October 7, 2008

Neil Harrington Jr. places “Seeds of Hope” home up for Sale.

The controversial self proclaimed visionary has placed his home up for sale according to Keller Williams Realty publications.

In review of the real estate slide show, the once built Seeds of Hope Chapel has been dismantled, and now is advertised as a third floor exercise room.  Removed are the wooden altar, communion rail-kneeler, and the hand painted portrait of the last vision of Fatima, which covered a whole wall of the chapel.

In one of Mr. Neil Harrington Jr.'s religious dreams, he claimed, was given to him by St Frances of Assisi, this chapel within his home, was going to be “a spirituality center for the world and to think otherwise would be foolish”.

For those who are still following Mr. Harrington, these actions must be motivation to spiritually question any and all of Mr. Harrington’s past proclamations of heavenly visionary interactions. It is difficult to understand how a true visionary can go against a proclamation he once claimed was a directive given to him from heaven.

As numerous published accounts have portrayed, however, Mr. Harrington’s religious visions have been questioned before.

Most notable was to enlist the assistance of removed Catholic priest John J. Szantyr, which Mr. Harrington claimed was a directive from the Blessed Virgin Mary herself, when she named John Szantyr as his spiritual director. This directive occurred in 1994, six years after Szantyr’s faculties were removed by the Diocese of Worcester, due to creditable allegations of sexual abuse of a minor and John Szantyr’s faculties have never been reinstated.

February 28, 2008, the self proclaimed visionary, Mr. Harrington, was ordered by his Excellency, Bishop Timothy McDonnell, of Springfield to stop the dissemination of his visions as they have not been proven to have come from heaven. The Bishop stated, therefore, the content of those “messages, stories, and devotions”, are not to be disseminated by word, writing, or any other means to any person.

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June 29, 2008

St. Mary’s pastor marks 25 years in the priesthood

By Brian Lee TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

SOUTHBRIDGE— In celebration of the Rev. Peter Joyce’s 25th anniversary as a priest, a special noontime Mass will be held today at St. Mary’s Parish.

A reception in the school gym will follow. About 900 are expected to attend.

Rev. Joyce hit the 25-year mark Wednesday. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Worcester in 1983 by Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan.

He marked his 21-year anniversary at St. Mary’s on Thursday, having been assigned there as an associate pastor in 1987. Following an assignment in Puerto Rico during the summer of 1991, he was assigned St. Mary’s administrator, and a year later, its pastor.

“Nobody works harder, believe me,” said Benjamin F. Tully, a 69-year-old contractor who is working with Rev. Joyce and a committee to complete a new parish center.

“He will go to a hospital for anybody who requests him, from any parish, day and night,” Mr. Tully said.

In a statement, Bishop Robert J. McManus commended Rev. Joyce.

“It is always challenging for a pastor to serve such a diverse community, and I trust that he has found their support and encouragement to be a continued source of strength. I pray that God will continue to watch over him and guide him as he exercises his priesthood to bring Jesus in a unique way to St. Mary Parish and Trinity Catholic Academy communities,” Rev. McManus said.

Rev. Joyce said the priesthood is an amazing life.

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May 19, 2008

Father fraud: Victims violated again by judge’s ruling

By Wendy Murphy

The victims weren’t asking for much – just a chance to be heard; a brief moment to tell the truth in a court of law. But Worcester District Court Judge David Ricciardone gave them a slap in the face instead.

John Szantyr, an ex-priest charged with sexually violating two boys more than 20 years ago, will not be brought to justice because Ricciardone has effectively allowed Szantyr to walk away scot-free under a laughable ruling that the guy is not competent to stand trial.

We’re talking about a man who was recently examined by Dr. Malcolm Rogers, an experienced competency evaluator who told the court in February 2008 that Szantyr understands the charges against him and can assist his counsel in his defense.

Ricciardone rejected Dr. Rogers’ opinion even though it is routinely deemed sufficient proof of a defendant’s competency in courtrooms across Massachusetts.

