Priest put on leave after unholy scuffle in the sacristy

Police are investigating an alleged assaulted on a Catholic priest at a Tasmanian church.

Fr Nicholas Rynne. Picture: FACEBOOK

A CATHOLIC priest allegedly assaulted at a northern Tasmanian church has been removed as administrator less than two months after his arrival.

The Archdiocese of Hobart said Fr Nicholas Rynne had ceased to work in the Meander Valley parish because of “recent disturbances”, and that he was now on leave.

Fr Nicholas Rynne. Picture: FACEBOOK

A Facebook page established to promote Fr Rynne’s new Latin mass — Holy Wounds Latin Mass Guild— says: “Father Rynne, the sacristan, and another parishioner were assaulted last night in the church/sacristy by a number of people at the end of Mass.”

Tasmania Police has confirmed it is investigating an incident during which two people were allegedly assaulted at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Deloraine.

“Deloraine Police were called to attend a report of a minor disturbance about 6.50pm on Saturday where a 38-year-old Westbury man and a 77-year-old Deloraine woman were pushed and grabbed by three other people during a minor altercation. No one was injured. The investigation is continuing,” police said.

Fr Nicholas Rynne was appointed Meander Valley parish administrator in February.

The Archdiocese of Hobart said it became aware of issues within the parish last month and Archbishop Julian Porteous asked retired Melbourne Bishop Peter Elliot to visit and clarify the situation. Bishop Elliot spent four days in the parish and interviewed 86 people.

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Archbishop Julian Porteus. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

“In the light of his recommendations and following discussion with diocesan consultors and the council of priests, Fr Nicholas Rynne has ceased his role as administrator of the Meander Valley parish and other associated roles in the archdiocese,” Archbishop Porteous said.

Dean of the North, Fr Mark Freeman, will act as moderator of the parish and masses will still be held in Westbury and Deloraine.

Parishioner Mishka Gora said the decision was “a victory for bullies and bigotry”.

“The assault and the loss of a vibrant young priest is the latest in a campaign of parochial hatred. Fr Rynne drew a large number of young families to his parish but a small number of narrow-minded locals have destroyed this opportunity for the church to nurture its future in northern Tasmania.”

Archbishop Porteous said his primary responsibility was to ensure the pastoral care of all concerned in the parish.

The Mercury revealed last month tensions were high in the parish. Fr Rynne had introduced a Latin mass to the Westbury church in addition to the standard mass.

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