Priest’s duties limited during inquiry

CEBU Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal has ordered limits on the duties of the diocesan priest accused of misconduct towards female students of a Catholic school.

Cardinal Vidal told reporters last night the priest temporarily cannot hear confession, although he can still administer the other sacraments, like saying Mass and officiating marriages.

The priest, who had asked not to be named, was accused of touching the bra straps of students and attempting to kiss them during confession.

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However, he said that when he heard confession last July 20, during a retreat, he made sure everybody could see what was happening by leaving the door of the confession room open.

Cardinal Vidal, 79, said the temporary limit is, so far, his only official directive for the priest. The protocol for misbehaving priests, recently issued by the Holy See, served as basis.

“I have to wait for the result of the canonical investigation,” the archbishop said. “They are still investigating formally. I cannot say anything about that.”

The prelate earlier convened a three-man investigating team, which included canon lawyer Fr. Raul Go, to verify the students’ allegations.

The priest has said the students misinterpreted his actions. He said he only tapped them on the shoulder and whispered his advice during confession. (BAP)