Ricciardone, instead, sided with the nonexpert opinions of Szantyr’s brother and an ex-nurse’s aide named Constance Plank who had no experience with competency evaluations and only limited contact with Szantyr right before the court hearing, in January 2008.

During Plank’s testimony, she couldn’t even recall the name of the company she worked for, but like Szantyr’s brother she was certain the defendant was unable to care for himself.

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May 18, 2008

Public record request fee unrealistic in complaints regarding Worcester Diocese Office of Healing.

At question is the fact that three complaints (SW-08-019, SW-08-012, and SW 08-038) were filed against Ms Francis Nugent, of the Worcester Dioceses Office of Healing.  These complaints exposed numerous violations of Ms Nugent’s social workers license.

It appears in an attempt to stop the release of public information, which would expose the failure of action taken by the Board of Registration of Social Workers; an unrealistic fee had been applied to a public record request.

According to Ms Nadeige Pochette, Records Clerk Coordinator for the MA Division of Professional Licensure, in her May 15th cost of Fulfilling of Public Record request, Ms Pochette claims it took her three and a quarter hours to locate thirty five (35) pieces of paper in a case file in regards to complaints SW-08-12, and SW-08-38, which were conjoined.  

Ms Pochette than charged a fee of $56.88, at a rate of $17.50 per hour for time to located, copy their content and re-file the documents. This unrealistic fee of $63.88 for a total of 35 pieces of paper in a case file plainly appears to be an act of larceny and will be dealt with as such.

In addition, the free two hours of time which is allotted to every Massachusetts tax payer, per calendar year, was not applied to this charge. 

In a cost of Fulfilling of Public Record request in SW-08-019 on May 1, 2008 it took only 25 minutes to locate the case file, which resulted in twenty pages of public records for a total coast of $8.38.

There are no gray areas regarding the actions taken by Ms Nugent in complaint SW-08-12, as her actions were witnessed by two individuals in addition to the victim.  Ms Nugent advised a victim of sexual abuse, by a Worcester Diocese priest to “quit his job and go on Mass Health as the diocese cannot afford to pay for therapy”.  Ms Nugent further attempted to have this same victim sign a blank page at the end of his victim statement on diocesan  letterhead.  Ms Nugent failed to provide any housing services, although she claimed, in an early newspaper article, that the diocese did perform this service.  

As we have all become accustomed to, in Worcester County, the Worcester Telegram Newspaper, under the direction of Publisher, Harry White, often writes puff pieces to assist the Worcester Diocese Catholic Church in public relations. In fact, since reporter, Kathy Shaw has retired in 2005, there has not been one story written regarding allegations of clergy sexual abuse within Worcester County.

The Board of Registration of Social Workers only issued an advisory letter in each of the three complaints which further added insult to injury. Ms Nugent’s action’s resulted in one complainant leaving the Catholic Church.  Another complainant became homeless, and was further emotionally traumatized by Ms Nugent and her actions.  The last complainant will never seek contact with the Diocese of Worcester Catholic church again based on the verbal  attack by Ms Nugent in which Ms Nugent actually taunted her verbally yelling “you were abused huh, so you were abused!.”

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May 9, 2008

Justice is dead in Worcester.

Today in Worcester District Court Judge David Ricciardone issued his ruling in which he states, “I do not find the opinion of the Commonwealths expert to be persuasive" I conclude the Commonwealth has not meet its burden of proving that the defendant has sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding, and whether he as a rational as well as factual understanding of the proceeding against him”.

Accordingly, I rule that the defendant is not competent to stand trial on these matters.

Judge Ricciardone ’s ruling today is in complete contradiction to his decision of Defendant’s Motion at the close of the Commonwealth’s Evidence on Competency, dated February 29, 2008. Judge Ricciardione 's decision that day states, “I will view the evidence thus far presented in a light most favorable to the government. I concluded the evidence would support a finding of competency”.    

