Betrayal (34 page)

October 20, 1984. Dr. Robert W. Mullins, Geoghan's family doctor, writes that Geoghan, despite an “unfortunate traumatic experience” at another parish, is now ready to resume his ministry.

MOST REVEREND JOHN M. D. ARCY

AUXILLIARY BISHOP OF BOSTON
OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL BISHOP

December 7, 1984

Most Reverend Bernard F. Law
Archbishop of Boston
Archbishop's Residence
2121 Commonwealth Avenue
Brighton, Massachusetts 02135

Dear Archbishop Law:

Just a word on the recent assignment in this region of Fr. John Geoghan as an associate at St. Julia's in Weston. There are two things that give me concern.

1) Fr. Geoghan has a history of homosexual involvement with young boys. I understand his recent abrupt departure from St. Brendan's, Dorchester may be related to this problem.

2) St. Julia's for some time has been a divided and troubled parish. There is great animosity on the part of many parishioners cowards Monsinger Rossiter. It is difficult to deal with the situation because Monsignor is a good priest he is always there, he is concerned, he does the traditional things very well, but there are many complaints from good people and there have been since I have come here to this region and, indeed, long before that.

A large number of parishioners go elsewhere. Many attend Mass at Pope John Seminary or they go to St. John's, Wellesley or other parishes. At the same time, there is a core of parishioners, mostly older, who are loyal to Monsignor Rogsiter. The complaints center around his style and manner that is perceived by many to be overbearing and authoritarian. There is no question he, himself, has experienced a great deal of pain in this situation. I believe he might even he willing to be moved to another parish now and perhaps this can be considered, although that might present other problems. His Sunday collection, in this parish which is probably the most affluent in the Archdiocese, is only $900.00. At the request of about fifteen or twenty parishioners, we recently have initiated the Spiritual Development program and Monsignor has been most cooperative, but we know there will be difficulties.

70 LAWRENCE STREET, LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS 01652

December 7, 1984. Bishop John M. D'Arcy protests to Archbishop Bernard F. Law when Geoghan is transferred to St. Julia's Church, Weston, Massachusetts. Geoghan, writes D'Arcy, “has a history of homosexual involvement with young boys.”

Archbishop Law
December 7, 1984
Page 2

I am afraid that this assignment has complicated a difficult situation. If something happens, the parishioners already angry and divided, will be convinced that the Archdiocese has no concern for their welfare and simply sends them priests with problems. On the other hand, if Fr. Geoghen is now removed, parishioners will quickly claim that once again Monsignor Roxgiter cannot live with other priests.

I have had-helpful and constructive conversations on this with both Fr. Banks and Fr. Oates, Both are keenly aware of the problem and, as you well know, they are hoping to see up some kind of structure so that we can handle this in a better way in the future. I am concerned about further scandal in this parish and further division and more misunderstanding by this assignment. I am anxious to help you in any way I can to relieve the difficult pastoral situation there and it is my obligation to keep you fully informed at this time so you would not be “blindsided” later on. While no parish can handle these shocking situations that we have witnessed recently, this parish is most vulnerable. I wonder if Fr. Geoghan should not be reduced to just weekend work while receiving some kind of therapy.

You know how grateful I am to you for your constant concern about this region and the constitutive steps you have already taken in several parishes here. Many thanks.

Sincerely yours in Our Lord,

Most Reverend John M. D’ Arcy

copies: Rev. Robert J. Banks
Rev. Thomas Oates

April 28, 1989. A note from Bishop Robert J. Banks, apparently made during a conversation with Dr. Brennan, who says of Geoghan, “You better clip his wings before there is an explosion.”

ST. JULIA'S RECTORY
374 BOSTON POST ROAD
WESTON, MASSACHUSETTS
02103

June 29, 1890

His Eminence Bernard Cardinal Law2101 Commonwealth AvenueBrighton, Massachusetts 02135

Your Eminence:

Monsignor Rossiter has told me that he will be submitting his letter of resignation. I respectfully request that I be appointed his successor.

At the Emmaus Program it was stared that there would be a “stampede” for St. Julia Parish. I feel that I am qualified. I have been six years in Weston. I know the people, the parish and its problems. I am confidant that I can build a vibrant. Faith Community.

During my twenty-eight years in parish ministry. I have been the following:

•  Deacon Supervisor, St. John's Seminary;

•  Instructor in Catecherits, St. John's Seminary;

•  President of an Ecumenical Association;

•  Member of Board of Directors, Catholic Charities of Lynn.

I have been Faithful to continuing education:

1. Master of Divinity, Master of Theology degrees, S.T.I. and Weston School of Theology:

2. Institute for C.T.E., the North American College, Rome;

3. Lectures and Workshops on Canon. Law at the Gregorian University;

4. Lectures and workshops on Liturgy at San, Anselno University;

5. Biblical Institute and Pilgrimage, Jerusalem.

Assuring you of my filial obedience, Your Eminence,

Respectfully.

Rev. John J. Geoghan
Parochief Vicar

June 29, 1990. Geoghan, in a letter to Cardinal Law, asks to be named pastor of St. Julia's, citing his long service to the parish.

The Most Reverend Robert J. Banks D.D.2121 Commonwealth AvenueBrighton, Massachusetts 02135

Re: Fr. John Geoghan

Dear Bishop Banks,

I haven known Father Geoghan since February 1980.

There is no psychiatric contraindication to Fr. Geoghen's pastoral work at this time.

Very truly yours

John H. Brennan, M.D.

JHB/mk

cc: Fr. John Geoghan

December 7, 1990. Dr. Brennan notes that there is no “psychiatric contraindication” against the priest's returning to work.

December 30, 1994. Cardinal Law, saying he is “sorry to learn of recent allegations made about you,” puts Geoghan on administrative leave.

November 17, 1995. Geoghan, in a latter to Monsignor William E Murphy, angrily denies abuse allegations and refuses to resign as associate director of the Office for Senior Priests, Where he had been assigned after his administrative leave.

August 4, 1996. Cardinal Law places Geoghan on sick leave, noting that “the time ahead has the potential … for much personal insight and growth.”