Autopsy results are complete in the death of a Buffalo priest. The Erie County Medical Examiner's office says Father Joseph Moreno died from a self-inflicted wound.
The priest was discovered Saturday inside the rectory of St. Lawrence Parish. The deacon who found his body noted that a gun was laying next to him.
Buffalo Bishop Richard Malone has reappointed Deacon Paul and Mary Weisenburger as pastoral administrators, effective immediately at St. Lawrence. The Diocese says they will remain in place until a new leader of the parish is appointed, but no timetable for a new appointment has been made.
The Weisenburgers have led the parish for the past six years and were planning to retire. During a meeting this morning at the Catholic Center with the Bishop, the couple agreed to postpone their retirement.
Father Moreno was reportedly upset with Diocese plans to transfer him to another parish. Last Tuesday, Bishop Malone and Father Moreno met to discuss his future pastoral assignment.
Prior to Moreno's passing, the bishop had appointed Father Francis Mazur to be the temporary administrator at St.Lawrence, but said today that appointment has been rescinded. Father Mazur will continue his role as chaplain at ECMC.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced tomorrow.
