Update on Fr. Francis Mary Stone aka David Stone

[Post updated on October 11, 2008]

Many of you come to this site searching for an update on Fr. Francis Mary Stone. Well here’s his purported site:

Dave Stone, Inc.

Follow the discussion:

Fr. Francis Mary Stone of EWTN Is Now Dave

Could Dave Stone Inc. Be Fake?

Fr. Joe Jenkins provides clarity on this scandal:

FATHER JOE: I was not sure what this comment was about, but I now see that it is a citation from the former priest’s website. He mentioned my remark but I stand by what I said regarding the harsh cold realities of raising a family. My father quit school after fifth grade to help his parents. He worked like a dog at manual labor and as a surveyor’s aide six days a week from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM six days a week. He took no vacations and destroyed his body while earning minimum wage. He had to take care of seven children and a wife at home. Every Sunday, without excuses or tardiness, he made sure we all went to Mass. When he finally retired he had a series of strokes and was largely bedridden until 83 years of age. Then he went to God. He suffered at his work. It was not fun. It was not fulfilling. But it was his duty. He had promises to keep. TRUE LOVE and manhood is measured by how we embrace the challenging harsh realities of life. It is at the core as to what Christian sacrifice is about. My father counted his wife and children as his treasures. He was poor in the eyes of the world but he counted himself rich. He told me if you get married, you belong to your family… totally, all your strength, everything. If you become a priest, you belong to the Church. He insisted that I must decide one way or the other and he prayed that I would be a priest. He stressed again and again, whatever you do, KEEP YOUR PROMISES. I cannot speak about other men, or even about other priests… but my father’s wisdom is mine. There can be no turning back. I am a priest. I am celibate. I am obedient. My life belongs to the Lord and his Church.

Father or Mister Stone seems to be telling people openly now what I concealed of his scandal told me some time back. He can write his book, although I would urge silence and prudence. And with that I will shut up myself. Peace!

When Fr. Stone first left EWTN to discern his vocation, faithful priests offered their advice for priests and women who place themselves in precarious situations. It’s covered in the second half of this previous post: