US Bishop explains resignation of Fr William Rowe

Bishop Edward Braxton

Bishop Edward Braxton, Bishop of Belleville, Illinois, has issued a three-page letter to his diocese explaining why a priest in his diocese resigned. In a letter dated 14 February the bishop said Fr William Rowe, parish priest of St Mary's parish in Mount Carmel resigned because "he simply would not and could not pray the prayers of the Mass as they are translated in the new Roman Missal."

For years before the new translation of the Mass was introduced, the 72-year-old priest has been adding a few words to prayers during Mass, because he said, it made the liturgy more relevant to the community. After some parishioners complained, Bishop Braxton spoke with Fr Rowe and told him he couldn't permit the him to continue improvising. At that time the priest said he could not change, and offered his resignation. He did not receive a response.

Bishop Braxton said he had not acknowledged Rowe's letter of resignation (for several months) because "I held out the hope that upon prayer and reflection, Fr Rowe would think and act with the Church about this important matter."

The bishop said "many parishioners have ceased to worship at St Mary's over the years. Several of these brought me audio and video tapes which showed the many changes and omissions Fr Rowe makes in the Mass. These changes consist of far more than 'a few words.'"

A parishioner told ICN: "As far as I know there was a very small group who objected to Fr Bill's way of saying Mass. In my opinion he always celebrates Mass with great devotion and respect. It is a pity the Bishop hasn't come here himself to attend a Mass or discuss this with us. It is a pity he is only listening to secret recordings which we haven't heard. We need more openness and honesty."

"Fr Bill has been with us for so many years, and is such a good, hardworking pastor who is loved by young people, forcing him out like this, when he is so close to retirement anyway, does not send a good signal."


See also: US: Dean resigns in solidarity with priest sacked for altering words in liturgy www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=19822