The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, which includes Grimes County, is in hot water once again.
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the Cardinal leading the US Catholic Church’s response to sex abuse, is being accused of mishandling a case, in which his deputy allegedly manipulated a woman into a sexual relationship, even as he counseled her husband on their marriage and solicited their donations.
The allegations arrive just one week before DiNardo presides over a meeting of US Bishops to adopt new accountability measures.
Laura Pontikes, the victim, came forward about her inappropriate relationship with Monsignor Frank Rossi in April of 2016. After coming forward, Pontikes thanked DiNardo.
However, DiNardo allowed Monsignor Rossi to return to ministry in a different diocese. The archdiocese said the relationship was consensual and that Rossi had completed a renewal program.
Yesterday (Tuesday), Rossi’s new bishop placed him on temporary leave after the Associated Press inquired about a police investigation.
In Janurary, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston released a list of 42 priests who had been “credibly accused” of sexual abuse. Rossi was not on that list.
The archdiocese responded to the allegations, saying they reject the ‘unprofessional, biased and one-sided reporting’ contained in the article written by the Associated Press. They also say a number of the quotes attributed to DiNardo were fabricated.
The archdiocese says they will continue in cooperation with this investigation. We will update you when we hear more here on Willy 1550 and 98.7 FM.