Cleveland Priest Gets Suspension for Serving Breakaway Congregation, Refusing Bishop's Order

The Republic
May 31, 2012

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/c7d8d493277a440bbeb2fc3092687b1a/OH--Closed-Church-Priest-Warned/

CLEVELAND — A priest who's refusing to stop ministering to a breakaway congregation says he's been suspended for disobeying the order from the Roman Catholic bishop in Cleveland.

Bishop Richard Lennon previously threatened to punish the Rev. Robert Marrone for celebrating Mass for former parishioners of St. Peter Church. They moved to a commercial building after their church was closed in 2010 amid downsizing by the diocese.

The Plain Dealer (http://bit.ly/JvfQIa ) reports Marrone met with Lennon last week.

A diocese spokesman says the bishop asked Marrone to "reconcile himself with the diocese." Marrone says he was warned he'd be suspended from priestly duties for refusing that request.

He wrote a letter to his followers this week says he intends to continue leading the breakaway group.