Archdiocese Says Allegations against Roslindale Priest Were Found to Be Unsubstantiated

By Martin Finucane
Boston Globe
April 30, 2012

http://www.boston.com/Boston/metrodesk/2012/04/archdiocese-says-found-allegations-against-roslindale-priest-were-unsubstantiated/gcnthqG5Rs9wmpMfEWEHhJ/index.html

The archdiocese of Boston says it has determined that a child sex abuse allegation against a Roslindale priest was unsubstantiated.

The archdiocese said today in a statement that the allegation was made against the Rev. John M. Mendicoa of Sacred Heart Parish in August. Mendicoa was accused of actions in the 1980s.

Mendicoa was placed on administrative leave, but has now been taken off administrative leave and assigned the status of senior priest, restricted, the archdiocese said.

Mendicoa’s ministry is limited to celebrating the sacraments with his family, unless he gets permission from top church officials, the statement said. Mendicoa is retired and no longer a pastor of a church, a church spokeswoman said.

“In reaching this decision, Cardinal Sean O’Malley reaffirmed his care and concern for all persons impacted by the reality of sexual abuse of children,” the statement said. “The cardinal and the Archdiocese remain committed to resolving cases of this nature in a manner that is as just as possible for all involved.”

Terry McKiernan, co-director of BishopAccountability.org, said “I think our concern with this case and with all the cases that are reviewed by the archdiocese, the process is really a black box. We don’t know anything about how they reached this determination.”

“To use a term they use a lot, you’re really asked to take it on faith,” he said.