One could ask what changed between the testimony of Dr. Malcom Rogers, an expert doctor which resulted in the February 29, 2008 decision and the testimony of the defendant's brother and Constance Plank a CNA, who under cross examination could not even properly name her employer.

Yesterday at the close of business in the clerk's office of the Worcester District Court, Judge Ricciardone 's ruling was not available.

The ruling was located in the judges lobby early this morning previous to first call. 

Eluding the process of a trial by judicial control is not a reflection of innocence.  John J. Szantyr still remains criminally charged with the sexual assault of two minor alter boys from Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish on Ward Street in Worcester, involving four counts of indecent assault and battery on a person under 14.

Present in the courtroom today and chumming around with Defense Attorney, Edward P. Ryan, of Fitchburg, was Attorney James G. Reardon Jr., legal representative of Roman Catholic Dioceses of Worcester.  

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May 5, 2008

Competency ruling due May 9th in Worcester district court.

The long waiting ruling which has dragged on for over a year in the criminal trial of Rev John J Szantyr will be released on Friday May 9, 2008.  

Worcester District Court Judge David Ricciardione will rule if John Szantyr is competent to stand trial.

Defense Attorney Edward P. Ryan of Fitchburg, provided no expert testimony to establish his client was actually incompetent.

Should the ruling come back competent than a trial date should be set within a few months. This case has already lingered in District court for over five years.

April 11, 2008

Fr John Szantyr competency hearing ends. 

In Worcester District Court today Fr John Szantyr's competency hearing continued in courtroom 16. 

Paul Szantyr younger brother of John Szantyr testified today in court that he attends to his brother every morning by providing a head, and face massage. Paul went on to state his brother gives very little verbal responses to him.

Paul Szantyr testified that he had brought his brother John to the registry of motor vehicles to renew his license for two reasons. The first reason was to give John hope that someday he might drive again and the other to use the license as a form of identification. Paul Szantyr testified he had no knowledge that the registry of motor vehicle provides identification cards. Paul Szantyr also stated that just recently the Connecticut Registry had suspended John Szantyr’s license to operate a motor vehicle.

Paul Szantyr further testified that in his opinion his brother John had been incapable of communication other than one - word replies for about one year.

Ms Constance Plank a CNA licensed in the State of Connecticut testified she had been giving care to John Szantry for one hour a day for four and a half years.  She stated she was a former employee of the VNA (Visiting Nurse Association). Under cross examination by ADA Joseph Reilly III, Ms Plank testified first she currently worked for “Just Like You” or “Just About You” but than testified a patient gave her a slogan “It Is All About You”. In the end Ms Plank admitted she could not accurately identify the name of her current employer.  

As in other recent court hearings both attorneys responded with accusations of inappropriate behavior. Defense Attorney Edward P. Ryan of Fitchburg was vociferous as usual. ADA Joseph Reilly slapped his hand on the jury box railing loudly three consecutive times storming away from Judge Ricciardione after losing an objection.  

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April 8, 2008

Szantyr Competency hearing to continue.

On Friday, April 11, 2008 at 9 am the competency hearing regarding Fr John J Szantyr which began on February 28, 2008 will continue.

After the first portion was completed Worcester District Court Judge David Ricciardione issued his ruling in which he stated “I will view the evidence thus far presented in a light most favorable to the government.  I concluded the evidence would support a finding of competency, viewed in this matter.”

The only witness to testify was Malcom P. Rogers MD who performed a psychiatric evaluation of John J. Szantyr on August 7, 2007 in his office at the Boylston Consultation Center, Chestnut Hill MA.   

Dr Rogers testified from his report written on August 16, 2007. This was the report that was unavailable in court on August 20, 2007 due to the fact Worcester Assistant District Attorney Joseph Reilly III claimed he could not locate the document in the Worcester Courthouse.

During this hearing Judge Ricciardione ordered a ten minute break to read Dr Malcom’s report himself, after declaring he had not had the opportunity to see it.  When the court reconvened, Judge Ricciardione stated the report could not be located in the Courthouse.

