BishopAccountability.org
 
 

Cardinal O’malley Ousts Seminary Rector Amid Sex Abuse Allegations

By Jordan Frias
Boston Herald
August 11, 2018

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/local_coverage/2018/08/cardinal_o_malley_ousts_seminary_rector_amid_sex_abuse_allegations

Credit: Christopher Evans

Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley has ordered the ouster of the Archdiocese of Boston St. John’s Seminary rector for the fall semester and is demanding an investigation into alleged abuse following social media posts by two former seminarians.

Msgr. James P. Moroney has been placed on sabbatical leave and the Rev. Stephen E. Salocks, a professor of sacred scripture, will serve as interim rector while a team appointed by O’Malley investigates any wrongdoing at the seminary.

The team appointed is being led by Assumption College president Dr. Francisco Cesareo, Auxiliary Bishop Most Rev. Mark O’Connell and Athena Legal Strategies Group CEO Kimberly Jones.

“I have directed this group to proceed with due seriousness of their assignment,” O’Malley said, “and as soon as possible to submit to me the findings of the inquiry and a set of recommendations to assure appropriate standards of professional behavior in compliance with church teaching at all levels of seminary life.”

O’Malley said he learned of the allegations of wrongdoing through social media sites, including posts made to the Archdiocese’s Facebook page.

He said the allegations “are directly contrary to the moral standards and requirements of formation for the Catholic priesthood.”

Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, who represented victims of priest sex abuse, is calling for the archdiocese to release all records and information relative to sexual abuse at the seminary so “victims can try to heal.”

“The recent reporting of sexual abuse at St. John’s Seminary is further evidence that the Archdiocese of Boston is continuing to practice the cover up of sexual abuse and will not practice transparency to help sexual abuse victims heal,” Garabedian said. “The creation of an investigatory board or team should have taken place decades ago. Given the horrible history of sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of Boston, it should come as no surprise that sexual abuse has taken place at St. John’s Seminary.”

O’Malley said although he cannot verify or disprove the allegations made on social media, he is committed to “immediate action.”

He is calling for his team of investigators to look into the personal standards expected and required of candidates for the priesthood, sexual harassment and other forms of intimidation or discrimination at the seminary.

 

 

 

 

 




.

 
 

Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.