Two Traditional Pastors Removed in Under Three Years - Is This What Pastoral Care Looks Like?

The following article was submitted by a reader to Rorate. We publish it here without further comment. Since the time of writing, the CBS affiliate in Pittsburgh has picked up the story (see here and here). - PAK

Over the last few years, parish mergers have become the norm here in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Our parish, Mary, Queen of Saints, is comprised of four churches in four different communities throughout Beaver County. We've been blessed with Benedictine monks from St. Vincent Monastery in Latrobe, PA who have served as pastors and parochial vicars. Our parish has been thriving - packed churches, young families, an increase of converts to the faith, baptisms, and weddings. 

In the last two and a half years, we've had two monks - both pastors - removed from our parish by the Abbot of St. Vincent Monastery, Right Reverend Martin Bartel, and Bishop David Zubik. These two priests, along with the parochial vicars, have been a blessing to our faith community. They are traditional from a liturgical sense, and are doctrinally conservative. A few of them were celebrating the Latin mass at a parish church until they were banned by the Abbot (who ironically was our former pastor). 

Just yesterday, June 16, it was announced our current pastor, Father Canice McMullen, OSB, who is beloved by almost all people in the parish, was being recalled by the Abbot and will be returning to monastic life at St. Vincent. He is in his third year of a six year assignment. No reason was given. People are outraged over this sudden announcement. From what has been conveyed to me, it is due to a small handful of people who were opposed to their traditional liturgical practices - no use of eucharistic ministers, no female altar servers, no gift processionals, etc. The formal diocesan announcement read as follows:

"At the direction of the Right Reverend Martin R. Bartel, OSB, Archabbot of Saint Vincent Archabbey, the Reverend Canice McMullen, OSB, has been recalled to Saint Vincent Archabbey for reassignment effective Tuesday, July 1, 2025.  On that day, he will conclude his assignment as Pastor of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish, Aliquippa/Center/Hopewell/Monaca.

The Reverend John B. Gizler III from Senior Parochial Vicar, Holy Spirit Parish, Lawrence County, to Pastor, Mary Queen of Saints Parish, Aliquippa/Center/Hopewell/Monaca, effective Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

At the presentation of the Right Reverend Martin R. Bartel, OSB, Archabbot of Saint Vincent Archabbey, the Reverend Gilbert Heater, OSB, newly ordained, is appointed Parochial Vicar of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish, Aliquippa/Center/Hopewell/Monaca, effective Tuesday, July 15, 2025."

After receiving significant backlash on social media following this announcement, the diocese then released another statement:

"We understand and deeply appreciate the affection and gratitude many parishioners feel for Fr. Canice McMullen, OSB, who has served the faithful of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish with dedication and pastoral care.

Fr. Canice is a Benedictine priest of Saint Vincent Archabbey. He served at the parish on the recommendation of his superior, and with the approval of Bishop Zubik. His transfer is the result of several conversations with Father Canice regarding personal personnel matters.

To continue to provide for the pastoral care for the parishes in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Bishop Zubik has appointed Fr. John Gizler, a diocesan priest with experience in parish ministry, as pastor to serve the faithful of Mary, Queen of Saints during this time of transition.

We know transitions can be difficult and we ask for prayers for all involved — Fr. Canice, Fr. Gizler III, and most especially the people of the parish. We remain committed to providing strong, compassionate pastoral leadership as we move forward in faith together."

Needless to say, our faith community has suffered a tremendous and devastating blow. Losing one great priest is difficult enough, let alone two in such a short span of time. The people of this parish deserve answers.