Father Brian D'Arcy, who has been censured by the Vatican, has said he has been living with the "pain" of censure since March last year.

Quoted by PA, the Graan Priest said: "Personally I've been living with the pain of censure for 14 months and will have to live with it for the rest of my priestly life. In these difficult times, it is the price one has to pay when one is committed to the truth, which is the duty of both the priest and the journalist."

Fr. D'Arcy was censured by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF).

In a statement he said: "Personally, I was saddened and disappointed with the contents of the Congregation's letter but have come to accept that this is the CDF's way of dealing with issues.

"In the interests of accuracy, however, I need to emphasise that I remain a priest in good standing and that I have continued to carry out my priestly duties with the same dedication as before.

"In 45 years as a journalist, I have never denied the legitimately Defined Doctrines of the Catholic religion. I respect all faiths. Like all dedicated journalists and broadcasters, I check my facts as thoroughly as is humanly possible and if in doubt, I seek expert advice.

"I have continued to write and broadcast since the news of the Vatican's displeasure was filtered down to me in March 2011". He is pictured taking part in an Impartial Reporter Twitter Q and A session.

"I shall continue my ministry in communication because I believe that the church cherishes freedom of speech as an inviolable principle.

"Pope Benedict made a fervent plea for freedom of expression on his recent visit to Cuba. I believe the church needs credible voices in today's world as was stated at the conclusion of the recent report of the Apostolic Visitation to Ireland: 'Finally, the Visitation attested to the great need for the Irish Catholic community to make its voice heard in the media and to establish a proper relationship with those active in this field, for the sake of making known the truth of the Gospel and the church's life.' "This is why I have given my life to the church, to the priesthood and to taking my place as a professional in the mass media. I will continue doing so with honesty and integrity."