“I can’t say enough good things about him.”
Washington, DC –(ENEWSPF)–October 5, 2015. Today, Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) issued a statement in reaction to the news that Father Marco Mercado had been removed from his position at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Father had been Rep. Gutierrez’ guest in the House Gallery when Pope Francis addressed a Joint Session of Congress in September. According to news reports, the Father was removed from his position at the Des Planes, Illinois Catholic Church by the Archdiocese of Chicago over allegations of an “inappropriate” relationship with an adult.
“The Father Mercado I know is an incredible public servant who has built a very important and broad congregation in Des Plaines with a reach that goes well beyond the Chicago area. I can’t say enough good things about him. He was the perfect guest to join me during the Pope’s visit. I learned a lot from him and hold him in the highest regard.
“I do not know anything about the allegations, but I hope this matter is resolved quickly. He is an important spiritual and community leader who has so much to offer and I hope he soon continues his service to others.”
Rep. Gutiérrez represents the Fourth District of Illinois, is a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, is a Member of the Judiciary Committee and the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, and is the Co-Chair of the Immigration Task Force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
Source: www.gutierrez.house.gov
Related Article:
Statement From the Archdiocese of Chicago Regarding Rev. Marco A. Mercado
