Priest Returns to Quincy after Bizarre 911 Call

WGEM
July 1, 2014

http://www.wgem.com/story/25920147/2014/07/01/priest-returns-to-quincy-after-bizarre-911-call

The priest who called 911 from a church phone in Springfield when he couldn't get out of handcuffs has been assigned to a Quincy parish.

The Diocese of Springfield confirmed Tuesday that Father Thomas Donovan was recently assigned to serve as parochial vicar at the Church of St. Peter. Donovan was granted a leave of absence last year after a 911 call from Springfield's St. Aloysias Church surfaced with him claiming he couldn't get out of handcuffs.

(Read "Former Quincy Priest on leave after bizarre 911 call")

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki says he was advised by a special panel in September that Donovan's "gradual return to priestly ministry is appropriate." Donovan was then assigned as chaplain to the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Martyr Saint George.

"In light of the need for an additional priest at St. Peter Parish in Quincy," Paprocki said in a statement, "a parishioner from St. Peter Parish asked Bishop Paprocki if Father Donovan could return to that parish, since he had served there in his first assignment as a priest from 2005-2008."

Paprocki says Monsignor Leo Enlow consulted with parish members and the response was that Donovan would be welcomed back.

Donovan made headlines after a 911 call made Nov. 28, 2012, was released by media. Authorities said officers found Donovan in the Springfield church wearing a gag and mask. Paprocki says the special panel recommended there was "no information to suggest that Father Donovan is a danger to himself or others."