SAN FRANCISCO (CA)
The Examiner
By Chris Roberts @Cbloggy
Monsignor James Tarantino has spoken out about an alleged sex scandal at the North Beach shrine next to his residence, saying his reputation has been ruined and his character humbled.
But, he insists, he is not bitter and hopes that all involved find peace and healing.
The San Francisco native had spent 33 years building a sterling reputation as one of the local Roman Catholic Church’s finest priests — a religious résumé that includes rebuilding Marin Catholic High School into an academic powerhouse as its president and transforming a sleepy and rundown Catholic parish in Tiburon into a vibrant community with an active school as its still-revered parish priest.
And now, at 62, with a terminal illness returning after first appearing nearly 40 years ago, his name is connected with an alleged sex scandal at the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi.
“It’s unfortunate,” he said during an hourlong interview with The San Francisco Examiner, his first with media since the scandal broke at the Vallejo Street church that adjoins his residence. “After decades of hard work, my reputation is ruined.”
“But,” he said, “I’m not making it about me. I’m not a victim here.”
He says he is neither angry nor bitter. Tarantino said he prays every day for Bill McLaughlin, the former volunteer and friend of Tarantino’s from St. Hilary’s in Tiburon who is accused by former shrine employee Jhona Mathews of using her for sex.
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