Third Unexplained Removal in Recent Weeks

By Melissa Holmes
WGRZ
January 16, 2012

http://www.wgrz.com/news/article/150875/37/Priest-Removed-From-Buffalo-Church

St. Anthony of Padua

BUFFALO, NY- Parishioners at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Buffalo learned over the weekend their longtime priest was removed, but the reason why is still unclear. His is the third unexplained removal of a pastor in the Diocese of Buffalo in recent weeks.

The Rev. Secondo Casarotto has served at the small Court Street Church for more than 25 years, but Diocese of Buffalo officials confirm to 2 On Your Side last week he was removed for "personnel reasons." The following statement was read to parishioners over the weekend:

"In consultation with Bishop Kmiec and Father Matthew Didone, Provincial Superior of the Scalabrinian Fathers, Father Secondo has been placed on administrative leave of absence. Father Secondo has been called back to the Scalabrinian Provincial House for his leave. He requests your prayers and assures you of his prayers as well.

Effective February 1, 2012, Msgr. Fred Voorhes, a priest of the Diocese of Buffalo, will be assigned as temporary administrator of our parish. Father Charles Amico, also a priest of the diocese and faculty member at Christ the King Seminary, will be celebrating Masses here at St. Anthony's for the next few weekends prior to Msgr. Voorhes' arrival."

Father Secondo's ouster is the third unexpected removal of a pastor in the Buffalo Diocese in recent weeks. Diocese Spokesperson Kevin Keenan confirms the Rev. Arthur Smith went on medical leave from St. Mary of the Lake Church in Hamburg in December, as did Rev. Jospeph Sicari from Sacred Heart Church in Bowmansville. Keenan says Sicari will be reassigned to another local parish in the near future.