Update on Fr. John Perricone and St. Anthony of Padua Parish

Founder's death leaves traditional congregation in dispute over successor

To say that St. Anthony of Padua, the church [Fr Paul] Wickens started nine years ago, is a haven for traditionalists is an understatement. And with his death this year, the search for just the right successor to the old founder has split the parishioners of this unusual West Orange church.

At a time when they would rather rally around a new priest, hundreds have boycotted the chapel for makeshift Masses at a Ramada Inn in East Hanover and a VFW Post and the Wellesley Inn in Fairfield.

The schism opened soon after the July death of Wickens, whose opposition to the historic 1960s reforms of the Second Vatican Council attracted hundreds of other "traditionalist" Catholics who like him felt the changes sullied ancient Catholic traditions and practices.

The current boycotters say they have nothing personal against Wickens' replacement, the Rev. John Perricone, a conservative Catholic in his own right who in many ways seems a perfect fit for St. Anthony's. Perricone, who started at St. Anthony's Dec. 1, is founder of the group "Christifidelis," which is dedicated to the Latin Mass.

The article states that some have rejected Fr. Perricone because is an archdiocesan priest, or because he celebrates both Masses (Tridentine and Novus Ordo), or for other reasons that perhaps only God understands.

With God's grace, may Fr. Perricone prevail in his new assignment.

Source.