ADA Reilly produced and provided an additional copy for Judge Ricciardione which was reviewed by Defense Attorney Edward P Ryan Jr., of Fitchburg to make sure the “copy was clean” meaning without notes or additional information written on the document.   

Prior to the hearing of the February 28th, Worcester ADA Reilly had failed for over six months to present to Judge Ricciardione the August 16, 2008 competency report as evidence.

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April 2, 2008

Social workers complaint against Worcester Diocese Office of Healing delayed again.

After months of delays and failures to make quorums by the social workers board once again complaints against Frances Nugent’s Social Workers License has been delayed.  

According to Robert Williams from the office of investigation of the social workers board, the board did not have enough time to hear the cases last month.

The board has asked from the Worcester Diocese Catholic Church, a job description of Frances Nugent Co- director of the Office of Healing.   

According to Mr. Williams he was not allowed to speak to Frances Nugent and was referred to her lawyer James Reardon of Reardon and Reardon of Worcester long time Worcester diocese legal counsel.

Bishop Robert McManus has chosen once again to remain silent regarding the pending issues surrounding the Office of Healing.

Worcester Catholic’s saw this same type of behavior in the case of Rev James Aquino who was arrested in Las Vegas with his license in his shoe after being found in a male sex club. When first notified about the arrest of Rev Aquino, Bishop McManus took no action until the Las Vegas Police Department arrest report and court document were published.

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March 06, 2008 

Purported visionary bows to a diocesan injunction 

SPRINGFIELD - The weeping Madonna at 33 Garland St. has shed its last tear.

Purported messages from the Virgin Mary and St. Francis of Assisi delivered through a postal carrier also have been quieted, per order of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield. 

After an investigation into a home-based Catholic prayer group called "Seeds of Hope," run by Neil Harrington Jr., the diocese recently took the unprecedented measure of effectively shutting it down.  

“The authenticity of the 'messages, stories and devotions' purportedly made by Our Lady and St. Francis 'via Neil Harrington Jr.' has not been proven. Therefore, the content of those ... is not to be disseminated by word, writing or any other means," according to a recent statement by the Most Rev. Timothy A. McDonnell, bishop of the Springfield diocese.

It was not the first time Harrington was ordered to keep his visions to himself.

A father of six, Harrington said he intends to comply with McDonnell's order.  

"We're not going to be functioning as the Seeds of Hope, even though it's very hard and very painful," Harrington, 47, said during a telephone interview yesterday.

He declined to address the statue that had an uncanny habit of "weeping" oil tears in the middle of the night, or the "visions" that came to him.

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March 3, 2008

Judge rules Szantyr Competent.

Today in Worcester District Court, Judge David Ricciardone issued his decision on the defendants motion that the Commonwealth has failed as a matter of law, to meet its burden of proving that the defendant is competent to stand trial.

According to the ruling Judge Ricciardone wrote the evidence thus far presented in a light most favorable to the government.

Attorney Ryan stated today after review of the ruling, if he feels that he will present no further testimony then he will notify the court.  

The next scheduled court date is April 11, 2008. At this time defense attorney Edward Ryan Jr. may if he chooses, present relevant and admissible evidence that John Szantyr is not competent.

February 28, 2008

Szantyr competency hearing today, defendant appears in a wheelchair.

Today in Worcester District Court, courtroom sixteen defense attorney, Edward P Ryan Jr., presented five civilian witnesses to testify on the behalf of the defendant Fr. John J.  Szantyr.

Presented as witness were, Rosemary Perone, RN who observed Szantyr within last three months, Paul Szantyr, brother and care giver, Constance Plante, sister, Theresa Groton, CNA who attends to John Szantyr at home three times a week and  Mr. Thereoux, a neighbor who brings lunch daily to John Szantyr.

January 8, 2008 Judge David Ricciardone ruled that civilian witnesses for the prosecution who had observed John Szantyr still active in his community several months before and after the last competency ruling in September 2006 could not testify.

