From the Webmasters to the Frien

It has recently come to our attention that a rumor is circulating which states that Father Altier himself created the DesertVoice website and has been responsible for loading up his own material onto the Internet, thus promoting himself. We would like to correct this misconception.

We are a Catholic family who have been parishioners at the Church of Saint Agnes in Saint Paul, Minnesota for seven years. Having listened to Father Altier�s inspired homilies and experienced many graces through his ministry, we felt called by the Holy Spirit to make his homilies available to Catholics everywhere. Thus, �A Voice in the Desert� was born. The first homily was recorded and uploaded to the Internet on February 26, 2001, and the website recently observed its 5 year anniversary.

Both my wife and myself are Secular Discalced Carmelites with a background in computer technology, and our two children have also assisted us in many ways throughout the years in providing this spiritual service to the People of God. Following the Carmelite spirituality, we have devoted ourselves to a wholehearted support of the Holy Roman Catholic Church and her beloved priests, particularly Father Robert Altier. Throughout this time, we have sought to remain hidden, not seeking any notoriety for ourselves, but only wanting to be humble servants in Christ�s flock. We regret that recent events have warranted that we step forward to clarify this situation, but we are deeply saddened by what Father Altier is enduring at this time and desire that his honorable reputation not be soiled by false notions.

On the morning of Ash Wednesday, March 1, 2006, Father Altier received a letter from Archbishop Harry Flynn requesting that his homilies and spiritual presentations cease to be published on the DesertVoice website and that he refrain from participating in any radio broadcasts through Relevant Radio. That very afternoon, Father Altier contacted us and asked us to �shut down� the website. As laity operating this website, we are not bound by Archbishop Flynn�s request legally or technically. However, in the spirit of obedience, we are complying with the Archbishop�s wishes because this is in accord with Father Altier�s own desire to be obedient. In addition, Father Altier does not have access to either update, change, add, or delete any part of this website. Our family alone continues to retain complete control of the website.

We thank all of you who have supported www.desertvoice.org with your prayers and sacrifices these past five years. You are as much a part of this as we are, hidden yet fruitful, and it could never have been done without you. God bless you for your faithfulness. In these difficult days, we remain united always in the Body and Blood of Our Lord.

webmaster www.evangelizationstation.com