Bishop Emeritus Sues Faithful Priest in Texas

Edit: Father Rodriguez gives fairly non-controversial talks and homilies for a Catholic priest, but they don't like that in the Diocese. It's pretty telling when you're not only fired from your job for teaching the Catholic Faith, but sued by your own former superior. Is there anyone who believes that this isn't a case a vindictive man attacking someone whose manner of life points an accusing finger at him?

JANUARY 12, 2012 PRESS RELEASE by Fr. Michael Rodríguez It is unfortunate that Bishop Armando Ochoa, Administrator of the Diocese of El Paso and no longer our bishop, has decided to pursue legal action against me. Such legal action is unjust. 

Over the course of 9 1/2 years as the parish priest of San Juan Bautista Catholic Church, I poured my heart and soul into caring for this parish, both in terms of temporal goods, and especially spiritual goods. I'm confident that hundreds of my former parishioners will eagerly testify to this. In his January 11, 2012, press release, Bishop Ochoa stated, "Fr. Rodríguez's handling and use of donated funds has compromised the financial integrity of San Juan Bautista."

This is not true. Bishop Ochoa's statement also refers to "Fr. Rodríguez's mishandling of funds." Again, this is not true. I have always honored, respected, and made good use of the financial patrimony of San Juan Bautista. I stake my entire reputation on this claim.

On September 20, 2011, I opened my heart to my bishop, like a son to a father, and was completely honest and forthcoming with him as to the financial affairs of San Juan Bautista. I told him everything. He chose not to believe me. For the past four months, my canon lawyer has made repeated efforts to resolve this matter with Most Rev. Armando Ochoa, and he has refused.

Read entire article at philotheaonfire here...