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| Msgr. Urell's Attorney on Media Reports OC Blog September 20, 2007 http://www.ocblog.net/ocblog/2007/09/msgr-urells-att.html#more This statement from Monsignor John Urell's attorney, Patrick Hennessy, cam over the transom a little while ago:
(Sept. 20, 2007) Once again, I'm compelled to make a statement about Msgr. Urell's situation in light of the erroneous, misleading and inflammatory reports in the news media. During the time Msgr. Urell was Vicar General for the Diocese, he was charged with handling sexual misconduct cases involving clergy. He did not handle cases involving lay people working for the Diocese, including the case coming before the court regarding Jane C. R. Doe and the former Mater Dei coach. This current case does not involve sexual misconduct by any clergy and he is not a party to this case, but is involved only as a witness. Regardless of the facts, plaintiff's attorneys would have you believe that drudging up sexual misconduct cases that were settled years ago are relevant to Msgr. Urell's role in the Andrade case. It is clear in Msgr. Urell's July 27 deposition that he did not know Andrade nor was he familiar with the case. In the deposition, the plaintiff's attorney only referenced the Andrade case twice in 188 pages of deposition because it was clear that Msgr. Urell did not handle the Andrade case. It was reported erroneously in the Los Angeles Times (Sept. 20, 2007) that, in the deposition, Msgr. Urell recalled the Andrade case was reported to the police. This is an error in reporting. In the deposition, Msgr. Urell was not talking about the Andrade case. He was referring to another case in which police were notified. Msgr. Urell entered Southdown on Sept. 6 to treat an extremely serious anxiety disorder, not to avoid completing his testimony. Attorneys for the Diocese of Orange were never consulted about where he should receive hospitalization and treatment. In addition, his physician has determined that Msgr. Urell will require a minimum of three months of intensive treatment and hospitalization before he can be re-evaluated to determine whether he is able to withstand the rigors of a deposition. Msgr. Urell—after consulting with his doctor, family, close friends, and the Vicar for Priests—went to Southdown because of its holistic approach to treatment and its specialty in treating clergy and religious persons for a variety of psychological conditions. At Southdown, Msgr. Urell is receiving both treatment for his disorder and spiritual counseling. He also is able to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist. Msg. Urell will finish his testimony only when his independent physician believes he can withstand the rigors of a deposition without further endangering his health. |
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