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CV NEWS FEED // The parishioners of a Massachusetts parish held a prayer vigil for their pastor, who was suspended after some sexual misconduct allegations were leveled against him.
Father Jay Mello, the pastor of a parish in the Diocese of Fall River, was suspended in June, NBC 10 news reported. Father Mello has denied all allegations.
Father Mello’s parishioners are also defending him, according to the news outlet. Parishioner Jessica Carvalho said, “We want to make it clear that all allegations should be taken [seriously], should be investigated,” but added, “The problem we’re having here is that it needs to be a fair, just, timely investigation.”
Carvalho also said, “The accuser should be taken [seriously]. They should have their rights. The accused should as well, and I feel like because of the past, things are not even.”
The Diocese stated that the allegations did not involve any minors. The attorney suing Father Mello stated that his client was 28 years old at the time of the alleged assault, which he said occurred in 2013. The attorney also stated that his client reported the incident to the Diocese when it happened, but the Diocese did not investigate the reports.
The National Catholic Reporter featured an article on the priest and related that he had overwhelming support from the faithful in the Diocese:
Comments on many news stories as well as social media posts were overwhelmingly supportive of Mello. Several parishioners changed their profile pictures to images with the priest and their children and other family members. Others have applied filters to their profile to add the words, “Pray for Father Jay.” Mello’s Facebook account has “liked” these images on his personal page.
The article continued, “Others have shared their support and denounced the ‘haters’ who they believe are anti-Catholic and targeting Mello for his popularity within the community.”
