Diocese of Rochester removes two priests from public ministry

By Antoinette Delbel
WHAM
December 10, 2018

https://cnycentral.com/news/local/diocese-of-rochester-remove-two-priests-from-public-ministry

Two priest have been removed from public ministry, according to the Diocese of Rochester.

The Diocese of Rochester has removed two priests from public ministry following an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct.

Reverend Thomas Valenti and Reverend Erick Viloria are restricted from presenting themselves publicly as clerics.

Father Valenti, who served at Blessed Trinity/St. Patrick’s in Tioga County, was accused in June 2018 of sexually abusing a minor. The alleged abuse occurred in the 1970s.

In June, Boston attorney Mitch Garabedian publicly accused Father Thomas Valenti of that sexual abuse incident when he worked as a deacon at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in the Town of Ontario in the ‘70s.

During an independent investigation and review, the Rochester Diocese concluded Valenti did engage in inappropriate behavior with minors during that time period.

Garabedian, who represents more than 45 victims of alleged clergy sexual abuse within the Diocese of Rochester, said the diocese has only scratched the surface of these allegations.

“It's too little too late for many victims,” he said. “The Catholic Church should've been doing this when they found out a predator priests was sexually abusing decades ago.”

Father Valenti denies the claims and plans on appealing the Bishop's decision to the Holy See.

The diocese also found that Father Erick Viloria, who served at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Geneva, inappropriately used social media with an adult. The claim was made against Viloria in August 2018. He has the right to appeal, it is unclear if he will do so.

In September, the NYS Attorney General ordered all dioceses statewide to give information on cases of reported abuse.

Garabedian said the church is not doing enough.

“I've spoken to one victim, and he feels empowered, but he feels as though the diocese is being forced to do this because of the current investigation being conducted in New York State," he said.

The Diocese of Rochester addressed the action to remove the two priests.

In a statement posted on the diocese website, Bishop Salvatore Matano said in part, "The Diocese of Rochester is committed to creating a safe environment for all, most especially our children, young people and vulnerable adults. As Bishop of Rochester, I pledge to continue the many important initiatives we have undertaken to ensure this."

The full statement from Bishop Matano can be read here.

Monroe County DA Sandra Doorley said her office is working with the bishop regarding sexual abuse cases. At this point, no recent incidents have surfaced in Monroe County.