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Louisiana church remembers abuse victims after reversal over prayers for convicted priest

St Anthony of Padua asks for prayers for survivors after removing Anthony Odiong’s name from list of intentions

Louisiana church remembers abuse victims after reversal over prayers for convicted priest

TL;DR

  • St Anthony of Padua church initially listed former pastor Anthony Odiong in its prayer intentions.
  • Odiong was recently sentenced to life in prison for criminal clerical sexual assault in Texas.
  • Victims of Odiong's abuse protested the inclusion, highlighting the lack of prayers for their healing.
  • The church removed Odiong's name from the bulletin and updated it to include prayers for 'Victims of Clergy Abuse'.
  • The New Orleans archdiocese instructed the church to include all hurt by Odiong's actions in prayers.
  • A bishop from the Austin diocese also stated his prayers focus on victims and their families.