Uproar over Texas priest using pin on kids

A Roman Catholic priest in Austin, Texas, is being investigated for pricking the palms of 15 children to show them what pain Jesus went through.

The Rev. Arthur Michalka, 78, called the children forward last Wednesday, and used a pin that had not been sterilized on them, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

"What I was trying to teach them is that suffering is a part of life," Michalka said.

Debbie Sybert said the pinpoint drew blood from her 11-year-old daughter's palm, but Michalka disputes that, saying none of the children bled.

Michalka apologized for his actions at Sunday mass, although the Catholic Diocese of Austin is still investigating, the newspaper said.

Helen Osman, communications director for the diocese, said workers at the Williamson County and Cities Health District will conduct confidential interviews with the children to find out whether they have any communicable diseases and whether skin was broken.

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