St Anthony Removes Bulletin Prayer for Pastor Sentenced to Life as Abuse Survivors Rebuke Omission
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 3
St Anthony Removes Bulletin Prayer for Pastor Sentenced to Life as Abuse Survivors Rebuke Omission
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 3
Summary
St Anthony of Padua took down a parish bulletin after criticism over a mass intention seeking prayers for Anthony Odiong, days after a Texas jury convicted the former pastor and sentenced him to life in prison.
The bulletin listed Odiong for a 14 June 11 a.m. mass but included no named victims or general prayer for clergy abuse survivors, prompting objections from Mary Doe, Jane Doe, their lawyer and survivor advocates.
The New Orleans archdiocese said a congregant had requested the intention, called Odiong’s conduct “reprehensible,” and said Archbishop James Checchio instructed the parish to include those harmed by him in coming weeks.
Odiong was convicted Friday of sexually assaulting two women in Waco by exploiting his spiritual authority; jurors also fined him $30,000, and he becomes eligible for parole after 30 years.
The dispute extends scrutiny of a priest already tied to wider abuse claims in Louisiana, where his name was recently removed from a chapel under terms linked to the archdiocese’s $305 million abuse settlement.
After a $305M abuse settlement, why did a church pray for a convicted priest but not his victims?
When a church publicly supports a convicted predator, is its promise of reform just another empty prayer?
$230 Million Settlement and Systemic Failures: The Anthony Odiong Case and the Catholic Church Abuse Crisis in New Orleans
Overview
This report examines the Archdiocese of New Orleans' response to new abuse allegations, highlighting its protocol of reporting additional information to law enforcement even after prior investigations. It details the case of Father Anthony Odiong, whose history of misconduct and eventual removal from ministry exposed systemic failures in church oversight and accountability. The report also discusses the community's reaction, significant financial settlements for survivors, and ongoing efforts to implement reforms. Through these events, the report underscores the need for transparency, cultural change, and stronger protections for vulnerable individuals within the Church.