Fr. John J. Owens

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Bismarck ND

Ordained for Diocese of Bismarck, where he worked 1960-99. Fill-in for Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis near Forest Lake 1999-2004, despite Bismarck’s removal of faculties in 2002. First named publicly as accused by the St. Paul- Minneapolis archdiocese on its list 10/23/14, for abuse in the Bismarck diocese. Living in Forest Lake, MN. Faculties removed in 2005 by St. Paul-Minneapolis. Ordered by Vatican to a life of prayer and penance. St. Paul-Minneapolis said it was not aware of any substantiated claim in the archdiocese. On the Bismarck diocese’s list 1/2/20. It notes faculties permanently removed 4/13/10. Allegedly abused boys In the late 1960s or early ’70s, along with Rev. Armour Roberts, after giving them alcohol. Owens had brought the three boys, who were high school freshmen, to visit Roberts in Leipzig. Died in 10/20.

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