A priest who stepped aside from ministry in 2010 after being accused of indecent assault of a 14-year-old girl is set to return to his priestly ministry this Saturday, after being completely exonerated in both civil and Church trials.
Father Eugene Boland, parish priest of Cappagh (Killyclogher), Diocese of Derry, will resume his ministry at a vigil Mass this Saturday, celebrated by Father Francis Bradley, diocesan administrator of the Diocese of Derry.
“It is with a sense of great joy and anticipation that I return to public ministry in my parish of Cappagh with my good name and standing in the Church fully restored,” he told the Tyrone Herald on Sunday.
Father Bradley also expressed his gladness, saying, «These processes have demanded time and effort on the part of many people. They have been difficult for all involved.»
Father Boland described the legal proceedings of three years, 11 months, as «long and painful.»
“I am eagerly looking forward to celebrating the sacraments with my parishioners once again and being involved with all the ministries for which I was ordained 44 years ago,» he added. «I ask God and his Blessed Mother to continue to bless and guide me in the priestly ministry amongst his holy people.»
