NEWTON (MA)
Boston Globe
By Matt Viser, Globe Staff | October 1, 2005
Despite pleas from their former pastor, who has asked them not to protest, parishioners at Our Lady Help of Christians in Newton are planning to demonstrate this weekend against the resignation of the Rev. Walter H. Cuenin from the parish over alleged financial improprieties.
Parishioners have been picketing outside the parish this week during rush hour, and some have criticized Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley for the ouster of a pastor who was known for liberal stances on same-sex marriage and his criticism of Cardinal Bernard F. Law.
Tomorrow may be Cuenin's last day to address the church he's overseen for the past 12 years.
The parish staff has planned a reception after tomorrow's 10 a.m. Mass. At 1:30 p.m., parishioners plan to lead a 3-mile protest march from the parish to the administrative offices of the archdiocese in Brighton, where a rally with speeches, singing, and prayer will begin at 3 p.m.