As I began considering writing this reflection, the story broke about the laicization (commonly called defrocking) of Father Frank Pavone. Laicization is the process of removal of clerical power from an ordained person (bishop, priest or deacon). He still has sacramental powers, particularly in an emergency, but can no longer say Mass and is generally referred to as Mr. rather than Father.
Why was Father Pavone laicized? Officially for blasphemy and for disobeying his bishop, Bishop Zurek of Amarillo, TX. Father Pavone has been a staunch defender of the pre-born since his ordination in 1988. He has been the director of the lay group, “Priests for Life” and has hosted the show, “Defending Life” on EWTN until Bishop Zurek revoked his permission for Father Pavone to host the show.
The charge of blasphemy stems from a tweet a few years ago using the word G_D D_MN in referring to President Biden and the Democrats for their stance on abortion. He has also been a strong supporter of President Donald Trump. The charge of being disobedient to his Bishop comes from his refusal to accept Bishop Zurek’s assigning him to a 50 person parish in a remote area of Texas when Father Pavone had wanted to continue working in his pro-life ministry full time. In response to the Vatican’s actions, Father Pavone has vowed to fight the decision and to continue his work as a priest and in the Pro-Life movement.
At face value it appears Father Pavone has been punished for his rigid stance on abortion and insistence to speaking out for the innocent. As is consistent with Catholic values and truth. There also seems to be a movement within the Church that feels some believers and clergy put too much emphasis on abortion and should focus more on other issues such as climate change and immigration. There are also some clergy who support LGBT positions, even though these stances are directly opposed to Catholic teaching.
So has Father Pavone been singled out? And if so, why? And why have others, clearly speaking heresy, been allowed to continue? Our first reading from 1 John may have an answer. In today’s portion from chapter 2, verses 18-21 the focus is on antichrists. John says that there are several antichrists in the midst of the disciples. What makes them an antichrist? First, because they deserted the group. They left the group of disciples to go their own way and preach their own truth. The key characteristic is that they denied the Father and the Son. Having full knowledge of the Holy One, yet they spoke against the truth.
Father Pavone had spent his entire priesthood speaking out against the evils inherent in abortion. Defending life in the face of an element within the structure of the Church that prefers to suppress this teaching. In a sense walking away from the group that is the truth of the Church and the commandments Christ left us. While we must all adhere to speaking with love and compassion, we must also speak the truth. Something that Father Pavone has dedicated himself to.
But the antichrist can also have another meaning, besides someone who fails to uphold the truth of the Gospel. It can also be anything in our lives that opposes or takes the place of Christ. Similar to what some may call idol worship. As the year comes to a close, it is a good time to evaluate priorities in our lives. What is it that, in the past year, we have allowed to take center stage in the battle for our time, treasure and talents. The antichrists of hobby, work, wealth acquisition, sports, or even clerical positions in our parishes. Walking away from Christ’s teachings and into the arms of the secular world.
The Gospel reading from today says it all:
“In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God….
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son,
full of grace and truth.”
I hope your 2022 was better than your 2021 and I pray that it is not as good as your 2023. Happy New Year.
