WORCESTER (MA)
Republican
By Kevin Koczwara, MassLive.com
on March 05, 2013
WORCESTER — The Vatican has defrocked three priests from the Worcester Diocese who were accused of sexual abuse.
Rev. Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, announced today that David Blizard, Thomas Kane, and Robert Shauris are no longer in the clerical state.. Pope Benedict XVI accepted the voluntary laicizations of Thomas Kane and Robert Shauris prior to his resignation as the Roman Pontiff. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith made the decision in the case of David Blizard.
As a result of the laicizations, the three men may no longer function in any capacity as priests.
According to a Diocese of Worcester press release, the decisions were reached by late 2012. Formal announcement waited until the period for any individual appeals was concluded.
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