February 06, 2005

Avoid St. Padre Pio magazine, diocese warns

PITTSBURGH (PA)
Post-Gazette

Sunday, February 06, 2005

By Ann Rodgers, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh has warned local Catholics against a magazine devoted to St. Padre Pio that is closely associated with a former Pittsburgh priest who was removed from ministry by the pope due to allegations of child sexual abuse.

Copies of Thorns and Roses, containing an article signed "Father Anthony Cipolla" had been found at several parishes, said the Rev. Lawrence DiNardo, diocesan chief canon lawyer.

Cipolla has been forbidden to call himself "Father" since Bishop Donald W. Wuerl banned him from ministry in 1988. After diocesan officials repeatedly caught him acting as a priest outside the diocese, Wuerl successfully appealed to have Pope John Paul II remove Cipolla from all ties to the priesthood. That was done in 2002.

Thorns and Roses is published by Padre Pio Spiritual Refuge Inc., which Cipolla founded. "As you read through the magazine, it is very clear that the main leadership of the spiritual refuge organization is Anthony Cipolla," DiNardo said.

Posted by kshaw at February 6, 2005 05:20 AM