In recent days, Giuseppe Michienzi, formerly vice mayor and councilor of the City of Philadelphia, had written to the bishop Msgr. Ours and the general secretariat of the Episcopal Conference, a letter where incorrect behavior on the part of the priest who leads the church of Santa Barbara was denounced, such as “the lack of welcome towards the faithful, an economic management that raises concerns about the methods of requesting money” and more.
So the response from those who are on Don Suppa’s side was not long in coming. «As parishioners of San Teodoro – we read in a note – we feel obliged to publicly dissociate ourselves from what was stated in the letter sent to the bishop Msgr. Attlio Nostro signed by Giuseppe Michienzi, it is necessary to underline that it is not possible to ascribe the criticisms leveled against the new parish priest Don Rocco Suppa to the entire community. A few months ago – it is pointed out – the new pastoral community was born which unites the parishes of our territory. A path of unity, communion and shared growth that represents a concrete sign of renewal.”
Then, they go on to explain that «Holy Week experienced moments of high spirituality, faith and active participation in the various religious, liturgical and popular tradition rites. Don Rocco’s work was very intense, but the climate of serenity was disturbed by defamatory accusations against him. The community – they conclude – will not be carried away by these dynamics: it remains steadfast in the values of respect, truth and dignity, continuing to look ahead with serenity and trust, alongside its parish priest.”