Opus Dei settles misconduct claim against US priest Molested woman is paid $977,000 after being groped during pastoral counseling

La Croix International with Catholic News Service
January 10, 2019

https://bit.ly/2RSBmEk

Father C. John McCloskey

The Catholic personal prelature Opus Dei has paid US$977,000 to settle a sexual misconduct claim against one of its priests in Washington, D.C.

Father C. John McCloskey was accused of groping a woman several times while she was undergoing pastoral counseling because of a troubled marriage and serious depression.

The incidents were said to have taken place in meetings between Father McCloskey and the unnamed woman at the Catholic Information Center in Washington.

Msgr. Thomas Bohlin, U.S. vicar of Opus Dei, said in a Jan. 7 statement that the priest's actions were "deeply painful for the woman and we are very sorry for all she suffered."

Opus Dei learned of the sexual misconduct from the woman in November 2002, according to the statement. Father McCloskey was removed from his role at the center 13 months later after the complaint was found to be credible.

The woman, who is now in her mid-50s and was 40 when she met Father McCloskey, has remained involved in Opus Dei spiritual activities. She said she was pleased with how Opus Dei handled the case.

Msgr. Bohlin said Father McCloskey has been restricted in his priestly activities with women since leaving the center.

The priest, who is in his 60s, has been in poor health in recent years. He is suffering from advanced Alzheimer's and is no longer able to celebrate Mass, even privately, he said.

Father McCloskey has worked for Opus Dei in England, Chicago and California since being dismissed from Washington.

Opus Dei spokesman Brian Finnerty said this is the only settlement the personal prelature has paid in the United States.

A private donor provided funds to make the settlement, he said.