Fr. Pavone is being placed on restriction. From the Anchoress:
Father Frank Pavone, one of the country’s most visible and vocal opponents of abortion, has been suspended from active ministry outside the Diocese of Amarillo, Texas, over financial questions about the priest’s operation of Priests for Life.
The suspension was made public in a Sept. 13 letter from Amarillo Bishop Patrick J. Zurek to his fellow bishops across the country, but Father Pavone told Catholic News Service that he was returning to Amarillo and planned to continue functioning as a priest there.
“My decision is the result of deep concerns regarding his stewardship of the finances of the Priests for Life (PFL) organization,” Bishop Zurek wrote. “The PFL has become a business that is quite lucrative which provides Father Pavone with financial independence from all legitimate ecclesiastical oversight.”
Bishop Zurek said “persistent questions and concerns” from clergy and laity about how the millions of dollars in donations the organization has received are being spent led to the action. Continue reading…
Deacon Greg has more here and here. I am going to refrain from commenting. Please pray for Fr. Pavone that he is given the grace to be both obedient and humble.
Yes, he very much needs our prayers as do all priests who speak the truth boldly. It’s ironic, that only two months ago while taking a Humane Vitae study, Fr. Frank was the lecturer and I said to our group that let’s pray he will not be attacked anytime in the near future. It seems like the Pro-life Movement is taking a hit. Abby Johnson had this on her FB wall. http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/ask-bishop-cupich-to-let-priests-pray-at-planned-parent.html
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I think this is a good and necessary step and I am happy that Father Pavone did return to Amarillo showing all Catholics about obedience. I am happy he is appealing this within the structure of the church instead of a secular court. It is difficult and painful but this is what may have been missed with Father Corapi. The cult of personality is dangerous and deserves our scrutiny. I still pray for change in heart for Father Corapi, and I will pray for Father Pavone as well.
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Amen!
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I wish I could think of a way to parse this lesson out for Michelle. Priests that are loose cannons, priests that have disagreements with their Bishop, and that rules still apply when you are a grown up. This is one of those things that I fear she refuses to accept. Behavior that is above reproach is something that she cannot manage. If you have any ideas let me know!
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