THE EDITOR, Sir:
I MAKE reference to Tony Deyal's, 'Seventh day adventure' on the editorial page of The Gleaner, Saturday, January 31, 2004.
Mr. Deyal can be quite funny with regard to his puns and witticisms. I have on occasion laughed at his efforts to put a comic spin on serious matters. It is a very effective technique sometimes in putting across one's point. Of course, this effect would be lost and could do more harm than good if the facts informing such flights of journalism are not true.
Mr. Deyal is guilty of reporting and repeating misinformation. To begin with, the young lady involved is not 13 years old. The incident did not take place at Manchester Road in Mandeville where the only Catholic Church in Mandeville, the Cathedral of St. Paul of the Cross, is located. And it also casts a slur on the rector there who was far removed from the unfortunate incident.
To ask openly why the priest in question was allowed to return to his native Italy without facing Jamaican law governing such things, would lead any reader to form the conclusion that there was some preferential treatment given to the Catholic Church, again misrepresenting the true facts.
The Bishop as was insinuatingly implied did not let him go 'scot free'. No charges were laid and His Excellency, Paul M. Boyle, CP permanently suspended the priest from all his sacerdotal powers and prerogatives, i.e. removal from ministry. No charges were pressed and the Bishop defrocked him and sent him back only after consultation with the police.
Also, Bishop Boyle articulates for all Catholics that the "misuse or abuse of anyone, but especially of a minor is reprehensible. It is a serious violation of social and Christian duty. But when such mistreatment comes from a minister of the Gospel, it is particularly repugnant"... "Catholics are deeply ashamed and embarrassed by any betrayal of priestly commitments."
I am, etc.,
DEACON DENNIS
HENDRIKS
Pastoral Team
St. Paul of the Cross Cathedral
Mandeville
