(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — For the first time in five months, Father Michael Pfleger returned to preach at St. Sabina Church Sunday after being cleared of sex-abuse claims.
“It’s good to be home, St. Sabina, it’s good to be home,” he said.
The tearful and triumphant activist priest thanked his congregation, defense attorneys and supporters who filled the South Side Catholic church. Among the guests was film director Spike Lee.
Pleger called the abuse allegations a painful nightmare and talked of isolation he felt while he said his name was being assassinated.
Comparing his future to a restaurant meal, he had this message for his critics: “To all those that thought I’d been weakened, that I’m through, that I’m washed up, hold on to your fork! There’s more to come. This dinner ain’t over.”
Two men had claimed Pfleger sexually abused them decades ago. The Archdiocese temporarily removed him from ministry while it investigated, ultimately concluding there was no evidence supporting the allegations.
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