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	Cloaked in Red, Catholics Protest Ouster By Thomas Caywood Boston Herald [Boston MA] November 21, 2005 Hundreds of Newton Catholics – already seeing red over the ouster of their popular priest – yesterday tried wearing it. Several busloads of Our Lady Help of Christians parishioners, outraged by the removal last month of their pastor, the Rev. Walter Cuenin, showed up for Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston decked out in scarlet outfits in protest. The contingent of about 200 people sat quietly, allowing their crimson clothes to shout defiance. "My life and the life blood of the church is gone," lifelong Our Lady parishioner Terry Morris told the crowd of protesters outside the cathedral during a rally. "There is no comfort," Morris said. "There is no joy as the sounds of silence echo off the empty pews." Melissa Miot said she worshipped at Our Lady for 12 years, but hasn't been back since Cuenin said his last Mass there in early October. "I've been so hurt by this," Miot said. "I'm trying to get myself to go back." Archbishop Sean O'Malley asked for Cuenin's resignation in September after an audit revealed he took a leased Honda Accord and a $500-a-month stipend from the church. "He clearly violated archdiocese policy," church spokesman Terrence Donlan said, adding, "We certainly appreciate the heartache people are feeling. He was a beloved pastor." But outraged parishioners claim Cuenin got the heave-ho for signing a letter critical of the archdiocese's handling of the clergy abuse scandal and because he openly ministered to gays. As he closed the Mass, the Rev. John Connolly Jr. recognized the crowd of red-clad protesters packing the pews. He thanked them for coming and said, "We know this is not an easy time for you." Mary Ellen Siudut asked Connolly on her way out why O'Malley was absent. Connolly said the archbishop wasn't scheduled to say Mass.
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