Boston, Mass., Aug 10, 2018 / 12:57 pm
Cardinal Séan O'Malley has announced a major investigation into St. John's Seminary in the Archdiocese of Boston, following allegations made by two former seminarians. The cardinal also announced that the rector of the seminary, Monsignor James Moroney, had been placed on immediate leave to allow for a "fully independent inquiry."
The announcement was made by Cardinal O'Malley on Friday afternoon, August 10.
In a prepared statement, the cardinal said that he had learned of the allegations earlier that week, after posts by the former seminarians appeared on social media. The archdiocese has not confirmed the exact nature of the allegations.
"Earlier this week I was informed that two former seminarians of St. John's Seminary in the Archdiocese of Boston had posted allegations on social media sites including the Archdiocese's Facebook page that during their time at the seminary they witnessed and experienced activities which are directly contrary to the moral standards and requirements of formation for the Catholic priesthood," O'Malley said.