Catholic enthusiasts regenerated a secluded Arizona hamlet, but were subsequently instructed to depart by the diocese
In the small, picturesque village of Concho, nestled in the Arizona high desert, a lay Catholic group known as the League of the Blessed Sacrament has been at the centre of a heated controversy. The group, which arrived four years ago from the Canons Regular of Immaculate Conception in Santa Paula, California, has been embraced by the communities of Concho, Show Low, St. Johns, and Snowflake, revitalizing the struggling parish and community. However, their independent actions have raised concerns for the Diocese of Gallup, leading to a recent order for the group to vacate parish housing and stop their involvement in church services and educational roles.
The League of the Blessed Sacrament, a group of young Catholics, has been providing care for three boys who came from troubled homes, with the permission of the boys' mothers. One mother, Katherine Therese Heal, shared that the men have been strong role models for her son as she was divorcing his stepfather. Her son, now 14, was previously depressed, had low self-esteem, and disliked school, but has since shown interest in college, according to Heal.
However, the Diocese of Gallup, led by Bishop James S. Wall, has accused the League of misrepresenting themselves and acting beyond the parameters authorized by the Church. This allegation arose from the group's independent actions, particularly taking in vulnerable children, which reportedly raised liability and oversight concerns for the diocese, the poorest in the nation. As a result, the bishop ordered the group to cease their involvement in conducting church services and educational roles at a local Catholic school.
Anthony Ribaya, a member of the League, vowed never to sacrifice truth and justice for the sake of being a priest. Meanwhile, Eric Faris, a former Protestant minister who converted to Catholicism and aspires to become a priest, maintains that the group has represented themselves truthfully and followed the diocese's orders.
The League continues to uphold their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Despite the order to leave, the group plans to maintain a presence in Concho with their shops and radio station. In a surprising turn of events, Vizcarra and the men have initiated the process to adopt Heal's son.
The dispute highlights tensions between lay Catholic initiatives and established church authority in a financially strained diocese. The League of the Blessed Sacrament has started a K-12 Catholic school in Vernon, approximately 25 miles south of Concho, and has established an animal farm, a thrift store, a Catholic bookstore, a farmer's market, a coffee shop, and a radio station in Concho.
John Bunn, a resident of Show Low, met the group at St. Rita's parish and describes their arrival as a breath of fresh air. Community members in Concho, including Hope MacMonagle and Christine Bennett, are demanding answers from the Diocese of Gallup regarding the group's removal. As the situation unfolds, the future of the League of the Blessed Sacrament in Concho remains uncertain.
[1] Gallup Diocese orders lay Catholic group to leave parish housing, stop church services, The Arizona Republic, 15th February 2023. [2] The League of the Blessed Sacrament: A Controversial Lay Catholic Group in Arizona, The National Catholic Reporter, 20th February 2023.
- The League of the Blessed Sacrament, having initiated a K-12 Catholic school and establishments like an animal farm, thrift store, Catholic bookstore, farmer's market, coffee shop, and radio station in Concho, has stirred a debate between their actions and the established church authority, particularly concerning their presence in Seattle's political and financial landscape.
- The League's leadership, with their commitment to business ventures and community involvement, has raised questions about their obedience to the Diocese of Gallup, sparking tension as they strive to maintain a presence in Concho despite the order to vacate parish housing and cease church services.
- The controversy surrounding the League of the Blessed Sacrament in Concho, characterized by their independent actions and alleged misrepresentation, has brought forth the complex relationship between lay leadership and traditional church governance within a financially strained diocese.
