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	Former Bishop Thomas O’brien Forgoes Catholic Award By Michael Clanc Tucson Citizen November 24, 2011 http://tucsoncitizen.com/arizona-news/2011/11/24/former-bishop-thomas-obrien-forgoes-catholic-award/ Former Bishop Thomas O’Brien has declined an award from the Catholic Community Foundation that has drawn widespread condemnation from victims of abuse by clergy members and others. Foundation officials said he gave no reason for his decision, but announcement of the award, in invitations mailed two weeks ago, spurred immediate negative reaction. O’Brien, who served as bishop from 1982 to 2003, signed an agreement with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in 2003 in which he acknowledged protecting priests who were abusive and endangering children. “He allowed Roman Catholic priests under his supervision to have contact with minors after becoming aware of allegations of criminal sexual misconduct,” the agreement read. “He shall further acknowledge transferring offending priests to situations where children could be further victimized.” Just two weeks after the accord was announced, the bishop was involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident that cost him his position. He was convicted of the charge and served a sentence of community service and probation. Since then, O’Brien has kept a low profile, occasionally presiding at Masses and attending diocesan events. He celebrated his 50th anniversary as a priest in May with a private Mass and dinner. The foundation’s president, Donna Marino, apologized in a prepared statement Wednesday to those who were hurt by the decision to honor the bishop. “The executive committee of the board of directors did not anticipate the reaction of the public before the selection was made, which was based solely on (O’Brien’s) role as the founder of the organization and the event,” she said. “We are sorry for any pain and suffering this has caused victims of abuse and their families. We offer our apologies for not having shown more understanding and compassion.” Sources within the foundation say the decision to honor O’Brien was made at the insistence of honorary dinner chairman Tony Astorga, a retired executive of Blue Cross Blue Shield. But Marino said several board members agreed to honor O’Brien in August at a meeting to organize the dinner. Because of the controversy, Marino said, the board would formalize its procedures for honoring individuals. Hall of Fame broadcaster Joe Garagiola Sr. and development-company executive Sharon Harper are the other honorees at the foundation’s annual gala in April. The foundation, founded in 1983, became an independent charity in 2003, although it retains offices at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in downtown Phoenix. It has assets of almost $50 million and made grants of more than $2.2 million to non-profit, mostly Catholic organizations in fiscal 2011. Since it was founded, it has made grants of more than $20 million in the community. Reach the reporter at 602-444-6840.
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