Father Javier de los Angeles Cortazar will not have a criminal record
CBC News
18 April 2017
A stay of proceedings has been granted in a sexual assault case against a Roman Catholic priest who served three rural parishes in northwestern Saskatchewan.
Father Javier de los Angeles Cortazar was accused of sexually assaulting another priest more than two years ago, but that charge has been stayed. (Diocese of Prince Albert)
Father Javier de los Angeles Cortazar, 48, was charged in 2014 after an incident at a cabin near Goodsoil, Sask. The alleged victim’s name was subject to a publication ban.
On the second day of Cortazar’s trial, Justice Gary Meschishnick issued the stay of proceedings. Cortazar leaves court without a criminal record.
After he was first charged in 2014, Cortazar continued to preside over weekly services and sacraments for parishioners in Goodsoil, Loon Lake and Pierceland.
The Diocese of Prince Albert’s website currently lists Cortazar as being “on leave.”
No one from the diocese has returned CBC’s calls for comment.
This trial was a joke. Everyone except the victim knew what was going to happen as they orchestrated the out come. First day the victim gave a detailed description of what happened. Next day the defense new the trial would end with one question “Did Fr. Cortazar tell you during confession that he masturbated while watching porno?” According to Canon Law (law for Roman Catholic priests), if a priest reveals what was said during confession or even if there was a confession he will be excommunicated. So the victim being a man of the cloth was unable to answer that question and so to prevent a contempt of court charge the Prosecution stayed the charges.
What actually happened? What does masterbating have to do with this case. I guess I never heard the whole story. I heard there was sexual intercorse…is that true?
The accused admitted during the preliminary hearing that he did have a sexual “encounter” with the defendent. The accused claimed that it was consentual and the victim said it was not. Claimed it was sexual assault. The only thing that masturbating has to do with this case is that the accused used this question (true or not) as a way to put a stop to the trial knowing that the victim could not answer it. The victim claimed he was forced into sexual touching and threats of more. No actual intercourse was described in court. Roman Catholic priests are sworn to have no sexual activity as they are married to the Church.
Interesting that Lynn notes “Roman Catholic priests are sworn to have no sexual activity as they are married to the church”.
Perhaps someone should tell that to the Vatican’s ambassador in the United States, who has just been recalled by the Vatican over allegations of possession of child pornography. Mike.
So….father Javier did admit to a sexual encounter? If I understood that right. And then used a masterbation story to cover up, because he knew the defendant couldn’t answer it? Please correct me if I’m wrong.
This is accurate James.
Except for it was the accuser he knew wouldn’t answer it, not the defendant .
Wow. I can’t believe I never knew. The people must have been keeping it secret in Goodsoil. Thanks for the info
The congregation of Goodsoil and Pierceland covered it up good. Not sure if they were embarassed or blind. They even sang “For he’s a Jolly Good Fellow” in court after the case was suspended. And were asked to leave the court house as a result. What does that tell you?
That just sick if they tried to hide it. I don’t know why they would do that. My kids Goodsoil church, and I had no idea what was goin on until just recently. I very disappointed.
I don’t know if or not you have seen the page for Father De Los Angeles Cortazar James? If not, click on the following a link: Father de los Angeles Cortazar James
There is more information there, particularly under the BLOGs.
I believe that despite admitting to his sexual ‘interaction’ with a fellow priest – claiming they were consensual – Father De Los Angeles Cortazar is still very much a priest and, in fact, with the blessings of the bishop, continues to function as a Roman Catholic ministering to the poor souls at St. Boniface, Sacred Heart and St. Antoninus?
Did father Javier confess before he was accused or after?
It was after he was accused. At that time he was suspended from his duties. But at some point prior to the court date he was reinstated. I suspect it was when the defense including the Archbishop knew that they could stop the proceedings by asking a question regarding a confession given to the victim. Possibly at that preliminary hearing as both the defense and prosecution knew that the trial would not go past day 2 (they discussed this in the courtroom) even though a week was set aside for the trial.
Wow, to my this seems like it was set up perfect. A win win for father Javier, when he could still be guilty. This is just unbelievable. People need to know the truth.
Agreed!!