CHICAGO – The Chicago Archdiocese has fired a priest for what it calls an “inappropriate relationship” with a man.
ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO STATEMENT Regarding Rev. Marco A. Mercado:
On October 1, 2015, Archbishop Blase J. Cupich removed Rev. Marco A. Mercado, Rector of the Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines from ministry because of Fr. Mercado’s inappropriate relationship with an adult man. Archbishop Cupich has withdrawn Fr. Mercado’s faculties, his authority to minister. Rev. Adan Sandoval Duron has been appointed Interim Administrator and Fr. Mercado will reside away from the Shrine, effective immediately.
The Archdiocese is committed to ensuring those serving our parishioners are fit for ministry. Archbishop Cupich knows this news will be difficult to hear and he offers his assurance of prayers and solidarity with the community at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We will provide updates on the situation as they become available.
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In a statement released Saturday and published by NBC, Mercado said:
“At all times I have cooperated with the Archdiocese of Chicago and I will continue to safeguard the welfare of the Sanctuary of my office,” Mercado said in the statement. “As a human being I am not perfect, but as a priest my priority has always been the work of the Gospel and the struggle for immigrants and the most vulnerable. I pray that this issue is resolved soon, and I ask for your prayers, at the same time that I apologize if this scandal has caused any hardship to the faithful. I pray that Santa Maria de Guadalupe keep us under her mantle.”
