WASHINGTON (DC)
Catholic News Service via National Catholic Reporter
October 12, 2020
By Christine Bordelon
Pearl River LA – In an act of solidarity with the 350 parishioners of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Pearl River, a visibly upset New Orleans Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond celebrated Mass Oct. 10 for a second consecutive week for the parish and reconsecrated its church and its new altar.
The parish had learned a week before that its 13th pastor appointed in July 2019, Fr. Travis Clark, was arrested Sept. 30 for alleged obscenity with two women in their church.
Before he began celebrating Mass, Aymond reiterated to those present his shock and anger over what happened — calling Clark’s behavior inside the church obscene. He said he knew the Sts. Peter and Paul parishioners were shocked and angry, too.
“The desecration of this church and altar is demonic, demonic,” he said. “Let me be clear, there is no excuse for what took place here. It is sinful, and it is totally unacceptable. Travis has been unfaithful to his vocation; he’s violated his commitment to celibacy; and also, he was using that which was holy to do demonic things.
“He will not be able to serve in priestly ministry, and he will not be able to serve as a priest anytime in the future.”
Aymond encouraged parishioners to move forward and said God will move forward with them. He asked them not to judge the church or priesthood by the actions of a few priests.
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