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COLUMBUS, Ohio – 10TV News @ 6: 10 Investigates exposed problems that lead to changes at the Josephinum. What they are & what it could mean for the future of the Catholic seminary program nationwide.
Story highlights:
* Josephinum College propose sweeping changes today for seminary students
* 10 Investigates exposes loopholes and lack of oversight at Josephinum Catholic seminary
* Seminarian Joel Wright awaits trial for intent to have sex with a minor
It started with the unthinkable. A seminary student at the Vatican’s only school for priests outside Rome was trolling online to find children for sex.
But that wasn’t all. The student, Joel Wright, had left the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus en route to Mexico to buy children so he could act out his fantasies.
Homeland Security officers were in San Diego waiting with handcuffs and Josephinum officials immediately kicked Wright out of the seminary. That was January.
Since then, Wright’s case remains pending in Southern California, but his arrest for aggravated sexual abuse and other charges raised many questions: How can they be sure this won’t happen again? And why is this still a problem in the Catholic Church a decade after clergy sex abuse was uncovered?
After meeting with 10 Investigates twice last week, the Josephinum announced on Monday they are instituting changes to make sure something like this could not happen again.
Monsignor Christopher Schreck, Rector and President of the Josephinum, sent a letter Monday to the school’s board of trustees, school officials, area Catholic Archbishops and Bishops, and the school’s Admissions Committee.
The proposed changes include:
* Pushing for the creation of a national database to “track all formal applications as dioceses, seminaries, and religious orders.”
* The use of private investigators who will better screen applicants including a review of their online history.
* The requirement of an in-person interview by the college’s Admission Committee and meeting with the school’s psychologist.
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