By Robert Moran
Philadelphia Inquirer
November 20, 2010
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/philadelphia/109392404.html?cmpid=15585797
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| Rev. Geraldo J. Pinero |
A Roman Catholic priest has stepped down from his position as pastor of Incarnation of Our Lord Parish in the city's Olney section after the church rectory was searched this week by federal agents, an archdiocesan spokeswoman said Friday night.
The Rev. Geraldo J. Pinero "has stepped down from his assignment for the good of the parish pending the outcome of this investigation," said spokeswoman Donna Farrell of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Agents from U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement served a search warrant at the rectory Tuesday, authorities said.
Agency spokesman Mark M. Medvesky confirmed that agents were at the church Tuesday but he declined to comment further, except to say that no one had been detained or arrested.
Cardinal Justin Rigali has appointed Msgr. Hugh J. Shields, vicar for Hispanic Catholics in the Archdiocese, as parochial administrator of the parish, Farrell said.
Jean Berry, 67, a member of the church for 47 years, said she was shocked to learn from a reporter Friday night that Pinero had stepped down. She said he had been at the church for more than five years.
"He's a wonderful priest," she said. "He's a great homilist. He's always been kind and gentle with me. I don't know what's going on."
The church website lists Masses in English, Spanish, Creole, and Portuguese.
Contact staff writer Robert Moran at 215-854-5983 or bmoran@phillynews.com.
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