Father Olan Rynn covered himself with only a bible
Posted on 09/30/2005 4:47:09 PM PDT by Coleus
Father Olan Rynn, 27, was pictured wearing only his clerical collar and covering his modesty with a bible for the calendar, to raise money for cancer and cerebral palsy research.
Although Fr Rynn spoke to his bishop before posing, Dr James McLoughlin said he was "surprised and dismayed" when he later discovered the curate would disrobe for the occasion.
Photo withdrawn
The bishop said in a statement: "I did not appreciate the type of calendar which was envisaged and, thinking it to be a straightforward fund-raising project, I gave Fr Rynn permission to participate in this venture.
 It is clearly inappropriate for a priest to appear in such a calendar  |
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Bishop of Galway
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"As it is clearly inappropriate for a priest to appear in such a calendar, I immediately approached the promoters of the project to discuss the matter with them.
"They have graciously agreed to withdraw the photograph of Fr Rynn from the calendar."
Apology to churchgoers
On Sunday an apology from the curate, currently away on holiday, was being read at all masses in his Salthill parish.
The calendar also features former Galway hurlers, singers and other celebrities in similarly semi-nude poses.
On reflection, I made an error of judgment, albeit with the best of intentions |
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Father Olan Rynn
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The bishop stressed that Fr Rynn was "a valued priest of the diocese and is in good standing with me".
In the statement, Fr Rynn apologised for any offence caused and conceded he had made a misjudgment in posing for the calendar, called Bare Shakers 2001.
"I wish to apologise to those who were offended," he said.
"On reflection, I made an error of judgment, albeit with the best of intentions - to help raise funds for research in the area of child cancer and cerebral palsy.
"I apologise for any hurt caused. I understand that my photo will not now appear in the calendar."
'A bit of craic'
Sunday afternoon drinkers at O'Leary's bar, opposite the Sacred Heart church where Fr Rynn works, were aware of the bishop's view of the matter. But few appeared to share his annoyance.
A barwoman said: "I can't imagine too many people being that bothered. It is just a bit of craic.
"I do not think anyone should get their backs up over it, especially as it was done for charity. Maybe some of the more devout types might be a bit offended."
Ping the usual suspects for an "ewwwwww" thread.
I'm shocked that he needed to be told that. Don't know why I'm shocked at the state of affairs of the Churches anymore but this one grabbed me.
Another thing...the fastest way to turn a woman off is to put the Holy Bible in front of your privates. Not cool.
"ewwwwwww"! That's exactly what I thought when I saw the title.
Maybe he's not into women.
Gads! And to think that once upon a time, all bishops had to worry about was the parish priest being seen dancing (fully clothed) at the village festival...
Talk about defining deviancy down.
This an old story!
yes it is.
some freepers think a thread that's more than a couple of month old is an old thread. I was looking for something else and this story popped up so I figured I should post it as an "eye roller". It is a bit creepy, why would a priest do such a thing? ego? stupidity?
I remember at the time, that it was for charity - but still it's going to far, he was using the Bible to cover his modesty - going way to far!!!!!
I'm speechless.
I'm speechless.
I remember the story when it happened - it was around the time the whole naked calender fad started - alright if your a member of the laity - but a priest!?!!?!
And use a Bible for concealment - the Church in Ireland tries too hard to make up for it's past mistakes, that they often appeasse liberalism!!
Thanks for the links!
Here's a new one for ya.
Prosecutor says he'll present 'strong evidence' Wisconsin priest killed two
New trial set for priest accused of murder in Ohio: sad times
Thanks for that last link. I wondered what had happened to that story:
TOLEDO -- A new trial date has been set for Father Gerald Robinson, a Toledo priest accused of killing a nun more than 20 years ago. Judge Tom Osowik set what he called a "firm" trial date of April 17, 2006.
Robinson is accused of the 1980 killing of sister Maragaret Ann Pahl. She was found strangled and stabbed inside a chapel at Mercy Hospital Easter weekend of that year. Robinson is currently out on bond.
In addition, Bishop Leonard Blair has put Father Robinson on a leave-of-absence from the Toledo Diocese.
No kidding!
:))
#11 on that thread is plain weird! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
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