Clergy and Bishop meet to discuss allegations

"As happens with a lot of diocesan meetings, it began with a prayer service," said Rev. Joseph O'Brien, pastor of Holy Spirit Church in East Greenbush.

The meeting he was referring to brought together Bishop Howard J. Hubbard and more than 170 priests who gathered last week at St. Pius X parish in Loudonville to hear him affirm his innocence and to ask questions. Also present were deacons and parish life directors.

"It was a very prayerful atmosphere, very positive," said Father O'Brien. "People really needed to meet with the Bishop. There were a lot of different feelings. People appreciated the chance to just get together, to ask questions and hear the Bishop's answers. [Afterward,] I felt very much at peace."

Support given

Rev. Martin Fisher, pastor of Corpus Christi parish in Round Lake, told The Evangelist that "there was a tremendous, overwhelming sense of support for the Bishop. The vast majority recognized how absurd the allegations are, and that came across.

"I think he felt affirmed, and [encouraged] to move forward. When the Bishop said he was going to do a media blitz, there was no question [the priests] were behind him, saying, 'Do it.'

"Once your name's out there and being splashed around the media, it's hard to get your name back. He said something about his dignity being tattered. There was a certain sadness in the room, but there was also a sense of encouragement. The priests know him best. Nobody really knows the motivations behind this. For myself, it seems like a novel out of Stephen King -- too absurd to have any truth to it."

Honesty and sadness

Carol Pickel, parish life director at Immaculate Conception parish in Watervliet, said that the audience was "very supportive of the Bishop. There was a great deal of emotion. He explained to us his feelings, and I felt personally that I understood more the impact this was having on him -- and that was sad."

She noted that an honest exchange occurred and that people left feeling "it had just begun. We were going to have to stand behind him for an extended period of time, because whoever is plotting, is making these allegations, would continue to do so. The only thing we could do on a parish basis is continue to bring forth that we believe in him."

(2/19/04) [[In-content Ad]]