From that time through June of 2002, Father Francisco was living at Saint John’s Abbey with “prudent, non-risk” limitations on his ministry.
Webmaster’s Note: This Abbey statement is full of lies.
The truth is here.
After the media pointed out its shortcomings, the Abbey issued an apology (of sorts).
Abbey Statement on Father Francisco Schulte
In February of 1992, Abbot Jerome Theisen received an allegation of inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor in 1984 by Father Francisco Schulte. From that time through June of 2002, Father Francisco was living at Saint John’s Abbey with “prudent, non-risk” limitations on his ministry.
In June of 2003, Father Francisco Schulte took a three-year canonical leave (exclaustration) from Saint John’s Abbey for the purpose of vocational discernment. Taking such a leave means that the superior of Saint John’s Abbey does not have oversight over the monk. After being with his family for a few months, Father Francisco traveled to Rome and lived and worked at Sant’ Anselmo (Rome, Italy). His monastic superiors there were apprised of his situation and supervised his work and life.
In 2005-2006, Father Francisco was at the Basilica of Guadalupe (Mexico City, Mexico), translating his dissertation from English into Spanish. He was supervised by the Rector of the Shrine, who was apprised of his situation.
From April 2007 – January 2009, Father Francisco spent a significant amount of time with his family in North Carolina, first to assist in the care of his terminally ill mother, who died on May 2, 2008. His father died on November 25, 2008.
From 2006-2010, Father Francisco has lived at Subiaco Abbey (Italy) for further discernment under the supervision of superiors apprised of his situation. When Saint John’s Abbey became aware of a possible lawsuit in April 2010, Abbot John Klassen asked Father Francisco to return to Saint John’s Abbey, which he chose to do. Father Francisco was not permitted to perform sacramental ministry as a priest from 2002 to the present.
From 1980-1983 and from 1986-1988, Father Francisco served as chaplain at Saint John’s Preparatory School.
Source: http://www.saintjohnsabbey.org/news/official.html
