philly.com
Posted: Tue, May. 8, 2012, 1:26 PM
The Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia prosecutors hope to take testimony from two cloistered nuns as they pursue a child-endangerment case against a Roman Catholic church official.
They say Monsignor William Lynn lied when he told a man that the nuns were keeping an eye on his alleged priest-rapist in 1997.
The priest had been sent to their monastery after sex-offender treatment. Prosecutors say he was soon saying Mass , and working with altar boys , nearby.
Lynn’s lawyers object to the nuns’ depositions, calling the subject “far afield” of the charges against Lynn.
The charges against Lynn pertain to only two priests charged with rape. But Common Pleas Judge M. Teresa Sarmina is letting jurors hear how Lynn handled complaints against 20 other priests.
Sarmina has not ruled on the nuns’ depositions.
Well, yes, of course Monsignor Lynn’s lawyers object. Heaven forbid we all find out their client, a priest, is a chronic liar.
Do you have any idea how many predatory priests are shipped off to convents? and we’re supposed to rejoice that they’re with the good sisters and believe that all is well?
This reminds me a little of Ottawa’s Father Kenneth Keeler. Father Keeler was released early from jail to a halfway house. He was presumably being monitored at the halfway house. I called the halfway house and asked to speak to him. Well, goodness sake, they couldn’t find Ken Keeler anywhere. He was gone. He had stepped out. Not a soul knew his whereabouts. He was supposed to sign out, but, he didn’t sign out.
So, there you go. That’s monitoring for you.
Keeler, but the way, went from Ottawa to Halifax, – to a convent in Halifax to be precise.
Do you suppose there is such a creature as a nun who is prepared to monitor and/or question a priest’s every move?
Good news: The two cloistered nuns will be called to testify next week.