The Association of Catholic Priests has issued a statement of support for former priest Richard Geoghegan, as they described his treatment as ‘unacceptable’.
The Dungarvan native was a parish priest in Carrick-on-Suir, but announced this week that he had been “officially dismissed by Rome” and claimed that the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan, was “happy to dispense” with him.
I entered seminary in 1987 at the age of 19.
I was ordained in 1993 at the age of 25:
On 7/1/22 I was officially dismissed by ROME.
On Friday 14/01/22 my Bishop was happy to dispense me.
I’m a good man.
And he talks about the shortage of vocations. ?— Richard Quinn Geoghegan ? (@RichardGeogheg9) January 16, 2022
Bishop Cullinan responded that Mr Geoghegan had left the priesthood “of his own accord”.
ACP allege that Mr. Geoghegan left the priesthood ‘reluctantly’ as he felt ‘unsupported’.
In a statement issued earlier this afternoon, the ACP claimed that Mr. Geoghegan had not wished to leave the priesthood and had only agreed reluctantly following a meeting with Bishop Cullinan.
WLR contacted the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore for comment in response to the statement.
The Diocese referred back to an earlier statement made on Monday, January 17th which reads:
“Of his own accord, Richard Geoghegan petitioned Pope Francis for laicisation from the priesthood on 31st March 2021. At the meeting last March, Richard attended the diocesan offices, in the company of a chosen colleague, to sign the request to the Holy Father for laicisation. On 15th December 2021, Pope Francis granted Richard Geoghegan’s petition, meaning that he is no longer a priest. I [Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan] wish to acknowledge and thank Richard for his pastoral ministry over the years and wish him well for his future.”
The Diocese say they will not be making any further comment on what they deem to be a private and confidential matter.
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