You may recall how a previous post about married couple Jacinta O’Donnell and Geraldine Flanagan (above), who stepped down from the church choir at the Catholic parish church, St Michael’s, in Athy, Co. Kildare (top).

It followed what they called “pressure” being placed upon them by a local church activist Anthony Murphy, editor of newspaper Catholic Voice.

After an interview on September 8, on Kildare FM, with Shane Beatty, the couple returned to the choir on September 10, and were warmly received by the congregation, as can be seen in this Facebook video.

However, one of the priests present at the mass, in which the couple returned to the choir, Fr Brendan Kealy has written a piece for the Catholic Voice.

He writes:

I was not present to promote or condone same-sex ‘marriage’ or what appeared to be the apparent triumphant and victorious return of our musical directors which seemed to become the focus of the evening. In my opinion, the Mass was hijacked to support the cause of same-sex ‘marriage’ which is clearly in breach of Catholic Church teachings.

This breach was displayed openly and in a very public manner from the holy sanctuary. I felt very uncomfortable about this as I had not given my blessing to such a union. I am not been harsh but simply following the teachings of the Church, that we all serve.

The ladies in question have a very important leadership role in the Church but decided to enter into a civil same-sex marriage which blatantly contradicts and challenges the teachings of their Catholic Church, and the instruction of Pope Francis. To me, this defies belief? Is it not a contradiction to our faith? How does this make sense within the Catholic Church?

…I felt Saturday evening’s principal purpose of the Mass was grossly lost and I regret my participation simply because my presence as a priest appeared to give credence to surrounding events, which was misleading. I participated in the Mass with good intentions. I was not consulted in any form or manner regarding the girls renewed presence on the sanctuary to lead the choir that evening.

…It is never too late to make a radical change in one’s life. God the Father in his divine mercy constantly awaits the return of the prodigal child. A gay man or woman does not offend God or the Church, it is acts of sinful and selfish behaviour that offends God…

Latest on Athy: Parish curate speaks out (Catholic Voice)

Lesbian couple must not lead choir, priest says (The Times Ireland edition)

Previously: Different Him Sheet