Society of St John – SSJ - BishopAccountability.org

4 Accused in This Religious Order

Fr. Christopher R. Clay

Order: SSJ
Ordained: 1998
Status: Accused

Removed in 2002 from Bishop Hafey High School after victim in the Society of St. John case (see Urrutigoity and Ensey) alleged Clay had molested him after a dinner in Monroe County. Clay denied allegation. Civil authorities investigated but never charged him. In 7/04 he was working in church in Arlington TX. One Bishop said he was cleared to work but Bishop Martino said he was still suspended pending investigation. In 1/12, Bishop Vann of Ft Worth said he was barred from all church property and had no faculties in TX. Included in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On diocese's list 8/19/18.

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Fr. Eric Ensey

Order: SSJ
Ordained: 1995
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Scranton PA

In 12/01 it was revealed that Ensey and Fr. Carlos Urrutigoity had been accused of sexual misconduct with a 16-year-old male student. They were suspended 1/02. The student sued in 3/03; suit was settled for $455K in 2005. Ensey living in Paraguay as of 3/06. As of 12/11, Diocese reported that his faculties were removed in 2005. Ensey continued to function as a priest on some occasions, particularly for fundraising. Reportedly defrocked in 2014. Last known to be living in Redding, CA. Included in 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. On Scranton diocese's list 8/19/18.

Fr. Alex J. Hazzouri

Order: SSJ
Ordained: 1957
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Scranton PA

A woman filed suit against the diocese in 2002 alleging that a retired 'Fr. Hazzouri' touched her in an inappropriate sexual fashion in 1996-97 when she was 14 and working as a dining room/kitchen server at Villa St Joseph. Suit dismissed on summary judgment in 2005.

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Fr. Carlos Urrutigoity

Order: SSJ
Ordained: 1991
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Scranton PA

Urrutigoity and Fr. Eric Ensey, another priest from a traditionalist religious society, were accused of abusing at least two seminary students in the late 1990s. At least two civil suits filed. One settled in 2005. Bishop Martino withdrew permission for the society to operate in the diocese. Living in Paraguay as of 3/06. Incardinated in the Diocese of Ciudad del Este, Paraguay; in 2012 was named its Vicar General. Vatican was asked to suspend him from ministry. As of 7/14, a Vatican delegation had been sent to investigate the matter. Faculties removed 7/28/14. Vatican also ordered all ordinations within the diocese be delayed pending further investigation.On Scranton diocese's list 8/19/18.