Cardinal Seán O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston and president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, will no longer be able to go and partake in the World Meeting of Families in Dublin.
In a statement from the Archdiocese of Boston on Aug. 15, 2018, it was explained that the Cardinal cannot leave Boston for the encounter given his various responsibilities tied to his ordering an investigation of St. John Seminary in his city. In an Aug. 10 statement, the Cardinal stated the current rector will effectively be on ‘sabbatical’ until after the investigations are completed.
“Earlier this week,” his statement began, “I was informed that two former seminarians of St. John’s Seminary in the Archdiocese of Boston had posted allegations on social media sites including the Archdiocese’s Facebook page that during their time at the seminary they witnessed and experienced activities which are directly contrary to the moral standards and requirements of formation for the Catholic priesthood. ”
At this time, he stated he was not able to verify or disprove these allegations.
“As Archbishop of Boston, with responsibility for the integrity of the seminary and its compliance with the Church’s Program for Priestly Formation,” he continued, “I am committed to immediate action to address these serious matters and have made the following decisions regarding St. John’s Seminary: First, I have asked Msgr. James P. Moroney, Rector of St. John’s, to go on sabbatical leave for the Fall Semester, beginning immediately, in order that there can be a fully independent inquiry regarding these matters. Second, I have appointed Rev. Stephen E. Salocks, Professor of Sacred Scripture, to serve as Interim Rector at St. John’s.”
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Statement of Archdiocese of Boston Regarding
World Meeting of Families in Dublin |
| Wednesday, August 15, 2018 “Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM Cap, Archbishop of Boston and Chair of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Children, unfortunately will not be able to participate in the World Meeting of Families to be held in Dublin, Ireland from August 21-26. Though previously scheduled to moderate a panel presentation and discussion at the World Meeting of Families, important matters pertaining to the pastoral care of St. John’s Seminary in the Archdiocese of Boston and the seminarians enrolled in the formation program there require the Cardinal’s personal attention and presence. Cardinal O’Malley has great confidence in Baroness Sheila Hollins, Ms. Marie Collins, Ms. Barbara Thorp and Gabriel Dy-Liacco, Ph.D., going forward with the World Meeting panel “Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults.” While the Cardinal will not be able to join them at that time he will closely follow the proceedings from the Archdiocese of Boston. The World Meeting of Families is a significant event in the life of the Church in Ireland and the occasion of Pope Francis’ first pastoral visit to that country. Cardinal O’Malley joins the universal Church in prayer for the success of this events and the Holy Father’s visit.” *** |
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About the Archdiocese of Boston: The Diocese of Boston was founded on April 8, 1808 and was elevated to Archdiocese in 1875. Currently serving the needs of 1.8 million Catholics, the Archdiocese of Boston is an ethnically diverse and spiritually enriching faith community consisting of 286 parishes, across 144 communities, educating approximately 36,000 students in its Catholic schools and 156,000 in religious education classes each year, ministering to the needs of 200,000 individuals through its pastoral and social service outreach. Mass is celebrated in nearly twenty different languages each week. For more information, please visit www.BostonCatholic.org
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