From F. C on the "other" forum....

Cullman Monk Leaves "Reconciled" Monastery: Only One Remains

« on: August 23, 2011, 07:23:AM »

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There has been a further development in the story of Christ the King Abbey in Cullman, Alabama, which put itself under local Novus Ordo bishop after the death of its founder, Father Leonard Giardina.

Readers will recall that at the time only two of the priest-monks accepted the arrangement and remained in the monastery.

One of those monks, it appears, had second thoughts, left the monastery, and is now working with CMRI, a sedevacantist organization. In August 2011 number of Adsum, the newsletter for Mater Dei Seminary in Omaha, Nebraska, Bishop Mark A. Pivarunas CMRI wrote as follows:

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Among the more significant events of this summer there is the joyful news that Fr. Michael Sauntner, OSB, of Christ the King Abbey has disassociated himself from the Conciliar Church, and is now affiliated with the Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen (CMRI).

In may. Fr. Michael returned home to Tacoma, Washington, for a visit with this family and for a short sabbatical to reflect on all that had transpired since the death of Abbot Leonard Giardina, OSB. During this visit he attended, with the members of his family, our church in Tacoma, St. Mary's, and had the opportunity to have lengthy visits with Fr. Michael Anaya. I also had an opportunity to meet him for the first time when I administered the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Mary's.

After much time and reflection, Fr. Michael came to the conclusion that he needed to leave the Monastery and begin again to offer Holy Mass.

It was in the midst of our July priests' meeting on Omaha that I received word hat he left the Monastery. Please keep him in your prayers.

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This leaves the monastery occupied by one monk, Fr. Sebastian Glentz, and some members of Canons of St. John Cantius, the Chicago-based Indult group that the local bishop had installed to take control of the operation.