After about nine months of investigation and anguish, Father John Clemens returned to the parish Sunday to hold mass, triggering the emotions of many in the sanctuary. A few days earlier, Clemens learned that sexual abuse allegations against him had been dropped.

Last September, Our Lady of Hope Catholic Mission in Rosemont received notice from the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago alleging that Clemens had sexually abused a minor. The allegations dated back approximately 50 years. The church serves residents of Rosemont, Des Plaines and even travelers on layover from nearby O’Hare Airport.

Clemens served as a pastor at Our Lady of Hope from 2008 to 2018 when he retired. He still serves as pastor emeritus for the mission when needed. The mission said in a written statement that the Archdiocese Independent Review Board, assisted by its Office of Child Abuse Investiagation and Review and outside investigators, “conducted a thorough review of…