Leader of seminary under investigation now to lead cathedral

Dec 30, 2018

|Associated Press

Leader of seminary under investigation now to lead cathedral — Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston says a Mass of Ordination in St. Peter’s Basilica, Sept. 29, 2016. (Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.)

WORCESTER, Massachusetts — The head of a Boston seminary that the Catholic Church is investigating following allegations of misconduct has been tapped to lead a cathedral in Worcester.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester announced Friday that Monsignor James Moroney will become interim rector of the Cathedral of St. Paul starting Jan. 1.

Moroney said in the announcement he’s “deeply grateful” for tenure at the Boston theological school and looked forward to serving his home diocese.

Friday’s announcement didn’t mention the status of the investigation but Moroney said in a blog post he looks forward to the results of the inquiry.

Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley launched an investigation and placed Moroney on sabbatical in August after two former seminarians said they’d witnessed inappropriate behavior, including sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse, at the school.