Fr. Jose J. Mendez
Entered novitiate in Spain in 1978. Attended seminary in Mahwah, NJ. Made simple profession at St. Augustine’s Monastery in Kansas City, KS in 1979 and solemn profession at Tagaste Monastery in Suffern, NY in 1982. Spent part of the summer of 1981 in the Prelate of Madera, Chihuahua, in an OAR Mission program. Superiors knew in 1982 of allegations he fathered a child, and the threat of a paternity suit. Ordained in Santa Ana CA in 1983. Accused of abuse of a girl in Los Angeles CA 1985-1987. Left L.A. in 1993 due to “indiscretions.” Transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes in Mexico City in 8/1994. Admitted in 1995 to having a 6-year-old child with a “young lady” in L.A. Dismissed from the Order in 1996. At least one civil suit filed. Included in the L.A. archdiocese’s 2004 report. Laicized, per the L.A. archdiocese’s list in 12/2018.
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