Posted on 12/02/2010 11:59:19 AM PST by mlizzy
Father Tom Euteneuer, former president of Human Life International and author of a book on exorcism that was pulled off the market not long after it was published and promoted (including in this column), has seemingly "disappeared." As my regular readers will know, I've quoted Father Euteneuer often over the last few years. But in news that surprised even me, HLI announced in late August that Father was stepping down as HLI president.
Father was quoted as saying: "I have been utterly privileged to serve this great mission for a decade, and now I am called back to my diocese [by the bishop] to continue my priestly service in parish work, which was the original calling of my vocation. I have great peace about the road that lies ahead and about all that has been accomplished up to this point."
In addition to his rather abrupt departure from HLI, Father's book Exorcism and the Church Militant, which was being promoted by HLI in July, was essentially pulled from circulation not long ago, a vague reason given for doing so.
Strange, if you ask me.
In the months leading up to the book's publishing, I had sought, and obtained, permission to reprint in this column the book's entire Introduction. Given the circumstances, I decided it was best to have that particular column removed from RenewAmerica.
I've never heard from Father since all this transpired, and e-mails to three officials of the Diocese of Palm Beach, Father's home diocese, have gone unanswered. In my e-mail to those officials, I simply asked if Father Euteneuer is indeed a priest in good standing with the diocese. It's certainly easy enough for at least one of them to respond: "Yes, Mr. Abbott, Father Euteneuer is a priest in good standing here in the Diocese of Palm Beach. Thank you."
But, alas, I've heard nothing. Crickets.
I do know this: There's "more to the story," and whatever transpired is not the result of a bishop's persecution. There are at least a few individuals who know the whole story, but, right now, they're not willing, or able, to divulge the details. Perhaps they don't want me, or anyone else, to pursue the matter. Well, that doesn't sit well with me.
I hope to find out more in the coming weeks. Maybe I will, maybe I won't.
So you think that he lied in order to “be kind”?
That’s what I don’t get. Father E. is a great Catholic etc., but he lies in order to “be nice”.
How does that fit with his persona?
Maybe we should just take him at his word and see.
-Theo
Did I use the word lie? A priest needs to be obedient (kind, generous, etc.). That means not to spout off as to the reasons he was being relieved of his duties. He wasn’t lying.
Matt, you might find comment #83 of some interest ...
Joe IS a great guy. That’s nice you got the chance to meet him. I’ve photographed him before at different marches, but we never really formally met. And you know, he was much feistier in his youth, but now, it’s true, he’s not like Fr. Euteneuer with condemnation of superiors. Still, if he disappeared, I’d be concerned.
I would have expected that if he were in a crisis of faith or involved in something unpleasant,he would have apologized and taken his licks,so to speak.
If it wasn't his choice then that would indicate that he was muzzled for something he said,or some group he offended,and if that is the case then those of us who are in this battle of good vs. evil need to know who muzzled him and why. I believe it was Sun-Tse in the "Art of War",who said that when engaging in warfare it was of utmost importance to know your enemy. I'm probably a little off on the spelling but it's close. In any case as the battle heats up it is important we do know what's going on and who to be wary of,as well as why.
Thanks again.
Since you two have Father Euteneuer’s book, may I ask what is in the book that could be so dangerous to be let out?
Thank you for any reply you care to give.
Hello, Jeanette. Fr. Euteneuer resigned from HLI after being recalled by his bishop. As he explained in his final column, his resignation followed an period of discernment between him and his bishop. As far as why the book was "pulled", one point of clarification: we did not "pull" or recall any copies of the book, despite rumors to the contrary. We sold out of the book and decided not to reprint it, as we are a pro-life missionary apostolate, and not experts on, or promoters of, exorcism.Interesting how they say they are a pro-life missionary apostolate, and can't see the need to promote exorcism. Where exactly does abortion come from? Do they think it is heaven-sent? Anyway, that's what they said.
Bump
I agree, he would probably have been upfront about any crisis or personal conflict.
I don’t know much about Palm Beach under its current bishop but many of the Florida dioceses are a little shaky. This is changing (but not fast enough) and in addition, the bureaucracy never changes. So possibly somebody in Palm Beach got a chance to attack him.
In any case, I will say that from the little I know of exorcists (mostly the late Fr. Karl Patzelt, supposedly the model for the priest in The Exorcist), they are under serious attack by the Enemy and I honestly don’t know how they survive.
Oh please...he’s like one of your kids???
Get a grip.
This is as clear as it gets! Father was the only one in the organization able to speak about exorcism, OBVIOUSLY!
HLI did the right thing in this. How are they going to promote a book by an author who is no longer available to them?
Suggestion: Those looking for drama can tune in any afternoon between oh 12 noon and 3 and catch a soap opera. That ought to fill your needs!
I pretty much think of all priests that way. I pray for them like they are my own. Go get a grip your ownself.
I have no idea why you are so hostile towards those who care about Fr. Euteneuer. Are you an employee of HLI?
Your problem is just that - they are not your own. If you care for him so much, leave him alone.
He is entitled to his privacy - let him have it.
If he wanted you, or anyone to know anything, he’d be announcing it.
Call it an aversion to people who have no respect for the privacy of priests!
I have worked extensively in parishes and witnessed firsthand the relentless pursuit of priests/religious. I find it absurd and disrespectful.
And no, I don’t work for HLI!
Priests should be on hand at all times, all hours of the day. My MIL said initially when her son became a priest, “Oh, they’re working Fr. Bill so hard. He never gets any freedom.” Well, that’s what being a priest is all about. They have no private lives anymore. Their lives are given to Jesus to do as He sees fit. And you’re not altogether correct about Fr. not wanting people to know what’s going on. He remains quiet, I imagine (although I’m not positive), because he is being obedient. At least that’s what a friend of mine told me yesterday who knows Fr. Tom quite well.
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