Letter to the editor: Father Monieau should return to his vocation

I was privileged to serve Mass with Father John Moineau. He was the most devout priest I have known. His homilies so many times have spoken to me directly. He always seemed to have just the right thing to say. As my confessor, his compassion was beyond compare. As a friend to me and my husband Randy, he was a “real” person who loved to talk sports and life in general.

We moved six years ago, and I kept in touch with Father John. We come back to visit Pennsylvania each summer. We look forward to coming to Mass at Immaculate Conception Parish, and especially seeing Father John and my dear former parishioners. This past June I witnessed total devastation felt by the faithful.

As the administrator of two parishes, a school and a cemetery, Father John had many people doing their various jobs. In my involvement at Immaculate Conception, I witnessed devoted people performing their duties professionally. I believe that Father John had complete faith in their thoroughness.

Father John was a faithful servant even as he valiantly battled a devastating illness. Why was this situation handled so poorly? Should an investigation have been done before quickly getting rid of Father John? Do we not believe in forgiveness, as Jesus forgives us? We do not practice what we preach? Such hypocrisy!

I pray that a truly devout priest will receive the apology he deserves, and return to what he loves above all else — his priestly vocation.

Elaine Funk

Myrtle Beach, S.C.