Assistant District Attorney, Joseph Reilly III did not file any motion in opposition to the defense presentation of the civilian witnesses. ADA Reilly did complain to Judge Ricciardone he had not had enough notification; however Judge David Ricciardone ruled that they would be allowed to testify.

Testimony from Dr Malcolm Rogers lasted almost four hours. Dr Rogers testified after his examination of August 7, 2007 that in his opinion the defendant, John Szantyr was competent to stand trial.

According to Dr Rogers, John Szantyr was able to recall the elementary school he attended, the dates and locations of his assignments as a priest. John Szantyr also recalled his 1970 stay in the House of Affirmation, a treatment center for those in religious life.

Dr Malcolm also testified John Szantyr could walk into his office without the assistance of a wheelchair, and was able to sit himself in a chair. Today however in court John Szantyr could not even get himself out of his wheelchair without the assistance of his relatives and needed help to sit at the defense table.  

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See TV Coverage by Channel 3 of the competency hearing.

February 13, 2008

Springfield Diocese protects accused Priest John Szantyr

For over a year, information had been supplied to Monsignor Christopher D. Connelly, than  ecclesiastical secretary to Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell describing the actions Fr John Szantyr as performing Eucharistic service, the sacrament of penance and other religious activities openly conducted in the Springfield home of Neil Harrington Jr. Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell took no action to stop Fr John Szantyr and the Seeds of Hope.

Only when in September 2007, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield was placed under public pressure did they act out publicly to project the perception they were actually taking the correct steps to protect the faithful.

It took published Boston Herald newspaper articles and videos to surface what could no longer be denied that removed Worcester Catholic priest; Fr John Szantyr was still conducting masses in their diocese to prompt the Springfield Diocese to take action.

On September 30, 2007, Springfield Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell, issued a letter to Fr John Szantyr of Waterbury Ct. This letter, according to the Catholic Observer, informed Fr John that he was not allowed to perform any type of religious services within the Diocese of Springfield.

Fr John Szantyr has been facing four counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under fourteen involving two alleged victims since 2003. Fr John Szantyr had been ruled incompetent to stand trial September 13, 2006 which can only be accomplished by a mental deficiency.

Monsignor Connelly has confirmed within this reply that Fr John states (in a letter) he is in complete compliance with the Dallas norms established in 2002. The Diocese of Springfield however, according to Monsignor Connelly did not forward that letter to the Worcester District Attorney’s office.

How can it be that still in the year 2007, a Catholic diocese protects an accused priest instead of first thinking of the clergy abuse victims who allege abuse and have been denied their day in court?

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February 9, 2008

Accused charismatic priest resigns

By Bronislaus B. Kush TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
bkush@telegram.com

WORCESTER— The Rev. Joseph A. Coonan, the once popular Roman Catholic priest who was suspended from his priestly duties after allegations of bizarre sexual misconduct involving teenagers surfaced in 2002, has ended his long battle to persuade church officials that he should be allowed to resume his ministry.

Raymond L. Delisle, a spokesman for the Diocese of Worcester, said the Rev. Coonan has formally resigned as pastor of St. John Church on Temple Street. That action effectively ends the charismatic priest’s reinstatement efforts.

Bishop Daniel P. Reilly, then head of the Worcester Diocese, removed Rev. Coonan in August 2002 after church officials decided that the allegations against the priest, known for his inspirational sermons and work among the downtown poor, were credible.

Rev. Coonan, however, refused to resign and appealed his case to Vatican authorities. Officials in Rome have yet to rule on the matter.

The allegations stemmed from Rev. Coonan’s work as a camp counselor and teacher in Oxford during the 1970s.

Alleged victims stepped forth and accused Rev. Coonan of touching them sexually and urging them to urinate, defecate or masturbate in his presence.

Rev. Coonan’s removal split parishioners at St. John, with supporters maintaining the charges predated his ordination in 1989 and that he should be judged solely on his actions as a clergyman.

