DETROIT — The longtime pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Grotto) Parish has been temporarily restricted from ministry after the Archdiocese of Detroit's Review Board found a “semblance of truth” to an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor.
Fr. Eduard Perrone, 70, who has served as pastor of Assumption Grotto Parish since 1994, is “prohibited from representing himself as a priest, wearing clerical attire or exercising any form of Church ministry” while a canonical review is ongoing, a statement from the archdiocese said Sunday.
The archdiocese said the allegation dates to “the earlier years of Fr. Perrone's ministry.”
Parishioners at the northwest Detroit parish were informed of the restriction during weekend Masses. Msgr. Ronald Browne, judicial vicar for the archdiocese, was appointed temporary administrator at Assumption Grotto while the investigation is ongoing.
The archdiocese said the complaint was forwarded to Macomb County law enforcement officials. Given the ongoing investigation into the Catholic Church's seven Michigan dioceses, the findings were also sent to the Michigan Attorney General's office, the statement said.
The archdiocese's statement said it was informed by the Attorney General's office it could proceed with its canonical review according to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
“A further determination on the matter now falls to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), which reviews all cases involving the sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults by clergy,” the archdiocese said. “Under Church law, much like in civil law, there is a presumption of innocence during this process.”
Before serving at Assumption Grotto, Fr. Perrone was pastor of St. Nicholas Parish in Capac from 1987-94, and associate pastor at St. Peter in Mt. Clemens (1978-81), St. Genevieve in Livonia (1981-84) and Assumption Grotto (1984-87).
Fr. Perrone attended Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit and St. John's Provincial Seminary in Plymouth. He was ordained June 10, 1978.
The archdiocese said it will add Fr. Perrone's name to its list of clergy credibly accused of abuse.
Individuals with knowledge of sexual abuse by clergy or other Church representatives are urged to contact local law enforcement and/or the Michigan Attorney General’s Office at (844) 324-3374 or [email protected]. Individuals also may contact the Archdiocese of Detroit by visiting protect.aod.org or by calling the 24/7 victim assistance line at (866) 343-8055 or by emailing [email protected]. There are no time limits or restrictions on individuals wishing to report abuse.
