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A Filipino priest in Michigan has been suspended from presiding over funerals after his homily on suicide caught national attention.

Father Don Lacuesta of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Temperance, Michigan handled the service of 18-year old Maison Hullibarger who took his own life last December 4.

Maison's parents, Jeffrey and Linda Hallibarger, specifically requested for an uplifting homily but instead the Filipino priest called their son a sinner and sermonized on the morality of suicide.

The Hallibargers called for the removal of the priest. They said they were worried that Lacuesta could hurt other families in the same way.

On Saturday, the Archdiocese of Detroit said it has since suspended Lacuesta from presiding over funerals.

Reports said that Lacuesta sent a message to parishioners saying, "I'm working with the Archdiocese to ensure that I can more [work] effectively in the future."

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