Much of today was spent sifting through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s press release of the three priests removed from ministry. The following are some initial thoughts and findings; we will update as more information becomes available.
The press release claimed that Fr Raymond Smart “has not served in any school or parish since 1995 due to poor health. He has been retired and living in a private residence since 2002.” While this may paint a picture of a priest who has long been away from ministry and living at the local Korman Suites, the truth of course tells another story.
- We confirmed that Fr Smart was acting as a weekend assistant priest at St Teresa of Calcutta parish as recently as 2016
- The parish bulletin of St Philip Neri, Pennsburg, has Fr Smart listed as Retired; resident, as recently as 2015. In 2014 he is listed as being the celebrant of the Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday daily Masses. In December 2015 he was hearing Christmas confessions.
- From the press release we know that Fr Smart was investigated three times since 2011 however the two prior investigations and resolutions were never announced by the Archdiocese. Fr Smart had his faculties restricted in 2017 and this was not even shared with the priests of the Archdiocese. The announcement of the final removal included the information of the prior investigations.
His case raises many questions:
- Is a parish rectory considered a private residence?
- Is being listed as a weekend assistant priest in a parish bulletin not considered serving at a parish?
- If the Archdiocese wants to protect children, then why not release the information of every parish where he has resided or assisted? Transparency or technicality, which one will it be?
- Does the Archdiocese realize that the internet exists and everyone can put the pieces of the puzzle together ?
Fr John Meyers
Fr Meyers may have had the quickest resolution in Archdiocesan history if the timeline is to be believed. The press release states “in late 2018, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia placed Reverend John F Meyers on administrative leave following receipt of an allegation that he had sexually abused a minor in the 1980’s”. He was placed on admin leave in late 2018, however the press release fails to state when the allegation was actually received. If the allegation was truly first known in late 2018 and the case is already resolved and being sent to the Vatican , that is quicker than even the case of Msgr Hugh Campbell who came forward to admit abuse and his case still took 5 months for resolution. Maybe the Archdiocese now has a fast pass similar to Disney Land. How much time elapsed between receiving the allegation and removing Meyers from the Malvern Retreat House?
Fr Meyers was the rector at the Malvern Retreat House where many Archdiocesan students attend the Kairos retreats. The students spend a few nights at the retreat house without their phones or outside contact. The staff from the high schools supervise, but finding out that the rector of the retreat house was a predator has sent a chill down the spine of not just parents, but the kids also .
We are looking at you John Delaney, Delegate of Investigations, to provide an honest answer to these kids as to if Meyers was left at the Malvern Retreat for even one day after the Archdiocese received the allegation.
We have not had a chance to review Msgr Logrip’s case. Logrip was placed on administrative leave for the second time for an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. That’s next.
Any information you would like to share in regards to the recently removed priests, please message us through the contact link or email to kmkane242@gmail.com.