Here is the “Farewell Statement of the Parish Priest” Andrzej Łuczyński published on the website of the Parish of St. Maternus the Martyr in Lubomierz:

Dear Brothers and Sisters
of the Parish of St. Maternus in Lubomierz.

As of January 3, I was suspended from my duties as parish priest by Auxiliary Bishop Piotr of the Diocese of Legnica. The decree concerning my suspension was signed, alongside Bishop Piotr, by the Chancellor of the Legnica Curia. I was informed that canonical proceedings had been initiated against me under the following canons of the Code of Canon Law:

Can. 1741 – The causes for which a pastor can be removed from his parish according to the provisions of the law are especially the following:

1. a manner of acting that brings serious harm or disturbance to the ecclesial community;

3. loss of good reputation among honest and serious-minded parishioners, or aversion toward the pastor, which, according to expectation, will not cease quickly;

Before the decree was delivered, I was questioned by an ecclesiastical court as the accused. Monika and Roman R. filed the indictment against me, accusing me of intimate contacts with Ms. Monika R. and other women from the Parish of St. Maternus in Lubomierz. I was also accused of granting absolution for the sin of adultery, which Ms. Monika R. was allegedly to have committed with me, for which a canonical penalty may be imposed. All these allegations are lies and slander directed against me and intended to destroy me as a priest and a man. The alleged evidence meant to incriminate me has been fabricated. During a meeting with the parish council, Ms. Monika R. denied that any intimate relationship had existed between her and me. I have witnesses who confirm this. All the accusations made by Mr. and Mrs. R. are unfounded. At the same time, I inform you that I have brought a civil case against Mr. and Mrs. R. and will seek substantial compensation for the harm caused. This situation led to a deterioration in my health; I developed anxiety depression and other illnesses. At the same time, these slanders seriously worsened my parents’ health. My father now requires round-the-clock medical care. I ask you very much not to believe the slanders about me. This entire situation fills me with sadness and pain. I have been a priest for 22 years, I love the priesthood very much, and I try to deepen my bond with God through daily prayer, the Eucharist, weekly confession and annual priestly retreats. Throughout my life, I have always cared to set a good example as a priest and as a member of the Church, which my dear parishioners can confirm. At this point, I wish to ask you to pray for me.

The clergyman adds: – Bishop Piotr forbade me from celebrating Holy Mass at the Parish of St. Maternus, which is why I am addressing you in this way. Thank you for all the kindness I cannot count that I received from each and every one of you. I would like to thank the Parish Council very much for its great support during these dramatic moments in my life and in the lives of my parents. I am very sorry for any evil on my part and humbly ask for forgiveness. Once again, I thank God and you that I was able to serve in Lubomierz for this short time. I have forgiven Mr. and Mrs. R. from the bottom of my heart and pray for a transformation of their hearts and for them to understand how much evil they are doing. May the good God bless you abundantly.

Header photo: lwowecki.info.