Alleged victim to meet with Bishop Hubbard

Channel 9 News ^ | April 20, 2004 | Edward Muir

[sidewalk]

The abuse allegations by Randy Sweringen first came to light last November in Troy. Sweringen said while he was a member of a fraternity at RPI in the 1980s, he was abused by Father Charles Celeste. At the time, Celeste was the fraternity chaplain and lived in the nearby rectory of St. Paul the Apostle Church.

Sweringen said, "He asked me to stroke his arm on the bottom side, and then we ended up, over time, he kissed me and we would kiss for longer periods of time."

Sweringen said the abuse culminated in a more serious sexual act just before he left RPI and became a monk. He left the order, however, after 10 years. Sweringen said he didn't report Celeste's abuse at the time because he was afraid of a backlash.

He said, "I was so isolated and vulnerable as an emerging gay person that I was incredibly scared. A fraternity brother of mine sent a hate email to every gay person on campus."

Sweringen's attorney, John Aretakis said, "We believe that the diocese does not and never has believed that what Father Celeste did was highly improper."

But after Sweringen's allegations became public, Celeste asked for and was given a leave of absence from his parish in Little Falls.

At the time, Bishop Howard Hubbard issued a statement saying that Celeste admitted inappropriate conduct, and cited that as a reason for his leave of absence. Bishop Hubbard went on to issue an apology on Celeste's behalf. But when Sweringen meets with Bishop Hubbard on Tuesday, he hopes to get a face-to-face apology.

[siunevada]

Am I reading this right? This kid was in college?

It looks more like homosexual acts, not "abuse". Even if he was "vulnerable". If he was college age he needs to accept some responsibility. "If" the diocese knew the priest was homosexual then they were responsible for keeping him away from vulnerable young people like you find on every college campus.

But if the priest was as closeted as this victim the diocese would have needed a mind reader to know what was going on.

[johnb2004]

Before this priest was sent off to Canada for "treatment" I went to one of his masses. He said he did not like Mother Angelica and EWTN. Surprise.

[siunevada]

EWTN and Mother Angelica are a real litmus test.