Elderly CNMI priest will continue some duties

7:44 pm on 12 November 2015
Old St Pauls in Wellington

Photo: 123rf

A Catholic Church priest in CNMI, Father Ryan Jimenez, says the health of 97-year-old Monsignor Luis Antonelli is the primary reason why his diocese is reducing his work load from the end of the month.

The church's move sparked an outcry among Monsignor Antonelli's parishioners on the island of Rota but Fr Jimenez says the elderly priest will continue to serve as priest-in-residence.

The parish council of the San Isidro Church in Sinapalo had said there was no just cause or evidence to remove Monsignor Antonelli who had been fulfilling all his obligation and responsibilities.