in today's paper said he then 'ran off' to st America leaving his mistress to look after his child. 'He should have left the priesthood and looked after the child himself' the letter said.

Such were their scandals, these two began the decline of belief in Catholicism in Ireland. Their own personal sins can be forgiven, but how many other souls were they responsible for leaving the faith?

Earlier this morning I was able to pray beside the coffin of the mortal remains of Bishop Casey and later attended the funeral.

That money was repaid and it was wrong to take it. His son didn't attend the funeral nor was he expected to attend. Annie Murphy, the American lady didn't attend either.

Between the hundred or so priests and Bishops present less than ten were under the age of 30. The cathedral was packed with people of varying ages though few young people.

The memorable quote from the JPII visit to Galway in 1979 was “Young people of Ireland, I love you” . The post from Viva Cristo Rey raises the next question.

John Grace · « **Reply #9 on:** March 16, 2017, 03:18:52 PM »

There was atleast 11 Bishops and certainly over a hundred Novus Ordo priests at the funeral. Ironic as when Bishop Casey returned to Ireland in 2006 he was prohibited from offering the Novus Ordo publicly. He was 'theologically conservative and socially liberal'.

John Grace · « **Reply #10 on:** March 17, 2017, 01:27:58 PM »

Quote from: Viva Cristo Rey

Is there any decent bishops and clergy in Ireland?

http://www.cathinfo.com/catholic.php/Eleison-Comments-Holy-Priests-no-503

John Grace · « **Reply #11 on:** March 17, 2017, 01:32:31 PM »

Bishop Williamson

Quote

Almost all of the former Catholics I have talked to have either been disgusted with all the abuse taking place in the Church (I imagine though that many use this as a big rationalization for their own sins), or they have seen in the priests nothing but selfish men who have not died to self and put on Christ. Their view of the Church is clouded by so much unfaithfulness and so much sin.

No doubt the abuses in the Church serve as an excuse for Catholics to give up the Faith, but what a responsibility of priests who, even without causing grave public scandal, nevertheless by their example cease to inspire and uplift!

Great truth here from the Bishop.

poche · « **Reply #12 on:** March 18, 2017, 04:51:00 AM »

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

cassini · « **Reply #13 on:** March 18, 2017, 05:01:38 PM »

Quote from: Viva Cristo Rey

Is there any decent bishops and clergy in Ireland?

One or two Bishops still have the faith in Ireland. There are also some very good priests here and there. Few of these ever get a hearing from the media, only the ultra-Modernists.

Prayerful · « **Reply #14 on:** March 19, 2017, 06:43:31 PM »

May he rest in peace, but Bp Eamon Casey did a lot of harm. One less remarked bit of damage was his brutal, almost Rembert Weakland surpassing, V2 refurbishment/sack/desecration of his cathedral with almost everything ripped out and bare stone exposed, as was once the fashion, and a sort of cod antiquarism which ignores how medieval churches were plastered inside and often very vividly painted to help the devotion of the faithful. I hope he properly repented his theft and breaking of his vows of celibacy, and so forth. One bishop spoke out against the sodomite 'marriage' vote and his diocese was one of the few where this enormity was heavily defeated.