Two priests who previously served in the Northeast have been found unsuitable for ministry based on substantiated allegations they sexually abused minors in the early 1980s, while a third priest with local ties has been placed on administrative leave and his priestly faculties have been restricted following an allegation that he sexually abused a minor in the early ‘80s.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia made the announcement in a Sunday press release.
The Revs. John F. Meyers and Raymond W. Smart are the priests found unsuitable for ministry.
Monsignor Joseph L. Logrip was placed on administrative leave. The allegation against him has been referred to law enforcement.
Logrip, 73, was pastor at the since-closed Mater Dolorosa from 1994 to 2000. After he was reassigned, City Council passed a resolution in his honor that commended him for his commitment to the East Frankford community.
Meyers, 64, formerly served St. Dominic Parish from 1997-99. He was pastor of St. Martin of Tours from 2011-17.
At St. Martin’s, Meyers caused a stir when he decided to close the convent, ousting the beloved Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who had lived there since 1925. Hundreds of St. Martin alumni and current and former parishioners took to Facebook to express sadness and decry the decision by Meyers.
Soon after, Meyers claimed his diabetes was worsening and requested a less stressful assignment. The archdiocese shipped him to St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Ambler, Montgomery County to serve as a parochial vicar.
In a letter to St. Martin parishioners, he wrote, “I would very much like to leave quietly with no public acknowledgment.”
Smart, 74, worked at St. Hubert High School from 1982-83, but there is no information that the alleged abuse took place there. ••
PLEASE Research and provide feedback on Myers from the community and past parishioners. His option of remaining local continues to subject past victims to his presence, a slap in the face to those who have had the misfortune of dealing with him, having had their many complaints to archdiocesan officials ignored. End this madness!
AMEN!
Kill them