Parish representatives said the posting could help “to educate parishioners in general about how to recognise and deal with inappropriate behaviour”.
Lithuanian Catholics voiced concern at the appointment of a priest convicted on abuse charges to a prominent parish.
The Archdiocese of Vilnius announced a series of new postings on 4 June, including the assignment of Fr Sigitas Grigas to the Parish of Blessed Jurgis Matulaitis, well known for its wide pastoral and social activities network involving minors and vulnerable persons. Fr Grigas was found guilty of possession of child abuse images in 2020 and was also subject to a canonical inquiry.
The academic and Church commentator Paulius Subacius said it was “perverse that a strong, active community is not consulted or presented in advance with the reasons for what is clearly a controversial appointment”, especially after the archdiocese had encouraged the laity to become involved with their parish.
“As the…
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