NORRISTOWN (PA)
Patch
By James Myers
April 7, 2013
According to a release issued by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Sunday, April 7, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has found Monsignor Richard T. Powers, a retired priest with the Archdiocese, not suitable for ministry. The decision comes after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor that occurred approximately 40 years ago outside of the Philadelphia area was substantiated through an investigation by the Archdiocese.
The 77-year-old Powers was stationed at St. Patrick’s Church in Norristown from 1964 to 1967. Sources familiar with the case say the incident in question happened during his foreign mission service in Venezuela in the late ’60s through mid ’70s. Details of the incident have not been released, but a source told Philly.com that it involved a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.
According to the Archdiocese, Powers’ case is not directly connected to the cases of priests placed on administrative leave following the February 2011 Grand Jury Report.
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