RELIGION : ‘Miracle’ Pastor Resigns

The pastor of a Beaver County Roman Catholic church who claimed that the eyes of a plastic crucifix of Jesus closed in the so-called “miracle in Ambridge” has resigned.

The resignation of the Rev. Vincent Cvitkovic, 51, was revealed Sunday in the weekly bulletin at Holy Trinity Church and confirmed by the Diocese cf Pittsburgh.

Last March, the priest and about 150 parishioners said the eyes of a plaster crucifix of Jesus suspended from the ceiling closed during a Good Friday service. The reports drew crowds and national attention to the church.

A diocesan panel investigated but later discounted reports that any miracle had occurred.

Cvitkovic, who had been pastor of Holy Trinity for nearly four years, went on leave in mid-June and did not return. He is in seclusion in a Beaver County monastery.

The Rev. Ronald Lengwin, a diocesan spokesman, said Cvitkovic had told church officials that he wanted to resign, citing the “best interest of the church.”