SAVE ST. LUCY'S

I took part in the march from St. Lucy's Church to the Cathedral Basilica in Newark on June 14 and read the account of it the next day in The Star-Ledger ("A priest's faithful march in support"). We obviously have a serious-but-sincere disagreement with Archbishop John Myers, but continue to respect him.

However, I also have serious issues with some of spokesman Jim Goodness' quotes. He said we should learn "obedience to the church." That is inappropriately offensive to all who support Monsignor Joseph Granato. Since my grandparents emigrated from Italy, five generations of my family have been obedient to the church and all of its teachings. But Granato's future is not an issue of canon law or a papal edict.

Goodness also knows that no one expects the monsignor to be "pastor of that church until he draws his last breath." We stand ready to embrace a new pastor and accept his authority. All we ask is that monsignor, who can and will be a force for an orderly transition that would help the new pastor, live out his last years where he would be most comfortable -- St. Lucy's rectory.

As for Goodness' "consequences" comment, surely Myers knows that if anyone raised a hand against the church or any of our priests, the parishioners would rise as one against any such person.