PETITION IN SUPPORT OF FR. JOHN M. DUFFY

Father John has been a priest here at Sacred Heart for over 6 years and has done many wonderful things. I would like to see him return very soon. He has done a lot of good things in the church.

I am not in a habit of signing petitions, however one if not the best priests at St Patrick's in the past 25 years has been FR. John, a great man with a huge heart and my best and most heartfelt wishes go out to him, injustices are common it takes many different forms one must fight for their rights and standing behind great men, such as FR. John should be a no brainer !!!

I have known Fr. Duffy since he was Associate Pastor at St. Boniface in Scarborough and was impressed by his enthusiasm and sincerity.

Fr. John, You have carried the burdens of absolute integrity and courageous truth-telling your entire adult life. Even though your painful journey amid the lowly humanity that comprises Christ's Church, is disturbing -- it does not surprise me that my friend from St. Mike's College, U. of T., finds himself the target of slander and the victim of shameful bureaucracy. You NEVER backed away from the "good fight" John. Men like you so often find themselves set apart as an outcast from that very place and that group of people who should be your well of support and fraternal love. I imagine it's an incredibly lonely place to be, but you must remind yourself that you're in excellent company. Souls like yours suffer a great deal, but they serve to renew and refine the purity of the Church. I pray justice will prevail and that you are strengthened by the love and encouragement of Jesus, Mary, the saints, and your earthly family and friends. Hang in there.

Dear Fr John, I pray that our Blessed Mother and St Joseph continue to protect you and help you to fight these most malicious allegations against you. With my love and unwavering support always, George Kelaart

Dearest Fr John, I stand beside you as you fight these most malicious charges brought against you, one of God's own chosen. You have been nothing but a God send. Your personal and spiritual guidance are still in effect today. Your approachable, caring, honest and loving nature make people gravitate towards your genuine warmth – it certainly did for our family and for many others, which we have personally witnessed. Fr John, continue to place your trust in our Blessed Mother as I continue to pray for you and place you in Her loving care. You WILL be victorious Fr John!!! With love, prayers and 100% unyielding support Raelene Holsinger

Fr John has been our Priest for many years and has shown what a true Priest is, one who offers sacrifice . Fr John has not only spoke the true but has lived it . I pray that this injustice will not discourage others but rather expose the errors of the parties involved and give courage to all to come forward and defend truth and our Lord Christ Jesus at all times. May God be with you Fr John JMJ

For someone who keeps yapping keeps their identity a secret.

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. I don't think the Archdiocese fully understands this message.

The only person Duffy serves 1st is himself!!!!

I am so sad to hear about this. Father John married my husband and I in Scarborough in 1997. Father John was one of the most dedicated and caring priests I know. I'll be keeping Father John in my prayers!

Before we start unfairly chastising the Archdiocese of Toronto have the courtesy to contact the Chancellor of Spiritual Affairs Office and ask them to explain what the current situation is regarding the previous Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish. The active message board is emotionally charged and overly opinionated rather than factual. 416-934-0606 ext 602

We pray for those who are oppressed thought the world, never suspecting that one of our own parish priests would be subjected to similar oppression

My mother would be disheartened by the way the Church is treating one of it's own. She was at Fr. John's ordination and we were at his first Mass at our parish. He is a wonderful, caring human being and I am sorry to hear of this situation. Our family will help you in any way we can so please call us.

Any time over the years that I have met Fr. Duffy or participated in a Mass that he celebrated, I was left inspired by how he humbly and faithfully lived his priesthood. He clearly loved his parishioners and did not give any impression that he himself was important or above anyone. Quite the contrary. His masses were always reverent and his homilies exceptional. Usually without any notes, he consistently gave homilies full of helpful, solid doctrine and yet in a manner that was easily understood. I have encountered few priests who could do that. The loss of Fr. Duffy is a considerable loss for the diocese.

I have been a parishioner at Sacred Heart Church for 29 years. Before Father John Duffy came to Sacred Heart our parish was very cold and unwelcoming. Father John brought back the warmth to the church by welcoming his parishioners with open arms and bringing back many old traditions such as candle stations for prayers, beautiful candles and pieces for the alter, had a beautiful virgin mary erected outside the front of our parish and erected a cross on top of the church. Our church was also falling apart and Father John has had new lighting installed, new walkways, fixed the hall, had the parking lot paved, a much needed air conditioning unit and new furnace installed, and the list goes on. I was at the Church with my Mom on the last day that Father John said Mass at 11;00 a.m. and we gave him a standing ovation and many of us cried. I am still in shock over what has happened to Father John. I am appalled that a dedicated priest can be treated so cruelly and have his vocation ripped out from under him with no money. no home to go to and be put out on the street. This is all very unimaginable to me. Father John Duffy is one of the most approachable, caring, holy, honest, down to earth priests I have ever known. Such a kind and gentle soul. When my brother passed away he gave myself, my mom "ma mere"' as he calls her , and my siblings tremendous support and guidance to get through that difficult time. Father John Duffy is very ouspoken in teaching all of us the proper beliefs of the Catholic faith and is a priest that is not afraid to stand up for what is right. Because of the teachings of Father John and his positive influence, my faith as a Christian and a Catholic has become stronger. He has also helped me to understand the Catholic faith a lot better. My 91 year-old mother is also extemely shaken by what has happened and is praying for you Father John to be reinstated and come back to Sacred Heart Parish. My thoughts and prayers are with you Father John an

I am a new Catholic, Fr. Duffy baptised me in 2004. I am truly sorry. My prayers are with you. God Bless. Sandra R

We have known Fr. John since the time before he was ordained when he would also grace our home with his visits. He was also with us through family funerals and weddings and we have stayed in touch with him over all these years and aware of much of the good work that he has done. Let there be no doubt that we would trust and do trust him over any of the apparent hypocrisy (actually the not so apparent hypocrisy it would seem) that he has been and is being subjected to at this time. If not mistaken - Edgar Cayce many years ago - wrote something to the effect that "Only the strong are not afraid to show their weaknesses but only the weak are". For the Archdiocese to try to muzzle Fr. John only betrays the Archdiocese's weakness and possible hypocrisy towards the Church and its teachings as in this case it would appear that CONVENIENCE practiced by whomever at the Archdiocese is more important than the TRUTH and more important than the practice of Christian Charity. I have to wonder if Cardinal Collins is aware of this situation and wonder if he has been presented with convenient misinformation rather than the truth. (Note: my last six words reversed due to my previous error)

I have had similar bullying experiences towards me by the AOT. I hope that Fr. John takes them to the cleaners and teaches them a lesson in Christianity and respect!

We are truly saddened to hear about Fr. John Duffy. Unfortunately he is not the first, nor will he be the last shepherd of God melined by what appears to be rampant throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto by an underground which for argument sake, we refer to as the "Dirty Dozen" We believe their main objective undermine the church and its teachings to favour their own personal political agendas. In the interest of Justice their needs to be both sides brought forward and arguments presented openly and clearly and only then can the Truth prevail.