A 69-year-old Catholic Priest has been accused of stealing N19.5 million from Church.
The highly placed priest, Father John Reid resigned after he stole the said amount from the church’s coffers.
He reportedly served as priest for nearly 46 years only to tender his resignation over the Easter weekend.
His action came after he purportedly madly fell in love with his housekeeper.
Father Reid allegedly fell head over heels for his 55-year-old housekeeper, Gillian Leddy.
The Priest allegedly lived with Leddy as a family in the presbytery at St Cuthbert’s Church.
He reportedly bought four houses for her and her two daughters after stealing the Church money.
The priest was consequently suspended for 18 months for fraud but resigned instead.
After his resignation, Father Reid wrote to the parishioners.
He apologised for the distress and unrest that his acts may have caused in the Church.
Here’s what he was quoted to have said:
“I wish to express my sincere apologies for the distress and unrest my actions have caused.
“Yes, I accept full responsibility for the way the finances of the Parishes were used. Sorry.
Catholic Priest steals N19.5m from church to buy his lover 4 houses
“St Paul in 1 Corinthians 1 Verse 10 asks that there be no divisions among us.
“This is the time to move on, draw a line and come together as the body in Christ in this area.
“Please love one another as the Good Lord has asked.
“Thank you for all those who prayed for me, had Masses, and those who wrote letters and sent cards.
“They were a great comfort to me. May God bless you all,” the letter continued.
According to reports, the letter was signed as John CL Reid instead of Father Reid.
An indication that Father John Reid may not return to his duties as priest.
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The Diocesan Chief Operating Officer, Kathleen Smith commenting on the incident said:
“I think it is very important that those charged with financial responsibility cannot turn a blind eye to the behaviour of a priest.
“There can be no criticism of the people who reported this,” Smith said.
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