(Cedar Rapids – KCRG) –The father of a McGregor teen involved in a controversial group is speaking out tonight. 19-year-old Ashley Fahey dropped plans for college this summer and moved to Chicago to become a Sister with the Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission.
Ashley’s mother is worried. She has not heard from her daughter since August. However, Ashley’s dad in Dubuque, Ron Fahey, is a member of the group. He got Ashley involved. And in his first televised interview, Ron Fahey defends his daughter’s decision.
Ron Fahey said, “This is definitely a decision that Ashley made that’s between her and God. It’s based on her relationship with God, just between them. The decision was not made using input from me or from anyone else.”
Fahey says his daughter; Ashley made a clear-minded decision to become a sister with the Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission. Fahey said, “Ashley can do whatever she wants. But what she is choosing to do is take this as quiet time.”
The proud father says Ashley is allowed to communicate with whoever she pleases. He says she’s choosing not to talk to the people who don’t agree with her decision.
Fahey said, “I think she is struggling to talk to her mother is because right now her mother is so against what she is doing.” Ron laughs at the idea that the group’s leaders brainwash the members. He says that is a ridiculous rumor.
Fahey said, “Ever since I’ve been a part of the Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission they have done nothing but teach the catholic teachings.” Last month the Archdiocese of Dubuque warned Catholics about the Blessed Mission, calling it a cult-like group.
But Fahey says it’s nothing like that. Fahey said, “Obviously many people don’t understand what Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission is all about. If they had the true understanding they’d realize what a blessing it truly is to the Holy Roman Catholic Church.”
Fahey says Blessed Mission leaders are choosing to be humble by staying out of the media spotlight.
Ron Fahey assures Ashley is safe at Blessed Mission headquarters in Chicago. Fahey says he has talked with Ashley several times since she left home in August. As for Ron Fahey’s participation in the mission group, he says he attends Church on a regular basis, participates in bible study groups, and goes to Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission retreats a few times each year.