.- An organization in Argentina has launched a campaign in support of Fr. Jorge Daniel Gomez, a priest being attacked by the media for stopping an anti-Catholic performance.
The organization, ArgentinosAlerta.org, said it decided to start the online campaign because priests should be supported when they stand up for the truth, and not just criticized for their failings.
A video posted on YouTube shows a clip from a Jan. 13 event known as the Chivo National Festival. After Fr. Gomez, a priest from the Diocese of San Rafael, and his folklore band performed, a group called The Lutherieces took the stage to perform a number from “Les Luthiers.”
The Lutherieces were dressed as friars and performed a number mocking priests, saints and Catholic devotions, especially chastity.
Fr. Gomez, who was in the audience, bypassed security, came on stage and took one of the microphones. He addressed the group in a firm but calm voice. “Could we please ask the group to continue with a different number because we are all Catholic here, I am a priest and I won’t allow my chastity to be tarnished.”
“I know you are excited to be here, but could you do something else?” The crowd of more than 8,000 broke out in applause, and the group went on to perform a different song.
The next day, members of the media and social networking groups began attacking the priest.
ArgentinosAlerta.org then stepped in to defend Fr. Gomez.
Fr. Gomez is a “courageous priest who did not hesitate to publicly stand up for the faith of his people which was being attacked on stage,” the organization said.
“Fr. Jorge teaches us that we need to be courageous when defending the faith, that when our pastors speak out, the people will follow them, that it is possible to be respectful and firm at the same time.”
The video can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrIFa_C2X78
