Louisiana Church Criticized for Omitting Assault Victims in Prayer Bulletin
A Louisiana Catholic church published a parochial bulletin soliciting prayers for Anthony Odiong, a priest convicted in Texas of criminal clergy sexual assault and sentenced to life in prison, without mentioning his victims. One of the two convicted assault victims, identified as Mary Doe, publicly responded by urging St. Anthony of Padua's congregation in Luling, Louisiana, to also pray for survivors. The omission drew criticism from victims and their supporters following Odiong's guilty verdict.
Progressive outlets frame the church bulletin as emblematic of institutional Catholic Church failure to center victims in clergy abuse cases, reinforcing patterns of protecting perpetrators over survivors.
A Louisiana Catholic parish published a prayer request for a convicted priest without referencing his victims, prompting a public response from one of the assault survivors.
Conservative outlets may frame the church's bulletin as a pastoral act of prayer for a congregant's soul, while acknowledging the severity of the crimes, and note that local parishes operate with limited central oversight.
A Louisiana Catholic parish published a prayer request for a convicted priest without referencing his victims, prompting a public response from one of the assault survivors.
Anthony Odiong was sentenced to life in prison for clergy sexual assault in Texas, and his former Louisiana parish's bulletin did not mention the victims.