SAN JOSE (CA)
Mercury News
By Julia Prodis Sulek and Mark Gomez Mercury News
contracostatimes.com
SAN JOSE — The pastor of the Saint Frances Cabrini School and Parish resigned Monday, weeks after his defense of a convicted child molester at a parish festival infuriated parents and scandalized the Diocese of San Jose.
In announcing the resignation of the Rev. Lieu Vu, the diocese also released a letter written by a former diocese human resources employee permitting convicted pedophile Mark Gurries to participate and volunteer at parish and school events.
Gurries unveiled a copy of the letter Oct. 6 when a 19-year-old former student recognized him working the sound system at a parish festival, setting off a heated exchange between a group of parents and the Rev. Vu.
When parents expressed outrage and demanded Gurries be removed from campus, the pastor reportedly defended Gurries, saying he had a right to be there and should be forgiven.
The heated confrontation continued for five hours, ending when a Santa Clara County sheriff’s deputy, who was working the festival as security, escorted Gurries off campus.
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