Friday, July 6, 2018

Columbus priest accused of abuse in Los Angeles

I note this only because I feel there may be more to come on this incident being investigated.
A Maronite Catholic priest serving as administrator for the Sacred Heart Church in Italian Village was removed from the position by the Diocese of Columbus because of an investigation of an abuse allegation in California.

Parishioners at Sacred Heart were told at the 4 p.m. Saturday Mass that Father Pierre Albalaa had been ordered to leave the position he had started in March.

The diocese was informed last Monday by the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles that Albalaa was being investigated for a credible allegation of abuse of a minor in 2004 in California. Eparchy is the term for diocese used by Eastern rite Orthodox and Catholic churches.

The Los Angeles-based hierarchy of the Maronite rite of the Catholic Church had ordered that Albalaa be removed from active ministry while the case was being resolved, according to a release from the Diocese of Columbus.

Columbus Bishop Frederick F. Campbell on Monday immediately revoked Albalaa’s privileges in the diocese and directed him to vacate the premises at Sacred Heart. Albalaa complied with the order.
Columbus priest accused of abuse in Los Angeles

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