A number of parishioners in a Wexford parish objected to the funeral Mass of Father Sean Fortune being held in their church, despite the priest's express wishes. It was subsequently decided that Father Fortune's Requiem Mass would be held in Gorey, and he is to be buried there alongside his parents.
The Irish Times has learned that parishioners in Ballymurn, Co Wexford, expressed disquiet after the local curate, Father James Kavanagh, announced on Saturday night that the Requiem Mass for Father Fortune would be held in their church. Father Fortune, who committed suicide last week, had served as a curate in Ballymurn until he went on administrative leave in March 1995.
It is not known whether the suicide note of the priest, who faced sex abuse charges, will be read out at the funeral Mass in Gorey today, as requested by Father Fortune.
In it he apologised to his family for the distress caused by his suicide and blamed the media for his misfortune. He also requested that he be buried in Ballymurn.
According to locals in Ballymurn, Father Kavanagh, speaking at Saturday night Mass, asked for the support of the parishioners for Father Fortune's funeral Mass to be held there, and for them to attend the Mass, even though the priest had lived a life that was less than perfect.
Father Kavanagh also spoke of the need for catering following the Mass, and according to some locals the request was for assistance to cater for "over 100 priests".
It is understood that some women in the parish subsequently contacted Father Kavanagh to object to the catering request. A local man left the church, apparently in protest. It is believed the request was not repeated at Sunday morning Masses. Last night Father Kavanagh denied there had been disquiet among parishoners. "There were not any major objections," he said, adding that the funeral arrangements were "a decision made by the diocese in consultation with the family".
It is believed there were also concerns that local children would be required to serve at the funeral Mass, as was normal practice. In response to queries, Father
Kavanagh said that as far as he was aware "there was certainly no meeting of the parish council held".
The Bishop of Ferns, Dr Brendan Comiskey, will celebrate the Mass this morning. This "would be a customary thing for a priest", according to his spokeswoman. He will also give the homily. It is expected that other priests in the diocese will concelebrate.
On Sunday night the bishop's spokeswoman said he had no response "at this time" to make to queries from The Irish Times concerning Father Fortune. The spokewoman said that Dr Comiskey felt it would be insensitive of him to "go into any details of the man" before Father Fortune was buried. It was signalled that Dr Comiskey would speak later in the week.
Yesterday, however, the spokeswoman said that the bishop, who has just returned from the US, was extremely busy with confirmations at present. It was unlikely that he would have time to make any comment this week.