Yesterday Donegal Daily reported readers’ concerns after Father Bill McGeady stepped down after morning Mass at St Columb’s in Glencolmcille.
Father McGeady, 74, was born in Gortahork but grew up in Glasgow before becoming a religious brother. He joined the priesthood 16 years ago and had been in Glen since 2010.
In his letter of resignation which he gave to parishoners yesterday, he spoke of his love for the village – but said physical and verbal attacks had taken its toll on him
“When I came in September 2010 I was happy to be here. Have been a priest for a while, but I soon found out that a very small number of people wanted to tell me how I should run my parish,” he said.
“When I refused to listen to them I was verbally and physically abused in the Sacristy, Church and in the street.
“Letters of complaint were sent to the Bishop from those few. Sadly they did not write to tell him of the abuse they gave me.
“The complaining has continued and sadly it has affected my mental and physical health.
“Apart from what I have written above, I tell you truthfully I have very much enjoyed my time here. Together we changed the parish in very many good ways. The Church is now more beautiful than it ever has been.
“As for the Masses at weekends, the numbers attending have increased a lot. Our clerks are many as so willing to clerk at Mass. The Readers Rota has many young people reading at Masses. Our choir has always been first class.
“This is why so many came from all over for Christmas Eve and Day Masses. Let us be positive about our future.”
The curate went on: “The parish is not all about one priest or person in charge. It is about all in the Parish doing their bit to serve God and each other.
“I will miss all the good decent people of Glen, especially the housebound and sick.”
He concluded by adding: “Please God I will return one day.”