Local7/31/2009

Archdiocese of Boston suspends faculties of Brazilian priest

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BRAINTREE -- The Archdiocese of Boston announced July 25 that the faculties of Father Pedro Jose Damazio had been suspended as a result of receiving allegations of adult sexual misconduct.

Father Damazio is a priest of the Diocese of Tubarao in Santa Catarina, Brazil. He has been serving as parochial vicar of St. Anthony of Padua in Cambridge and has also served the Brazilian community throughout the archdiocese.

“The decision to suspend Father Damazio’s faculties represents the archdiocese’s commitment to the safety of all parties and does not represent a determination of Father Damazio’s guilt or innocence as it pertains to these allegations,” the archdiocese said in the statement announcing the suspension.

With suspended faculties, Father Damazio is prohibited from performing any public ministry within the Archdiocese of Boston. The archdiocese said that these restrictions will remain in place until the outcome of the investigation.

The archdiocese also said it has cooperated fully with law enforcement’s investigation into this matter and has informed Father Damazio’s home diocese in Brazil of these allegations.

In the statement the archdiocese said it stands ready to assist any individual affected by this situation. The archdiocese’s Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach is making counseling and other support services available to persons impacted by clergy sexual abuse.