TOLEDO (OH)
WTOL
"Having served as your Bishop for over a year now, I have experienced many things, both good and bad, even tragic, that are part of life in the Diocese of Toledo.
I understand that St. Pius parish recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. As with any parish, there are many events of a half-century to be remembered with gratitude to God. From baptisms to funerals and everything in between; so many of life's significant moments have taken place here for thousands of parishioners.
However, not all the events that have marked the parish's history are joyful or consoling. I need to discuss with you what is a very painful part of life for some members of this parish.
Many years ago, from the early sixties until 1974 a priest who worked here hurt some of the children by acts that are grievously sinful and criminal. Reports of sexual abuse against minors by the then Father Chet Warren, a former oblate priest, were made public over a decade ago. Many loyal parishioners since then have felt obliged to support Warren, saying that he did much good here. It is understandable that many did not want to believe the allegations. No one wants to believe that a trusted priest would harm children.
Posted by kshaw at March 13, 2005 06:40 PM