Free Father Frank
As many of you probably know, our friend Father Pavone has been literally exiled by his bishop and barred from doing the pro-life work God clearly put him here to do. Moreover, the justifications being given for this are devoid of even the slightest merit.
What is being done to Father Frank is both unprincipled and indefensible, but the much larger problem is what this is doing to the cause you and I serve. With every day that Father Frank is kept off the battlefield, the pro-life effort suffers a major setback. Not only do we lose his indispensable contributions, but those of us who are his friends are forced to use up resources in his defense that would be better directed at the abortion lobby. The fact is, this petty nonsense is taking the lives of unborn children and it has to stop ... NOW!
We must all be willing to give this bishop the benefit of the doubt and assume that he is not acting out of malice but, instead, simply doesn't understand the irreparable harm he is doing. In that spirit, I am asking you to contact him today and ask him to correct this injustice. Be respectful but resolute. Make it clear that there is no defense for what is being done here and that Father Frank should be immediately freed to return to his calling.
Contact:
Most Reverend Patrick J. Zurek Roman Catholic Diocese of Amarillo Post Office Box 5644 Amarillo, Texas 79117
Phone: 806-383-2243
Email: pzurek@dioama.org
I don't think he's "off the battlefield"; he still has his most powerful weapon: the ability to celebrate Holy Mass and pray. In fact, many pro-lifers have been reinvigorated because of what Bp. Zurek seemingly unjustly did to Fr. Frank.
Separately from the issue of what is required of a Catholic priest, I'd just like to note that whatever work each of us feels called to in life (be it pro-life work or something else), none of us is indispensable. We are merely God's instruments, and we make a huge error when we think that no one else can do the work that we are doing. The mission, not the person, is the most important thing. If Fr. Pavone's bishop gives him an assignment in his diocese, a new leader will take the helm of Priests for Life, and their great work will go on.
I do not know how the situation will resolve and have no particular opinion one way or the other, knowing that according to ecclesiastical protocol it is up to the bishop to decide. I only pray that the rest of the pro-life movement stays focused on its goal and does not allow itself to be distracted by this.
Mark, I thank you for all of the great work you have done for the pro-life movement. Your written apologetics in defense of the pro-life position have been invaluable to me as I try to win others over to the side of life. God bless!
Yes people defending life.That's what Fr Frank has been about for 23 years,and all some of you can say is " Well he's not indispensable." At best that's a self serving statement.The day will come when Fr Frank isn't front and center,but it shouldn't be anytime soon with all that's at stake.
In 32 days no evidence of wrongdoing has surfaced against Fr Frank.He's been maligned and humiliated especially in the catholic press.Bp Zurek has stood by and allowed it.He's played mind games with Fr Frank and coyly manipulated the MSM. What's proper and honorable about that?
I will remain in Fr Frank's corner.
and continue the work he was called to do.
God will make a way for him. There are plenty of pro-life organizations that would grab him in a heartbeat.
I work for Father Frank as a volunteer in Rachel's Vineyard. I have had the opportunity to meet with him several times at different pro-life functions.
I do believe him to be a man of integrity and I admire that he is being obedient to his bishop. Out of obedience comes faith - out of faith comes trust.
People can make all sorts of assumptions and assertions about politics and behind the scene intrigue, but the truth of the matter is that God is in control and that this will all work out.
I thank you for Lime Five - I thank you for your witness. against the holocaust of abortion. God Bless you -