A PRIEST has apologised from the altar during Mass after allegedly making claims of bullying against named parishioners in a previous homily.
Fr John Halton, based in Tempo, Co Fermanagh, sought forgiveness last weekend after saying he had been “wrong and insensitive”.
It is claimed that during Mass the previous Sunday, the Pobal parish priest made allegations of bullying. It is believed that during the initial outburst, Fr Halton named one individual and a family whom he accused of bullying him.
Some parishioners are said to have got up and walked out during the homily, while others left after the priest had finished speaking.
Fr Halton, who has been parish priest for almost 15 years, is understood to have initially made the apology during Mass on Friday evening.
In his homily on Sunday he said: “My dear friends, in today’s gospel, Jesus asks us to be reconciled with our neighbour. If somebody has something against you or you have something against your neighbour, we reconcile with that person before you offer your gift to the altar.”
He went on to say that he wished “to say sorry for comments I made here last Sunday”.
“I should not have made them during a homily or during Mass. I know that during my homily I made some people feel very uncomfortable, some ill at ease and unduly upset and less than welcome,” he said.
“Obviously I was wrong and insensitive to the feelings of others. I wish this morning to apologise unreservedly for any hurt caused and I hope not to cause ill feeling at Mass in the future.
“In asking for your forgiveness, I hope with Christ’s help to do my best in the future. I ask for your forgiveness and for God’s forgiveness for my insensitivity.”
Fr Halton added: “I do know that Mass is a celebration during which we should feel welcome and close to God. Always feel welcome and if you feel unwelcome, do please let me know.”
While it was not uncommon to hear reports of priests denouncing individuals from the pulpit in past decades, the practice is highly unusual today.
The Irish News understands that a recording of last weekend’s apology exists.
Last night Fr Halton confirmed he spoke to parishioners last Sunday but said he had nothing further to add.
