Editor’s
note
The
following was distributed in the bulletin
at
the Roman Catholic parish of
St
Michael , No. Andover , Ma
29
Sep.02 The Feast of St Michael the Archangel
“St
Michael the Archangel lead us in battle”……
Subject: St. Michael, No. Andover, Ma. withdraws support of
VOTF.
September 25, 2002
Dear Parishioners:
A month ago
I wrote a letter saying that St. Michael Church would continue to open its
facilities for directions from the Cardinal to do otherwise.
Yesterday,
September 24th, I received a letter from Bishop Emilio Alluy, our Regional Bishop.
”At
the present time, the Archbishop, Cardinal Law, is in dialogue with the leaders
of VOTF through his Vicar General, Bishop Edyvean. These
conversations aim at the clarification of all the hidden and open issues
involving and promoted by VOTF. These issues touch on the essence
of our ecclesiology.”
“ While
these issues remain unresolved in this dialogue, the activities and
promotion of the VOTF must be curtailed in order to avoid further 'scandal'
and polarity among our parishioners. For the sake of unity and
Catholic orthodoxy in the parish. At the same time, I do trust you understand
that we must cauitiously and patiently await the
final judgment of the Archbishop on this matter.
Fraternally
in the Merciful Heart of Jesus,
Emelio
S. Alluy , S D.B.
Most
Reverentd Emelio S. Alluy, S.D.B.
327 Gorham Street,
In
this great Church crisis I have always tried to remain obedient to the will of
the Ordinary. When I was ordained as a priest I promised always to be
obedient to the Ordinary (Archbishop) of the Boston Archdiocese and to his
successors.
Bishop Alluy is asking us to discontinue permission to use our parish
facilities to the Voice of the Faithful until we await the
final judgment of the Archbishop who is in dialogue with VOTF leaders through
his Vicar General, Bishop Edyvean.
Hopefully, in the days
ahead greater integrity, compassionate understanding and unity can happen
throughout our own archdiocese and throughout the Church universal.
Certainly, some faithful parishioners and non-parishioners alike will continue
to meet somewhere else as members of Voice of the Faithful. I pray that
God's Holy Spirit will bring them great wisdom and I pray that faithful VOTF
members will help bring practical and orthodox solutions and answers to very
complicated and challenging issues in our Church
Peace in Christ,
Rev. Paul T. Keyes
Pastor
St.
Michael Parish
No.
Andover, Ma,