MASSACHUSETTS
La Salette Journey
In a previous post, I noted how then Deacon and now Father Jonathan Joseph Slavinskas was quoted in The Catholic Free Press as having said that, “Father Coonan [Fr. Joseph Coonan] was a great influence and helped nourish my vocation.” Fr. Slavinskas also credited the late Bishop Timothy J. Harrington, who was dissent-friendly, as being an inspiration.
Now Fr. Slavinskas’ sister, Amy Whittemore, has left a comment at this Blog taking exception with the legitimate concerns of Catholics who find this troubling. And all the more so since St. Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, warns, “Do not be led astray: Bad company corrupts good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15: 33). She writes:
“It sickens me that people in todays society feel the need to judge a person by who their role models or influences are. How bad is it to look up to someone who was ACCUSED of something that may or may not have happened? Fr. Coonan was an influence to my brother before any of the scandals come out. Who are we to judge others? The only one to judge is God. Father Coonan was a better role model than the ones teens look up to today such as the drug addicted alcoholic singers, actors, and reality show stars…”
Something that may or may not have happened? Fr. Joseph A. Coonan was removed from ministry at St. John’s Church in 2002 after allegations of inappropriate contact with children dating back to the 1970’s. He was also charged with domestic assault and battery, assault and battery on a person over 65 years of age (his mother), and one count of intimidating a witness according to court documents. The Worcester Diocese found the accusations to be credible and removed Fr. Coonan from any and all ministry.
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