Prosecutors have tried to convict disgraced priest Anthony Odiong for more than two years.<\/p>\n
Odiong’s name has officially been added to a list of priests accused<\/a> of sexually abusing a minor on the Archdiocese of New Orleans website<\/a>, though his charges stem from Texas, out of McLennan County, where Waco is the county seat. The list states the priests are removed from ministry pending their criminal trial or verdict.<\/p>\n The Guardian<\/a> reports the Archdiocese of New Orleans may be planning to remove Odiong\u2019s name from the inscription at Our Lady of Guadalupe Healing Chapel<\/a> in Luling, Louisiana, a church the news outlet says the jailed priest helped raise $600,000 to build.\u00a0<\/p>\n The accused priest has served in many cities across Texas and in Louisiana. Having served in Austin before his move to Waco, Bishop Joe S. V\u00e1squez<\/a>, formerly of the Diocese of Austin and now Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, issued a statement in the months after Odion\u2019s arrest expressing concern for the victims.<\/p>\n \u201cI am deeply saddened by the news that is emerging concerning Father Anthony Odiong, a priest of the Diocese of Uyo, Nigeria, who previously served in the Diocese of Austin,\u201d V\u00e1squez wrote. \u201cI remain committed to cooperating with and supporting law enforcement in their efforts. Let us hold in prayer those who have been impacted by this matter. May God bring about His peace and renewal.\u201d<\/p>\n