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  St. Philip's New Priest Faces Controversy

KGET [Bakersfield CA]
June 8, 2005

BAKERSFIELD - Allegations of misconduct surround a priest set to begin service at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Bakersfield in June has startled its parishioners.

Reverend Jean-Michael Lastiri is scheduled to begin serving at St. Philip the Apostle Church soon.

He served as pastor at St. Patrick's Parish in Merced.

He left the church in 2004 after parishioners accused him of engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior on the internet.

Fr. Lastiri is also suspected of using church money for personal use.

The Merced Sun-Starr reported last July that parishioners accused Fr. Lastiri of participating in sexual conversations on the internet and seeking gay lovers.

Monsignor Ron Swett of St. Philip's said that he was aware of the allegations, but that they did not involve children or illegal activity.

The Sun-Starr also reported that Fr. Lastiri was suspected of using church money for personal use.

Deacon Jess Avila, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Fresno indicated that the bishop of the archdiocese agreed to have a local committee of experts examine the finances in question.

The committee found that $60,000 in church expenditures was not properly spent and so the parish was reimbursed. Deacon Avila also said that Fr. Lastiri had made a public commitment to deal with his problems and received proper treatment.

Parishioners said that they would not judge him. One parishioner stated, "We're all human. We all fail." Another comment "I haven't met him so I'm trying to reserve judgment."

Fr. Lastiri served at St. Philip's Church as priest several years ago and parishioners said that they are ready to welcome him back.

Msgr. Swett said, Fr. Lastiri is prepared to return to active ministry and that he is a good priest with personal issues that shouldn't be judged.

He adds that he hasn't decided how or if he will address parishioners regarding this issue at mass on Sunday.

One man who said he was a parishioner at St. Philip's e-mailed KGET and stated he's disgusted with the news and refuses to continue to attend that parish.

 
 

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