Tuesday, 18 September 2012
VELDHOVEN –The priest (based in Veldhoven) who was suspended because child pornography was allegedly found at his home has apologized. In a personal letter, which was read out in the three churches belonging to his parish last Sunday (Caecilia, Lambertus en St. Jan de Doper), he states that he “particularly regrets any concerns that the young parents of the community may have concerning their children.”
The letter states that he downloaded around 100 images of ten young women last May, he assumed they were all of age. There were no photos involving lude behaviour.“When I was downloading the photo’s I did not consider that there may be underage girls on the computer. I was shocked and disturbed when it appeared that that might be the case.”The priest described his behaviour as “ stupid and naive”, “I have sinned against God and against you, my brothers and sisters.” He says that he was ‘ not himself” and he was looking for distraction because he was experiencing difficulties. “Unfortunately I could not resist the temptation of looking for distraction on the computer. I browsed adult websites, something I actually abhore. But the damage was done. Several weeks passed and despite spiritual guidance, prayer and confession I was unable to let go on my own.” Source: Eindhoven Dichtbij
