Press Releases
A Statement from the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Reverend Dr John Neill
The Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Reverend Dr John Neill, today accepted the resignation of the Right Reverend Peter Barrett, Bishop of Cashel and Ossory. The resignation takes immediate effect. A letter from the Bishop to the Dioceses has been issued.
A Statement of the Rt Revd PF Barrett to the Dioceses of Cashel and Ossory
It is with a heavy heart and soul that I write to you. Following a period of rest and reflection in the midst of deep personal struggle, I regret very much to inform you that I am no longer able to cherish my marriage with the love my supportive wife, Anne, so deserves. As a result, I shall be separating from her on my own volition.
Consequently, I am unable in all conscience to serve you as Bishop with integrity and his Grace, the Archbishop of Dublin has accepted my resignation.
It has been an undeserved privilege to have so served alongside my colleagues in the House of Bishops. The clergy of the See have been a joy to minister amongst as their pastor, alongside their faithful parishioners and the entire community of Kilkenny College. To each and to all, I ask your forgiveness.
Above all, it is to my wife and children, who have to bear the burdens of anger, disappointment and pain, that I express my profound sorrow. The members of the family and friendship circles also suffer grievously. I do hope that, as a family, we shall be afforded space to deal with our shattered emotions as we try to rebuild our lives in the context of an uncertain future.
PETER BARRETT
25th January 2006
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