Posted on 06/17/2006 5:11:05 AM PDT by NYer
A former priest for the Diocese of Steubenville is stripped of his duties forever by the pope.
Word of the decision came Friday, and follows a jail term already completed by the former priest. Father Anthony Jablonowski worked within the Diocese of Steubenville for about ten years, and as far as anyone knows, committed no crime there. But before he came to Steubenville he served in Wyoming, and committed immoral and indecent acts with a minor. Jablonowski pleaded guilty to this in the spring of 2004. He was given a 15-month to seven year sentence but was granted an early release.
The action by Pope Benedict means jablonowski cannot perform any priestly function, dress as a priest or call himself a priest. Jablonowski now lives in Washington County, Ohio, and is a registered sex offender. The decision from Rome should put an end to the matter because the Pope's decision cannot be appealed.
Habemus Papam.
More please. Faster.
No fault of NYer, but this headline is a little misleading. The Franciscan University of Steubenville is one of the best and most productive producer of authentic priests in America, and it is frequently just called "Steubenville." The headline that a "Steubenville" priest has been defrocked creates scandal where there is none. Could the headline clarify that "Steubenville-Diocese Priest" was defrocked?"
Ditto on distinguishing between the diocese of Steubenville and FUS--I read the headline as meaning FUS.
Me too.
Very misleading and, I presume, intentionally so by the press (if it was the original title).
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.