Black Parish White Priest

How long are you going to stay? queried his skeptical Black parishioners. I hope to die here responded Denis their new White pastor. With that commitment he encouraged their sense of self-worth and urged them to claim their rights in the church and in the broader community. As he gained their trust they called him Father O not to be familiar but in love. Working with Black ministers he endeavored to improve the quality of life for everyone by creating the Chester Community Improvement Project and Better Housing for Chester. As tensions arose between Black parents and White teachers in his parochial school and as his outspokenness provoked the city's politicians complaints were made to Cardinal Krol Archbishop of Philadelphia. Citing anonymous sources the cardinal fired Denis as pastor. When he moved to another parish in obedience to the cardinal Denis lamented All I want to do is cry these are my people. Because Cardinal Krol would not identify his anonymous informants Denis refused to resign as pastor and demanded a hearing in accordance with canon law. The dispute was resolved when the cardinal permitted Denis to accept a position at Saint Mary Seminary in Baltimore. There before dying of cancer he devoted himself to teaching young seminarians the nuts and bolts of being a pastor. Admonishing them to be good shepherds he affirmed if you are going to live the gospel. you have to speak out. As he learned you also have to be prepared to suffer the consequences.