This month, the Catholic blogs are heating up with the news that Franciscan Father Francis Mary Stone, host of EWTN's
Life on the Rock program, has stepped down from the program and taken a leave of absence to re-assess his calling to the priesthood, following his romantic involvement with a widow whom he was helping. In a letter read to EWTN viewers, Fr. Francis Mary says:
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
Fr. Francis Mary, your brothers and sisters in CITI are praying for you and with you and please contact CITI if you want to speak to other priests who have walked this path and get their advice. Whatever choice you make prayerfully, God will bless you. Falling in love with another human being is NOT a sin.
This month, the Catholic blogs are heating up with the news that Franciscan Father Francis Mary Stone, host of EWTN's Life on the Rock program, has stepped down from the program and taken a leave of absence to re-assess his calling to the priesthood, following his romantic involvement with a widow whom he was helping. In a letter read to EWTN viewers, Fr. Francis Mary says:
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5 comments:
Fr. Francis,
I will be praying for you in this difficult time. Please don't forget to keep praying for the Church you love, now, which will be a sign to all of the sincerity of your evangelism.
Have faith that God will lead you (or let you stumble) along the right path. Keep your sense of humor and your prudence, and be sure of Our Lord's love for you.
Oh, and watch the Passion of the Christ again.
Love,
Roger
Your in my prayer God will speak in your heart listen He will tell you what to do and bring peace to your heart and you wil know what you really want to do
Here is Father Francis, the woman and their child on Facebook...
http://www.facebook.com/people/Christina_Presnell/530678345
Dear Father Francis,WE miss you very much on EWTN, I will be praying for you in your dificult time. I know the Lord our Saviour, will lead you back home to your vocation! Keep praying to our Blessed mother Mary, she is allways there for us! she will lead you to the right path,have Faith in that! God Bles Donna
why are priests not allowed marry ? show me where jesus says you cannot ! its ludicrous.
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