Massachusetts bishop: Priest who was sent on leave admitted to “serious sexual misconduct”

CNA Staff November 1, 2024 / 5:55 pm

A priest in Massachusetts who has been placed on leave has admitted to sexually assaulting students before a planned walkout because of a lack of information about his removal from his school post.

Students at St. Michael’s School in Fall River, Massachusetts, organized a protest Friday against the removal of Father Jay Mello several months ago as pastor of the school and two churches.

Fall River Bishop Edgar da Cunha said June letter to parishioners that Mello was removed after the diocese received allegations of sexual harassment against the priest. The diocese stated at the time that “there were no allegations of inappropriate behavior with minors.”

News from The Fall River Herald reported on Thursday that St. Michael’s students planned to walk out due to a lack of information about the case from the diocese. It is reported that the protest was supposed to take place near the diocesan office and da Cunha’s house.

in letter published on Thursdayda Cunha noted that he “normally does not provide (detailed) updates until the investigation is complete,” but the bishop said he was prompted to release the letter by “a series of false claims and rumors that cause confusion” based on “the belief that Father Mello unfairly sent on vacation.”

The confusion is “now destroying the school environment,” he wrote.

“I feel it necessary to inform your parish and school community of an important development in the investigation of Father Mello’s recent admission of serious sexual offenses that began while counseling an adult parishioner,” the bishop said.

The prelate noted that the priest initially denied these accusations.

Da Cunha did not provide any details about the allegations, although he said the diocesan investigation would continue and likely conclude early next year.

“I encourage those who wish to support Father Mello to continue to pray for him,” the bishop said. In addition, he asked for prayers for victims of abuse “who often feel re-victimized when their claims are not believed.”

Meanwhile, The Herald News said in an update that organizers of the demonstration would go ahead with the demonstration as planned.

Mello attended the American Seminary in Rome and was ordained in 2007. He served parishes in Dartmouth, Falmouth, and Mansfield, Massachusetts.

Daniel Payne is a senior editor at the Catholic News Agency. He previously worked for the College Fix and Just the News. He lives in Virginia with his family.