Alexandria Priest Imposed Life of Prayer and Penance

Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria
November 8, 2013

http://www.diocesealex.org/articles/2013/11/alexandria-priest-imposed-life-prayer-and-penance

The Most Reverend Ronald P. Herzog, Bishop of Alexandria, has now been informed by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome of its decision regarding Reverend Frederick James Lyons. He was accused of sexual abuse of minors during a period in his early life as a priest. In its decision, the Congregation imposed on Father Lyons a life of prayer and penance.

Father Lyons is specifically prohibited from the following: he may not publicly celebrate or concelebrate Mass or publicly or privately administer the other sacraments (except confession in danger of death); he may not preach; he may not participate in or attend at any public liturgical celebration; he may not wear clerical dress, vesture or vestments in public; and he has been deprived of the honor Protonotary Apostolic Supernumerary along with the customary use of the title monsignor.

“The Diocese of Alexandria has established policies and procedures that are in accord with The Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth and The Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons,” said Bishop Herzog. He added, “It is my duty as the Bishop of Alexandria to implement this decision of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. I ask for your prayers for all who are affected by these accusations: victims, their families, our Church and the accused. I urge any victim of clerical sexual misconduct to allow us the opportunity to help heal the wounds inflicted through such actions, and I invite any victims to come forward in order that healing may begin and justice can be served.”