A REVIEW by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church has been requested by Bishop of Ferns, Fr. Denis Brennan after he received information regarding Fr. Ignacio Mikalonis departure from Kilmyshall parish last month.

Bishop Brennan sought information from the Institute of the Incarnate Word in relation to the reasons for the priest’s departure but the response given gave rise to concern that violations of the Diocesan Internet Policy and of Safeguarding Children, may have occurred. Fr. Ignacio has ceased to exercise his ministry.

The Gardai and HSE have been notified of the information available to the Diocese and a request for a review has been made.

Bishop Brennan has deemed it necessary to suspend the ministry of the Institute in the Diocese while such a review is underway. This means that Fr. Marco Mikalonis will also step aside from his role in Kilmyshall Parish.

Bishop Brennan thanked Fr. Marco for his ministry and wished him well in his future appointment.