Posted on 06/23/2002 10:24:20 AM PDT by narses
Freddrick Mark Brito, a felon who posed as a priest at two Phoenix churches, celebrated Mass, a funeral, weddings and baptisms during his three weeks in the pulpit.
Brito, 46, was arrested last week on a California warrant alleging grand theft and embezzlement. He had been an associate pastor at Immaculate Heart and St. Anthony's churches since at least May 26.
A background check by The Arizona Republic uncovered a criminal record dating from 1979 that the Phoenix Diocese and, earlier, the Tucson Diocese failed to uncover. Embarrassed Phoenix diocesan officials on Wednesday were thankful no harm was done during Brito's brief stint in the pulpit.
"I took great offense at the church when they said no one was hurt," said Dolly Carvajal, 52, of Phoenix.
Brito, she said, presided at the funeral of her aunt, Felipa Romero, on June 4.
"It was kind of like losing a second mom, and I promised years ago that I would take care of her," Carvajal said.
She wants the $100 she paid for the service to be returned, and her aunt's grave to be blessed.
"I can understand how upset she is," said Monsignor Dale Fushek, diocesan vicar general.
On Thursday, the church received dozens of calls from confused parishioners.
Fushek pointed out that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass would have been met by attending a Mass at which Brito presided.
Sara Perez, a parishioner at Immaculate Heart, said Brito was present during a particularly busy time of year.
Besides the usual duties, she said, the churches conducted First Communion for children, a group of baptisms and several quinceañeras, the rite of passage celebration for Hispanic girls on their 15th birthdays.
"This is terrible. This is too much," said Perez, who's known as a critic of church policies.
She blamed Bishop Thomas O'Brien for not scrutinizing Brito more closely.
The Rev. Tim Davern of the Phoenix Diocese confirmed that Brito presided at several sacramental ceremonies.
Davern said that if Brito had presided:
• Marriages probably are legal but not valid in the church's eyes. The diocese has asked lawyers for help to decide the issue. "First, we will make sure they are valid civilly, then we will make sure it is right with the church," he said.
• Baptisms remain valid.
• Confessions, under which Catholics are absolved of sins, would not be accepted technically.
• Holy Eucharist, the central Catholic Church sacrament, which is consecrated at daily Masses, would not be authentic.
• Anointing of the sick, prayers with those who are seriously ill, would be invalid.
Contact the reporter at mike.clancy@arizonarepublic.com or at (602) 444-8550.
I think a great deal of harm was done; and there needs to be some accountability as to how it happened.
How'd this guy get an assignment, and who gave it to him?
Heads should roll over this. Goes to show that there is way, way too much bureaucracy within the dioceses. Too much is farmed out by the Bishops to those working for them. The Bishops need to attend fewer dinners and functions and get back to the business of hands on management, within reason.
"I took great offense at the church when they said no one was hurt," said Dolly Carvajal, 52, of Phoenix.
Brito, she said, presided at the funeral of her aunt, Felipa Romero, on June 4.
I would think that Dolly would have selected, or Aunt Felipa would have preselected, a priest that one of them was familiar with. In light of recent events, I'd want to get to know and observe someone for more than nine days prior to a funeral.
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