Tale of a Good Priest - Part II

An update on Fr. Jim Morrison from our local newspaper:

Publicly citing desires for meditation and reflection as his career approaches a milestone anniversary, the pastor of a Thibodaux church that ministers largely to students at Nicholls State University said he will take a one-year leave of absence.

The Rev. Jim Morrison announced his plans during a Sunday Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and in letters sent to parishioners and to fellow priests serving in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

His leave of absence will begin in June after a replacement is appointed.

A priest who has enjoyed broad popularity in assignments he has held over the past 20 years, Morrison has also been the subject of controversy.

Around here, when one hears of a Roman Catholic priest taking a "one-year leave of absence", that is generally a euphemism for, "He be headin' out, and he ain't comin' back."

During Advent, Fr. Jim celebrated a special Mass for gays and lesbians in the area. The Mass was open to everyone, but its purpose was to honor gay and lesbian Christians.

When I read about the Mass in the local paper, I though to myself, "He's burning bridges now, and he's on the way out." The bishop did not stop the Mass - how could he? what reason would he give? However, I knew reprecussions would follow.

Whether this "leave of absence" is voluntary or coerced, I can't say for sure, but this is a small town, and a hotbed of gossip, so I'll probably learn more.

Here's the article from the Daily Comet.

Fr. Jim will be missed. Au revoir, mon cher, Jim