Parishioners gather in support of Father Mello outside the Fall River bishop’s home. That’s why.

FALL RIVER. On Friday, Nov. 1, students and families gathered outside the home of Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha to demand answers, despite a letter released by the Diocese of Fall River on Thursday stating that Reverend Jay Mello has pleaded guilty to allegations of sexual harassment against him.

Letter given to The Herald News and dated Oct. 31, said Mello initially denied the allegations. The investigation, provided by the diocese, has relieved Mello of his priestly duties since June and has continued for the past four months to determine whether Mello violated the standards of priestly conduct set forth in Code of conduct for priests.

“I came back to the church because of Father Jay,” said parishioner Natalie, who asked that her last name not be used.

What is the Code of Conduct? None of us knew. They just assumed he did something wrong,” she said, worried that the charges were the result of a personal dispute between da Cunha and Mello.

The parishioners, in disbelief, confessed their guilt through the priest

The main complaint of parents-parishioners was caused by how the bishop treated the accusationswhich were released at the end of Mass in June. “People were very upset and crying when they left. You don’t do that. You study,” said Natalie. “He never admitted it,” Natalie surmised. The parents wished they had heard the news before it was made public.

According to the first letter da Cunha wrote to members of his parishes, parents of students at the school and local clergy, it was stated “that there are no allegations of inappropriate behavior with minors”.

The diocese sought to quell the school disruptions with a letter on Thursday, Oct. 31, which said: “there have been a number of false claims and rumors that have caused confusion based on the belief that Fr. Mello was unfairly sent on vacation.”

Mello did not respond to a request for comment.

“Good people are being stepped on,” Natalie concluded, pointing to students holding homemade signs calling Mello “innocent” and chanting “lies.” “These kids love Daddy Jay,” Natalie said. Other parents expressed their concerns about revenge for Mello.

St. Michael’s student Thomas Medeiros said he was saddened by what happened when Mello was taken from the school. “Even if you don’t come back, you’ll always be with us,” Medeiros said as his tearful parents nodded in agreement.

The price of eliminating Mello: economic interests and emotions run high

“These families are paying over $5,000 to go to school here,” Natalie said.

Joe Delamorte, a friend of Mello’s, is not a father, but he came to show his support.

“It’s a travesty,” he said. “Father Jay was invited to pastor two parishes that he revitalized…and then, suddenly, he was kicked out, and the damage is so obvious. We need an answer,” Delamorte said, calling Mello’s absence not only an emotional loss but also an economic burden.

“More importantly, it costs these people their faith. He texted me about five minutes ago saying, “Pray.” That’s who he is. He is a fighter, but he is also a holy man. And his parish misses him right now,” Delamort said.

“May God bless these children and families,” said Natalie, praising the efforts of the students and the parents who support them.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: St. Michael’s Church, the school community gathers at the Bishop’s home in Fall River