BOSTON (MA)
Boston Herald
By Thomas Caywood
Monday, November 21, 2005 - Updated: 10:51 AM EST
Hundreds of Newton Catholics – already seeing red over the ouster of their popular priest – yesterday tried wearing it.
Several busloads of Our Lady Help of Christians parishioners, outraged by the removal last month of their pastor, the Rev. Walter Cuenin, showed up for Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston decked out in scarlet outfits in protest. ...
“He clearly violated archdiocese policy,” church spokesman Terrence Donlan said, adding, “We certainly appreciate the heartache people are feeling. He was a beloved pastor.”
But outraged parishioners claim Cuenin got the heave-ho for signing a letter critical of the archdiocese’s handling of the clergy abuse scandal and because he openly ministered to gays. As he closed the Mass, the Rev. John Connolly Jr. recognized the crowd of red-clad protesters packing the pews. He thanked them for coming and said, “We know this is not an easy time for you.”