WORCESTER (MA)
The Catholic Free Press
By Margaret M. Russell
Bishop McManus has placed Father James J. Aquino, pastor of Our Lady of Loreto Church, on administrative leave of absence one week after a year old charge of sexual misconduct was made public.
The bishop brought the news to the people of Our Lady of Loreto Parish at Sunday’s Masses. As the bishop appeared on the altar at the start of the 8 a.m. Mass some parishioners drew in their breath and looked around at each other shaking their heads.
It wasn’t until after a reading of the Gospel that the bishop confirmed their fears.
“I am aware that over the past nine days you have had to deal with the painful revelations regarding Father Aquino which were made known to you, at first, by Msgr. (Thomas J.) Sullivan, when he visited the parish last weekend, and then subsequently through the media throughout the past week. I am keenly aware of your disappointment.