The allegations, however, shocked others who, at one time, packed services officiated by the priest.

Rev. Coonan would often incorporate poetry and music into his sermons.

The priest’s woes continued when he was arrested twice in 2006 on charges of assaulting his mother and sister, with whom he lived in Oxford. The charges were dismissed in both cases.

Bishop Robert J. McManus this week formally appointed the Rev. John F. Madden as St. John’s new pastor. He had been serving for several months as the parish’s administrator.

Rev. Coonan could not be reached for comment yesterday. Rev. Madden did not return a telephone call made by the Telegram & Gazette.

February 6, 2008

Witness to Szantyr competency denied their state police statements

In Massachusetts anyone whose name is in a document which was created by a governmental agency has a right under the Massachusetts public record law M. G. L. Chapter 66, Section 10 to a copy of such. 

In the criminal case of the Commonwealth V John Szantyr some individuals who gave statements to the Massachusetts State troopers assigned to the Office of Worcester District Attorney, Joseph Early in regards to actions of John Szantyr both only a few months before and after the September 13, 2006 competency ruling believe they were misrepresented. 

These statements were then presented to Worcester District Court Judge David Ricciardone without Worcester Assistant District Attorney Joseph Reilly III calling each potential witness to confirm the substance of their statement to determine accuracy.

On January 8, 2008 Judge David Ricciardone granted the December 11, 2007 Limine motion filed by defense attorney Edward Ryan denying the ability of any of the civilian witness to testify in the scheduled competency hearing on February 28, 2008.

In a reply dated January 29, 2008 to Vic Valois, ADA Joseph Reilly has now again refused to release his statement in question. His reason was the statement was protected as the individual was a potential witness. Yet as documented in the ruling of January 8, 2008 this is not a truthful representation of facts.

William Fortin who also has made two different attempts to ascertain a copy of his statement given on September 24, 2007 has also been denied again.

Mike Hodgkins who witnessed John Szantyr in the Massachusetts turnpike rest area within one hour of the September 12, 2006 competency hearing has also been denied his statement. Mr. Hodgkins has now also filed an appeal with the Secretary of State to compel the production of his statement.  

The office of Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakely was contacted on January 11, 2008 and informed of the misrepresented material facts.  Forty pages of documentation were provided to Massachusetts State Trooper Lt Dennis Brooks who claimed he would see the material was given to a special prosecutor for review. 

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January 14, 2008

Judge orders opening of files in Clergy case regarding the murder of Danny Croteau.  Springfield, Republic Newspaper to gain access to records.

Unlike the Worcester Telegram whose silence and lack of effort has protected the Worcester Diocese the Springfield Republic newspaper is to be complemented on their efforts in the murder case of Danny Croteau and now-defrocked priest Richard R. Lavigne. Their efforts also now bring to light the collusion between District Attorney’s, the Massachusetts State Police and the Catholic Church many believe is still openly being practiced in Massachusetts today.

Superior Court Judge John A. Agostini has ordered Hampden County District Attorney William M. Bennett to release more investigative files in the 36-year-old unsolved murder of altar boy Danny Croteau, including a witness' allegations that she was pressured by the then bishop and district attorney about information concerning a priest who was a suspect.

An unnamed woman who spoke to police in 2004, said she told investigators 32 years earlier that she told the district attorney in 1972 about seeing Lavigne at the murder site, but that the district attorney "warned her that she could lose her job or have a defamation claim against her if what she claimed she saw 'got out.'"

"This statement alleges a grave abuse of authority by the district attorney in 1972, and raises concerns about law enforcement authorities' relationship with the Diocese and the handling of evidence incriminating Lavigne," the judge stated

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January 12, 2008

Judges’ ruling of January 8th revels John Szantyr was in Harrington home on Pentecost Sunday 07.

Neil Harrington Jr. reports according to a ruling issued by Worcester District Court Judge David Ricciardione that in fact the last time Neil Harrington hosted John Szantyr in his home was on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2007.

