Archdiocesan KGB Tactics.
This Archdiocese has a few priests who are more or less ‘out to pasture’, while still in their prime. I could name them, but I’m told that is not a good thing to do. They tend to be traditional in their theology and spirituality - but not ‘Traditionalist’ - they are Novus Ordo. One priest I know of has had his faculties restricted, except for permission to celebrate Mass privately, while his case is being ‘reviewed’.
When he was relieved of his duties as pastor of a metro area parish, it was not anything scandalous that occasioned his removal. Parishioners - some of them - simply did not like him. (Protestants do that, approve or disapprove of their pastors and make the decision who they want. It’s like ‘popular vote’.) Perhaps there is more to this than I know. Nevertheless, I am acquainted with this good priest and have detected nothing offensive in his behavior nor his theology, ecclessiology, let alone his spirituality. Supposedly he petitioned Rome for vindication, and after receiving it, our Chancery refused to reinstate him until he undergoes psychological evaluation. All very KGB style.
He has since sought incardination in other diocese, and while one of these have accepted him, this Archdiocese has blocked his movement. He is now suffering from depression, and being treated for it. But who wouldn’t be plunged into depression when one is being black-balled by one’s peers? What’s up with this Archdiocese?
We have a strange situation in the Church, don’t you agree? We need priests, and yet some are barred from ministry, apparently because they are orthodox. While we have the others, some of them pretty ‘out there’ who seem to thrive.
Here is a snip from the Church Bulletin announcing this priest’s departure late last summer (He was merely a guest in the parish at this point.):
“Further Updates
As you know, Fr. Y is on sabbatical while
preparing for his new assignment at St. X of St. Paul
beginning in October. For the past number
of months, Fr. X has been living in the
rectory at St. X as a guest of Fr. Y. It is Fr.
Y’s intention to move out of the rectory by September
2006 to prepare for his new duties. After reviewing
the current situation with the Archdiocese, it was
determined that it would be best for Fr. X to look for a
different living situation at this same time as well. When
this decision was conveyed to Fr.X, he decided not
to wait until September, but has already moved out of the
rectory. Any questions in this regard should be directed to
Most Rev. Richard Pates, Vicar for Clergy at the Archdi-
ocesan Chancery at 651-291-4400.
We wish Fr. X our best in his next steps.”
What was most revealing about this announcement was the fact that questions concerning this priest are to be directed to Bishop Pates; in other words, it had been a directive from the Chancery to evict the priest. He is being black-balled. The priest in question is now living in a little shack on another person’s property, unable to minister as a priest. Child abusers and homosexual priests get better treatment than this man. While all the sad-sacks think Fr. Altier has been mistreated - he’s looking rather fit these days and has a nice life, at least he can exercise his priestly faculties, hold retreats or conferences, and so on.
Maybe I’m missing something about this priest - I along with my colleagues do not think so. Please pray for him very much, he is suffering. Is it the function of the Vicar for Clergy, along with the Chancery to so cruelly crush a man and his priesthood? Is there no mercy, no humanity left in these people? Is it really just about power and authority? I thought a Bishop was a Pastor - a buon pastore. And where is this priest’s brothers, his peers - those who talk about him and perhaps scorn him? (Priests - even the best of them, can be gossips when they want to be. You know who you are.)
It’s happened to the saints, John of the Cross for one, but knowing that doesn’t alleviate this priest’s suffering. Nevertheless, he remains very meek and humble, accepting of this cross, without a trace of rebellion or hostility towards his superiors.
