I don't know how many of you have seen Fr. Francis Mary Stone and his show that aired on EWTN called "Life on the Rock." I always enjoyed what a great encouragement he has been to Catholic youth. Fr. Mary made a shocking statement on EWTN, saying he would be step down from his show in order to deal with the personal crisis of falling in love with a woman he had been counseling.
His statement is as follows:
Dear Family:
Regretfully, I have a message that does not come without significant pain to both you and me. I have to tell you in all honesty and truth, that I have been personally involved with helping a widow and her struggling family. Over the course of time, the mother and I have grown very close. As a result, I am compelled to take some time off to prayerfully and honestly discern my future. I am truly sorry of the impact this may have on so many. I am not unaware of the gravity and magnitude of the situation, yet after much wise counsel, it is really something that I must deal with now for the good of all. With that said, it is best that I deal with it away from EWTN. Therefore, I have asked for and graciously been granted some extended time to prayerfully discern my vocation. To those who are part of the EWTN family locally, and others throughout the world, especially all those who have supported me so faithfully in my priestly vocation and ministry here on Life on the Rock, I sincerely apologize. I ask for your prayers and understanding during this time that is so very difficult, but yet so very necessary. Please lift me up in your humble prayers to Jesus through Mary, our Mother, in Grace and Mercy. –Fr Francis Mary, MFVA
While the statement plunges the reader into a very private and personal situation, it's leaves much open to speculation. We don't know if this is a result of internal conflict or if something greater has happened and it's now been discovered.
I would hope that Fr. Mary would not choose to reject Church law and teachings in this matter. He must be not only concerned for himself, but also for the woman involved. The vows a priest makes are permanent. They can not be tossed aside without severe consequence. I pray that Fr. Mary will be strengthened to make to correct decision.
Mother Angelica who oversees EWTN is pretty strict about scandal. She took a bishop off the station just for closing parishes in his diocese! Even if the good father returns to ministry, I don't think he will return to EWTN. It's more important to restore the man over the show.
Please remember Fr. Mary & EWTN in your prayers.
2 comments:
I thought there was an established procedure by which a priest could licitly be relieved of his clerical duties and powers to marry.
Well there is but it's a sort of divorce because preists take the Church as their spouse. To my knowledge he has not requested that at this time.
Catholic priests make a promise of celibate love and by discipline, prayer and grace, they live out this life of loving service.
If a priest falls deeply in love with a woman in a romantic way, he must abandon her friendship and any affiliation with her. For this become a source of temptation.
Once the promise is made, (like in a marriage) they must not think again that they are free like other men.
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