WORCESTER (MA)
Telegram & Gazette
By Bronislaus B. Kush TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
bkush@telegram.com
WORCESTER — The Vatican has “laicized,” or defrocked, three Central Massachusetts Roman Catholic priests, who had been accused of sexual improprieties.
Bishop Robert J. McManus said that, as a result of the Vatican’s actions, David Blizard, Thomas Kane, and Robert A. Shauris “are no longer in the clerical state.”
According to chancery officials, the Vatican’s Congregation of the Faith decided to oust Mr. Blizard from the priesthood. Meanwhile, Pope Benedict XVI, before stepping down as pontiff last Thursday, accepted the “voluntary laicizations” of Mr. Kane and Mr. Shauris.
Chancery officials said that the three men may no longer function in any capacity as priests.
The Vatican made the decision to strip the three men of the priesthood late last year but held off announcing anything until the period allowing for any appeals expired.
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