'Time and space' sought to consider internment of Bishop Eamonn Casey in cathedral crypt

The Galway Diocesan Office has announced a "period of careful consideration and consultation" is now underway regarding the interment of Bishop Eamonn Casey's remains in the crypt beneath Galway Cathedral.

In a statement, issued this Saturday, the Diocesan Office references the comments of Bishop Michael Duignan earlier this week, following the broadcast of the 'Bishop Casey's Buried Secrets' documentary on RTÉ.

The documentary revealed the former Bishop of Galway was formally removed from public ministry in 2007 by the Vatican, following "allegations" which, RTÉ established, including his niece Patricia Donovan’s complaint of child sexual abuse.

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In a statement issued on Tuesday, Michael Duignan, Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora said he was "deeply aware" that the revelations contained in the documentary are "a source of anger and profound distress to many people" and that he shares these feelings. 

"My priority is that any person who was betrayed or harmed by Bishop Casey is heard and that their experiences are appropriately acknowledged and recognised," he stated adding: "I remain committed to working with anybody affected to help bring truth, healing and peace to such terribly painful situations."

In its statement, the Galway Diocesan Office acknowledged the interment of Bishop Casey’s remains in the crypt beneath Galway Cathedral is "a very sensitive issue" which "deeply affects people in different ways and which has different facets".

The statement adds: "The interment of Bishop Casey in the Cathedral crypt now requires a period of careful consideration and consultation, which has already begun.  Time and space are required to adequately and appropriately bring this undertaking to completion."

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The Galway Diocesan Office says it will not be making any further public comment until it is in a position to provide an update.