Padre de Monsao banned from practicing after sexual abuse of minor confirmed

The Diocese of Viana do Castelo announced this Monday that it has “banned” a priest from Monsan from exercising the priesthood after he confirmed a case of sexual abuse of a minor.

In a statement sent to the newsrooms, the Diocese of Viana do Castelo explained that the case arose from a “complaint” referred to “the competent civil and canonical authorities”.

The statement said that contrary to the evidence presented, the parish priest of several parishes in Monsans “confirmed the facts of which he is accused and announced his decision to resign from his duties.”

“The diocese also advises that, subject to canon law, the same priest is prohibited from exercising public service,” the note reads.

In the document, the diocese “shares the deep suffering of the victim and the family, and with great shame makes these facts public, and also wishes to express the greatest love and concern for the parish communities hitherto entrusted.” parish priest.

“In these specific circumstances, the Diocese of Viana do Castelo wants to strengthen the desire to be a safe environment and a space where silence can be given a voice, and also asks for all the efforts, courage, confidence and prayer of the diocesan community, at this time of particular pain,” reads the note.

So far, the priest has served in the parishes of Divino Salvador de Cambezes, Santa Maria de Abedim, Nossa Señora das Neves de Bela, São João Baptista de Longos Vales, São Juan -Baptista de Portela and San Miguel de Sago, and was also an assistant at the fraternal meetings in Monsana.