Six novices were dismissed last June from the California novitiate of a small religious order, just weeks after they reported that their novice master touched several of them inappropriately without their consent, and engaged in manipulation and other conduct which caused them “serious harm.”
Their dismissal came after an internal investigation cleared the novice master of wrongdoing. But investigators did not interview any of the novices before rejecting their claims, the Canons Regular of the Immaculate Conception confirmed to The Pillar.
An attorney for the community told The Pillar that the men did not specifically request to be interviewed when they reported their allegations, and that such interviews were not necessary to resolve their misconduct claims.
The former novices say the process was unjust, and that the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, in which the novitiate was located, should have done more to assist them when they alleged misconduct. After questions from The Pillar, the archdiocese said it is open to investigating the men’s allegations.
The Pillar spoke with five former novices of the Canons Regular of the Immaculate Conception, a religious congregation of priests with fewer than 50 members, and houses in Europe, South America, and California, where the congregation serves two parishes.
https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/novices-dismissed-after-reporting?s=r
PAT SAYS
Here is a Silverstream rerun.
CHRISTY MOORE IN TULLAMORE
Last night a priest friend of mine treated me to a 70 th birthday present of a ticket to a Christy Moore concert in my native Tullamore.
It was a lovely treat but I cannot name my priest friend because his bishop would annihilate him.
Christy’s concert was very critical of the RCC and the audience went wild with affirmation.
Tomorrow, Sunday I move in to Roscrea to meet people concerned about the Cistercian monastery there.
Then on to Carlow to discuss problems in Kildare and Leighlin involving Big Denis.
BISHOP PAT BUCKLEY 