ELLWOOD CITY (PA)
Beaver County Times
By: Robin Russo, Times Staff
12/14/2005
ELLWOOD CITY - The death of an Ellwood City priest under investigation for accusations of impropriety has left many parishioners shocked and hurt - and also with unanswered questions about the allegations.
The Rev. Mauro J. Cautela, 57, died Saturday afternoon in Ohio Valley General Hospital from a heart attack. Cautela had been the pastor at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church since 1992, but was placed on administrative leave in August after the allegations.
The Rev. John G. Oesterle, who has been serving as the parish pastor since September, said Cautela had been under investigation for allegations of financial and sexual misconduct. Oesterle said while he did not know Cautela well, the former pastor seemed outgoing, involved in the community and well-liked by parishioners.
"I think people are mostly in disbelief and shock," Oesterle said.
Oesterle said he thought most parishioners had "gotten over" the allegations, although the investigation saddened many. Oesterle said while the diocese was handling the financial allegations, the investigation of sexual misconduct was turned over to state police and the Lawrence County district attorney's office. Oesterle said the parish had not been informed of any conclusions in either investigation.