AMARILLO, Texas (WordNews.org) Sept. 14. 2011 —Groups are mobilizing to show support for a pro-life priest that has been disciplined by his diocese.
The Center For Bio-Ethical Reform (CBR) announced plans to start informational pickets in the vicinities of Catholic facilities and activities in the Diocese of Amarillo, Texas, to urge parishioners to respectfully ask Bishop Patrick Zurek to allow Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests For Life, to resume his full-time anti-abortion ministry.
Picketers will represent a coalition of anti-abortion organizations.
CBR’s posters will include large photos of aborted babies “to ensure that the diocese understands exactly what is at stake in Bishop Zurek’s decision to ‘suspend’ Father Pavone from pro-life work.”
Father Pavone, in a statement posted on Life Site News, said: “I am very perplexed by this demand. Despite that, because I am a priest of the diocese of Amarillo, I will be obedient and report there on the appointed date, putting the other commitments that are on my calendar on hold until I get more clarity as to what the bishop wants and for how long. ”
Pickets will be conducted at many of the diocese’s 49 parish churches.
The group said it plans to provide parental warning signs as a courtesy near targeted churches to warn parents of small children that they may wish to attend Mass elsewhere.
Bishop Zurek has announced “deep concerns regarding [Pavone’s] stewardship of the finances of the Priest’s For Life (PFL) organization.”
He said there have been “Persistent questions and concerns by clergy and laity …” to which “… no clear and adequate answers…” have been forthcoming.
The Associated Press quotes Zurek as saying Pavone had an “inflated ego.”
Pavone counters that “Priests for Life has consistently provided every financial document requested by Bishop Zurek, including annual financial audits, quarterly reports, management documents and entire check registers.