(Sept 8th)
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A priest with ties to the Wabash Valley has been placed on administrative leave, accused of sexual misconduct happening decades ago.
According to the Catholic Diocese of Evansville, the claim was made against Father DF. (omission of name is mine, to protect SEO)
FD is prohibited from public ministry as the investigation continues but denies the claim. FD has served in several parishes, schools and missions in Vincenness, Montgomery and Bicknell.
According to Catholic Diocese of Evansville, FD has served in the following parishes, schools and missions:
- Rivet High School, Vincennes
- Sacred Heart, Vincennes
- Sts. Peter and Paul, Petersburg
- St. Peter, Montgomery
- St. Michael the Archangel and St. Patrick
- Blessed Sacrament, Oakland City
- St. Philip, Posey County
- St. John the Baptist, Vincennes
- St. Vincent de Paul, Vincennes
- St. Thomas, Vincennes
- St. Philip Neri, Bicknell
- St. Thomas the Apostle, Vincennes
- St. Francis Xavier, Vincennes
- St. Thomas the Apostle, Vincennes
- St. James, Haubstadt
Victims or anyone with information about cases of sexual misconduct are urged to contact police and the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at 812-490-9565 or toll-free at 866-200-3004.
Today in church, the vicar of the Evansville diocese arrived to let our parish know about the claim.
What jumps out immediately are two things: This happened DECADES ago. Where was this person when all the attention about priests behaving inappropriately 18 years ago? FD has been a beloved priest and established community member for at least 12 years (that's how long I'VE known him!). Secondly, Secondly, I've observed him around people of all ages, and NOT ONCE has he EVER been 'inappropriate' toward anyone. If anything, he could use some 'people skills'.....though when Fr. Benny was around, I did see the man lighten up and actually laugh. I've even got a picture of him in his bathing suit. And no, he was not wearing his collar.....just thought I'd throw that in!
I'm praying this either took place before he took his vows, or as a young priest, made an overly friendly gesture which was simply misconstrued. Or this is a false memory.
Look at the hulliballoo over AG and the bishop at a Certain Person's (AF) funeral last week (again, initials are used to protect SEO). Inside Edition claimed he touched her breast, and she 'acted uncomfortable', and 'not wanting to cause a scene'....'every woman knows this feeling'.
BUT.....if you watch the ENTIRE clip, her uneasiness wasn't due to the fact his hand was high on her waist....it was because of the bad joke about her name! And their size difference didn't help.....if the man had his hand on her waist, it would have caused him to stoop, and then everyone would be saying he was looking down her dress.
Stop and think about it the next time you hug someone who comes up to your armpit. Put your arm around them and see where YOUR hand lies!
I'm in no way condoning this behavior. If it turns out our beloved priest IS guilty, then I stand corrected. Isn't there a statute of limitations on DECADES, though? If the man has been a model citizen, shouldn't that account for something? Let God be his judge.
It's my understanding that with other priests, this has been going on up until the time they were caught. That's different, and they should be brought to justice.
In the meantime, I'm praying for answers, for the upheaval in my church family, and for parishoners where were visibly upset and had to leave the service briefly this morning.
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