This is in direct contradiction of statements Neil and his Seeds of Hope organization has made to the media, the Worcester Voice and the Diocese of Springfield.  

This misrepresentation occurred on several occasions when it was recently revealed Neil and his Seeds of Hope organization had been presenting Fr John as he likes to be called as a Catholic priest "in good standing".  In fact this charade by Neil Harrington Jr. and Fr John has going on since 1994.

Neil Harrington Jr. also promoted children, young adolescents as well as adults to attend confession in an isolated bedroom upstairs with Fr John in his home unsupervised.

October 7, 2007 the Voice received an anonymous call from the Harrington home while Neil listened on a speaker phone in the so - called chapel the on third floor. This “Seeds” member claimed in fact Fr John was not in the Harrington home Pentecost 2007. 

The anonymous caller identified Fr Gerald Hayes a retired Catholic priest from Louisiana as the actual celebrant of the Mass on May 27, 2007.  Fr Bill Pomeleau according to Vic Valois stated the celebration itself in Neil Harrington’s home was an illicit Mass because the Catholic Church does not allow a Mass to be said in a private home on a Sunday or any other holy day of obligation in group form when a Catholic church is readily available.  

In a September 28, 2007 interview conducted by Worcester TV station channel 3’s, Jennifer Egan, Neil stated he he could not remember the last time Fr John conducted services in his home.

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January 8, 2007

Sr. Keri Burnor launches site.

Sr. Keri Burnor has launched a new web site, clergyvictim.com.

Sr. Burnor who operates a non profit organization called Christ the Wall Heritage has used this form of media outlet to expose the institutional abuse that is projected against her as a nun.

Sr. Burnor tells her story on The Investigative Journal of her abuse and the case that has reshaped her life involving St Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts. She has also made her story available on CD.

In this 2 hour interview Sister Keri Burnor exposes corruption in the Catholic Church hierarchy and how certain catholic district attorney's still protect the diocese's in which they are elected

Christ the Wall Hermitage will seek to assist victim/survivors based on each one's goals and needs.

As her web site has only begun Sr. Burnor hopes to be able to reach out to others in religious service as well as lay people to bring forth true and meaningful change in the current destructive practices that still occur.

January 6, 2007    

Board of Registration of Social Workers fails to hear complaint for second consecutive month.

The board of social workers for the second month in a row did not have enough members in attendance at their monthly meeting to meet a quorum. The failure by the board has resulted in the inability to process the complaint filed against Ms. Frances Nugent co-director of the Worcester Diocese Office of Healing and Prevention.  Mrs. Frances Nugent currently has had three complaints filed against her social workers license.

The first complaint was filed in the beginning of July 2007 and delayed according to social worker’s board investigator Robert Williams due to the fact that Ms Nugent retained legal council to address issues presented in the first two complaints.

It is unclear if the Worcester Diocese is paying Ms Nugent’s legal expenses.  

The most offensive violation is contained within the first complaint. The fact is that Ms Nugent was using her social workers license as a means of professional presentation and she failed to assist Michael Chesnis when he approached the Worcester Office of Healing for assistance.

Ms Nugent when asked for counseling assistance informed Mr. Chesnis that the diocese could not afford to pay for counseling and that he should quit his job and go on MassHealth. This statement was witnessed by Mary T Jean of the Worcester Voice and Teri Bisbee who volunteers at the Voice as a paralegal.

Ms Nugent further attempted to force by means of verbal aggressiveness towards Mr. Chesnis his signature on a blank page in regards to his statements of sexual abuse by Fr John Szantyr.  

Ms Nugent under the guise of providing housing assistance requested Mr. Chesnis to come to the Chancery without his advocate. When Mr. Chesnis arrived hoping to receive assistance he was instead treated with disrespect and questioned about his criminal case currently in Worcester district court involving Fr John Szantyr.

Ms Nugent decline to provide housing assistance which resulted in Mr. Chesnis becoming homeless.

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