By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
In spite of a letter from Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron forbidding clergy in his diocese to participate in a Mass that took place during a conference by heretical Catholic groups this weekend, a 78 year-old retired priest defied the ruling and is now under review for presiding over the liturgy.
The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Father Bob Wurm of Ferndale presided over the Mass in spite of Archbishop Vigneron’s warning that doing so could result in a priest being defrocked. The Archdiocese of Detroit says it will now conduct a review of the priest’s actions.
“There were several, serious liturgical abuses at that service,” said Ned McGrath, spokesman for the Archdiocese. “It’s disheartening that a Detroit priest would preside over a service with so many…serious liturgical abuses. There will be — has to be — a careful and thorough review.”
Wurn told the Free Press after the event that while he was aware of Vigernon’s warning, he was not worried about being punished.
“I don’t see that happening,” Wurm said. “I’m older than he (Vigneron) is.”
He went on to criticize Vigneron’s letter that told clergy to stay away.
“He was making a big mistake,” Wurm said.
The Mass was part of a weekend conference sponsored by the American Catholic Council (ACC), an umbrella organization for several dissident groups. It drew about 1,500 liberal Catholics from around the world who came together to discuss ways to make the Church more democratic. They adopted a 10-point bill of rights and responsibilities that call for the laity to have more say in the Church, for women to be ordained, active homosexuals to be allowed to receive the Sacraments, priests to be married and greater accountability on the issue of child abuse by priests.
By contrast, the annual “Call to Holiness” conference was also held this weekend and was attended by Catholics who are faithful to the Church’s teachings. It’s speakers, which included Johnnette Benkovic, founder of Women of Grace (R) and host of EWTN’s popular, Women of Grace (R) show, was held in Livonia and was endorsed by the Archdiocese.
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Photo of Fr. Wrum was take by Susan Tusa of the Detroit Free Press.
