Ex-priest Hires Lawyer to Fend off 25-year-old Sex Charges

By Theresa Schmidt
KPLC
March 27, 2012

http://www.kplctv.com/story/17269296/former-priest-hires-local-defense-attorney

The former Catholic priest arrested and booked for allegedly sexually assaulting an eight year old boy 25 years ago says he has hired his own attorney. 56 year old Mark Anthony Broussard appeared before a judge this morning for "right to counsel" court.

He indicated he has hired local defense attorney Tom Lorenzi. Broussard has been booked on two counts of aggravated rape and 52 counts of sexual battery. The case is expected to be presented to a Calcasieu Grand Jury.

Bishop Glen John Provost has asked Catholics to pray and fast Friday to, in part, ask God's forgiveness for sins of the past and to alleviate suffering in the lives of victims of sexual abuse. The bishops full statement follows.

For a link to his homily to the parishioners at St. Henry's Catholic Church click here. Broussard served many years at St. Henry's before resigning the priesthood in 1994.

The Diocese of Lake Charles issued the following news release today:

Copyright 2012 KPLC. All rights reserved

Day of Prayer and Fasting on Friday, March 30

LAKE CHARLES -- Bishop Glen John Provost has asked the clergy and laity of the Diocese of Lake Charles to join him for a Day of Prayer and Fasting on Friday, March 30.

On this day, the Bishop is asking the faithful of the Diocese, "to pray with him asking God for the forgiveness of the sins of the past, for the grace and strength to pursue holiness in our lives, for reconciliation, and for the alleviation of suffering in the lives of victims of sexual abuse and their families, as well as for a spirit of peace and understanding to prevail."

Bishop Provost also offered the following suggestions to help facilitate this Day of Prayer and Fasting:

1) Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament;

2) The praying of the Seven Penitential Psalms throughout the day (i.e.: Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143);

3) The recitation of the Most Holy Rosary, especially the Sorrowful Mysteries; and

4) The attendance at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.