Little Italy priest
Maria Serafini, a parishoner at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Little Italy, passes along this information about the ousted pastor, Father Mike Salerno, who was removed from the parish because of an allegation that he sexually abused a teenage boy in New York some 30 years ago:
For all of us who are concerned, here's some information on Fr. Mike:
He is being "well cared for" by the Pallotines.
He was able to spend the Thanksgiving Holiday with his family.
He has been receiving his letters and gifts from the parishioners through the rectory--including some cigars. (On Wednesdays, Fr. Sal delivers the letters/packages to Fr. Sticco, who then delivers the package to Fr. Mike).
He has asked for some clothing and it has been sent to him.
Also mentioned in the meeting is that after this investigation is concluded (however long that may take), the Holy See decides whether or not Fr. Mike will be reinstated to his priestly duties and the Pallotines/local Archdiocese decide where he will be assigned.
We have not given up hope. This has really opened our eyes as to how much Fr. Mike has impacted so many people in a positive way.
Please keep praying and look for an email from us soon with more information on a plan of action.
Comments
I hope Maria Serafini,the parishoner at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Little Italy, who has shown so much concern for "the ousted pastor, Father Mike Salerno, who was removed from the parish because of an allegation that he sexually abused a teenage boy in New York some 30 years ago," is showing as much concern for the other Baltimore priest removed by Archbishop O'Brien for have a minister, and God help us, a woman to boot, assisting at a parishioners's funeral Mass?
And what have you done for the individual who very well may have been sexually abused and molested by this Salarno?
Posted by: Catherine | December 3, 2007 10:14 AM
We have prayed...as good people of Christ do!!!
There are many victims here....Father Mike, the alleged accuser, all of the parishioners and people of the community that are hurting due to the said allegations. It seems that both alleged "victims" are receiving counsel and counseling which is exactly what should happen. However, there are many that are not....not only the parishoners but those that this parish reaches out to. (shut-ins and the homeless) and a host of other communities were blessed with St. Leo's generosities.
Seems we have much to pray about!
Posted by: Jan Laferriere | December 5, 2007 1:08 PM
As a parish we pray for the alleged victim, though we do not know him, as we do all those who suffer unjustly. ‘This Salerno’ as you reference him is our Priest. He has touched our lives personally, as individuals, as a parish, and as a community. His love and generosity spilled into our lives and lifted us up, and as St. Leo’s flourished our desire to reach out to others grew and spilled out into the community. And this man, who never claimed to be special, in fact just the opposite, by his very humanity allowed the love of Christ to shine through him and moved us to become better people. He is a good man. He is a good priest. We grieve in his absence. We reserve judgment. We do not cast stones. We love him unconditionally, as he taught us to love, as Christ taught us to love and we leave the judging to God. May God’s love be with all of those affected by these events and may He bring peace to Father Salerno, the alleged victim and the people who love them.
Susan Yori
Posted by: Susan Yori | December 6, 2007 10:10 AM