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  Fr. Francis Mary Stone; EWTN Priest Steps down

Steve Ray's Blog
November 11, 2007

http://blog.catholic-convert.com/?p=1675

Update Nov 8: I kind of thought there would be an update on today's Life on the Rock but nothing yet. Only a request at the opening of the show for continued and needed prayers for the Franciscan brothers for undefined reasons.


We have seen Fr. Francis Mary as host of EWTN's popular weekly show Life on the Rock. We were also poised to invite him as Spiritual Director for a large Holy Land pilgrimage. Today I received an with a copy of a letter from Fr. Francis Mary which was read on EWTN announcing he was stepping down from his involvement at EWTN.

I have had other independent confirmation of the validity of the e-mail. It is sad to hear this kind of news, but I pray he will be treated with mercy and God's will will be done in his life. Here it is the letter read on EWTN:

    Dear Family: Regretfully, I have a message that does not come without significant pain to both you and me.

    I have to tell you in all honesty and truth, that I have been personally involved with helping a widow and her struggling family. Over the course of time, the mother and I have grown very close. As a result, I am compelled to take some time off to prayerfully and honestly discern my future.

    I am truly sorry of the impact this may have on so many. I am not unaware of the gravity and magnitude of the situation, yet after much wise counsel, it is really something that I must deal with now for the good of all.

    With that said, it is best that I deal with it away from EWTN. Therefore, I have asked for and graciously been granted some extended time to prayerfully discern my vocation.

    To those who are part of the EWTN family locally, and others throughout the world, especially all those who have supported me so faithfully in my priestly vocation and ministry here on Life on the Rock, I sincerely apologize. I ask for your prayers and understanding during this time that is so very difficult, but yet so very necessary.


    Please lift me up in your humble prayers to Jesus through Mary, our Mother, in Grace and Mercy.

    Fr Francis Mary, MFVA

Fr Anthony Mary then said "Brothers and Sisters of our EWTN family, this is a time in which Fr Francis and all involved are in great need of your prayers and your support as our family. Sin will not have the last word. Always remember that no one is beyond the power of God's Mercy or Redemption. And on Fr's behalf, I humbly ask that you pray for him. God bless you."

  
 
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