The close-knit Catholic community in Belfast’s Ardoyne has been stunned by an alleged affair involving one of its priests, it can be revealed.
Fr Antony Connelly – a member of the Passionist Order based at Holy Cross parish in the north of the city – is alleged to have become embroiled in an inappropriate relationship with a married female parishioner.
A senior member of the Passionist Order confirmed to the Sunday World that a recent issue at Holy Cross had caused “deep concern” and was currently “under investigation”.
And as a result, Fr Anthony Connelly (48) has been removed for the time being from ministerial duties.
Fr James Sweeney, Passionist Provincial of Ireland & Britain – St Patrick’s Province – issued the following statement: “I have been made aware of serious concerns raised about the alleged behaviour of a member of the Passionist Community in Holy Cross, Ardoyne.
Holy Cross parishioners reacted to rumour
“This is a matter of deep concern and is under investigation. The established procedures have been initiated.
“The priest concerned has left the parish and has been removed for now from ministry as a priest.
“Opportunities have been made available for those affected in any way to speak with members of the Holy Cross Passionist Community and the Province’s professional safeguarding officer.
“The first priority must be the well-being of individuals affected. We recognise, we are accountable to the people of the parish for our ministry and are rightly held to the highest standard,” Fr Sweeney said.
Fr Sweeney, who is based in St Paul’s Retreat at Mount Argus in Dublin, added: “Anyone with concerns should contact our safeguarding officer, Suzanne Phelan (email) [email protected] or phone 00 353 85 1146391.”
Priests from the Passionist Community have been based continuously at Holy Cross parish on the Crumlin Road for more than 150 years.
The parish made headline news 25 years ago when a loyalist picket outside the local girls’ primary school meant children had to be escorted into the building under the protection of British soldiers and armed RUC officers.
And soon the dispute became a magnet for TV crews and news teams from around the globe.
And when an exploding blast bomb was thrown, live pictures of screaming children were flashed around the world as parents raced to protect their youngsters.
The blockade lasted for months and it was compared to similar situations in Alabama in the southern United States, during the 1950s. Passionist priest Fr Aidan Troy became a well-known and popular spokesman for the local community and he played a central role in bringing the conflict to an end.
Earlier this week, a number of Holy Cross parishioners spoke as they left church after completing devotions on Ash Wednesday.
One elderly lady parishioner said: “There are a lot of rumours flying around, but as of now, we’ve not been told anything officially.”
She added: “I find it’s best to say nothing.”
Earlier this week, the Sunday World tracked down Glasgow-born and Celtic-supporting Fr Connelly to the Passionist Retreat Centre at Tobar Mhuire in Crossgar, Co Down.
Fr Connelly – famous locally for being a Harry Kane look-a-like – wasn’t there when we called hoping get his side of the story.
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News Catch Up – Monday 10th March