SPRINGFIELD (IL)
Herald & Review
By MIKE FRAZIER H&R Staff Writer
Monsignor Eugene Costa has resigned as chancellor of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and as pastor of parishes in Sherman and Athens, the diocese announced Tuesday.
Costa formerly served as pastor of Holy Family Parish in Decatur.
The Roman Catholic priest was found beaten and unconscious in a Springfield park last month. He since has regained consciousness.
Two teenagers recently were charged with aggravated battery in connection with the case.
A news release from the diocese stated Costa's resignation will allow him to deal with ``previous instances of inappropriate and risky behavior that have come to light during this difficult period.''
The diocese is unaware of any inappropriate contact with minors, or behavior that would involve the principles of U.S. Catholic Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People or of the diocese's own Policy on Sexual Abuse of Minors by Church Personnel, the release stated.
If additional information becomes available that indicates otherwise, diocesan policy would be enforced immediately, the release stated.