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  Priest Linked to Sex Misconduct

Atchison Globe
February 5, 2004

The Rev. Camillus Wurtz, OSB, was removed from his duties at Maur Hill-Mount Academy on Tuesday following an Independent Review Board determination that he had been involved in sexual misconduct with a minor during the 1960s.

The accusation of misbehavior was made by a former boarding student in a personal letter to Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB, superior of St. Benedict's Abbey. The Rev. Wurtz has been a member of the abbey since 1947 and a staff member at the school during most of his 51 years of priesthood. He will now live in the abbey.

"I made an initial determination that Father Camillus could remain in his assignment," said Abbot Barnabas. The review board judged that the behavior did amount to sexual misconduct with a minor and recommended the removal of the Rev. Wurtz from duties at the school.

"Although no other complaints have been made about Father Camillus' behavior, I do not justify what appears to have occurred in the 1960s. I regret this occurrence and any harm it may have caused," said Abbot Barnabas.

"This matter had not been reported to school or abbey officials when it occurred in the 1960s," Abbot Barnabas said.

 
 

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