{O/C} A pastor in the United States has resigned over revelations he repeatedly misused baptisms throughout his career.
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Pastor Andres Arango should have said "I baptise you..." instead of "we baptise you." But misusing the word "we" prompted the beloved pastor in Phoenix, Arizona, to tender his resignation after Vatican officials saw the light.
{Soundbite} NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press Writer: It had come to their (the Vatican's) attention that some priests were using an erroneous formula. It turns out that this priest in Phoenix indeed was using this formula of "we baptise you" as opposed to "I baptise you." And the Vatican says those types of baptisms are simply invalid.
And so it was. The faulty pronoun "We", as distinct from the Vatican-instructed "I", rendered thousands of sacraments and rites of passage null and void.
This, after Church leaders investigated and determined last month that pastor Arango had used erroneous baptisms over more than 20 years, indicating those he had baptised in Phoenix, Brazil and San Diego were improperly baptised.
Not only did the revelation stir up a pandora's box, it had Father Arango atoning for his mistakes with his job, effective February 1, as well.
Although the culmination of the botched baptisms is par for the course, many are saddened and defended the pastor.
{Soundbite} CHRISTINA MOISHE COLLINS, Parishioner: Definitely hard to say goodbye. But the last mass... he really didn't want to leave-taking, but there was quite a turnout, a standing ovation of the parishioners. They had signs out-front, wishing him well and saying goodbye. Just a real outpouring of love.
{Soundbite} ANDREA REYES, Parishioner: He truly did not mean it, with bad intentions. And I feel that it is one of those things that can be forgiven. But then, why take him away from the parish that he loves and cares for?
On the heels of his farewell celebration, Arango wrote an apology to parishioners who are affected in consequence.
But with a case in point involving a priest who was re-ordained as a priest albeit having used an incorrect baptism, several members of the St. Gregory Catholic Church signed a petition showing their wish to have the former pastor come back. In it, members of the church mentioned the pastor was removed from a community that loves as cares for him, and he should have been given an opportunity to pull his socks up.
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