LACROSSE, Wis. – The maverick right-wing priest James Altman was not to been seen at weekend Masses at St. James the Lesser Church. He was still listed in the church bulletin as pastor, but in charge was Monsignor Robert Hundt, who had been assigned to the parish after Bishop William Patrick Callahan formally banned Altman from the pulpit in a mushrooming confrontation over Altman’s teachings. To the faithful, Hundt called for support to rebuild the parish. “In a moment such as this there is a deep searching for words to touch and explain the reasons why,” Hundt said. “Might I suggest at this time, we really do not need a torment of words, explanations, justifications. What we need, dear friends, is silence –so that the voice of God might be heard in the depths of our spirits.” Hundt said he considered Altman a friend for 20 years. He described him as “a man of enormous energy, more than average intellect, fiery passion and enthusiasm — and deep love for the Catholic church, its teachings and its traditions.”
Earlier: Bishop to outspoken priest: Leave pastorship
Earlier: Showing love for Father Altman
Hundt. Under bishop’s assignment to St. James the Lesser parish.