Not used to being sidelined, the Rev. Michael Pfleger on Sunday peeked from behind an open door behind the altar and gazed on as Mass went on without him.
It was the first Sunday service held at St. Sabina Catholic Church since Cardinal Francis George suspended Pfleger last week for threatening to leave the Roman Catholic Church if he is forced to become the president of Leo Catholic High School.
The Rev. Thulani Magwaza, associate pastor at St. Sabina and now administrator of the parish, led the Sunday service, which focused on youth. He prayed for Pfleger and sang his praises, especially his work in the community.
"Thank you, Father Mike, for your vision. Thank you, Father Mike, for your love. Thank you, Father Mike, for all you do for our young people," Magwaza said, shouting into his microphone as the crowd of about 1,000 people cheered wildly.
Cinque Cullar, a youth minster, presented Pfleger with a framed certificate of appreciation signed with handwritten messages from children in the church.
"This is for a special guy. He's around here somewhere. I don't know if he can show his face or not," Cullar said.
Pfleger, who wore a purple shirt and slacks, intermittently watched the three-hour service.
Partially hidden by the door frame to the sacristy, he mostly gazed out into the sanctuary.
At times Pfleger, who was listed on the church program as pastor, clapped and pointed his finger as the youth ministry choir belted out gospel songs.
Parishioners who got a glimpse of their beloved priest said it made them feel better.
"For the children, to see Father Pfleger today was definitely uplifting. Even if it was peeking around the corner," said Mack Julion, 23.
But many said the service felt different after so many years of worshipping with the same priest.
"We definitely felt Father Pfleger's absence," said Alanna Ford-West, 45. "He has an awesome presence."
Despite his absence, Ford-West said it was important to come support him and the church.
"We feel his pain," she said. "We're all in pain about this."
Pfleger did not speak with reporters, but his assistant, Vince Clark, said the priest is hurting.
"He's wounded by what happened," Clark said. "He's deeply hurt and feels a lack of respect."
Clark said Pfleger "wrestled" when deciding whether to attend the Mass, but chose to linger in the back.
"He still wanted to be part of the service ... in particular because it was all geared at the youth," Clark said. "He was bothered by the fact that he could not fully participate as he wanted to."
Associate minister Kimberly Lymore told parishioners that on Tuesday they will be fasting and praying for Pfleger and the church, though she cautioned that plans could be altered.
"You know, things change rapidly around here," Lymore said.
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