Off the Record

"background checking"

By Diogenes (articles ) | May 15, 2003 12:34 PM

Background checks have become a point of interest in light of the Dallas stories of late. A couple of pastors were removed in Dallas because they had not completed staff and volunteer background checks (in one case a priest neglected to have Mother Teresa's nuns fingerprinted). This latest story about Msgr Villaroya alleges that the Dallas chancery never completed a full background check on a priest who is accused of rape.

Interesting. Last February, a letter was published in the Dallas Morning News. It was critical of Bishop Grahmann, the Diocesan, but warmly appreciative of the coadjutor Bishop Galante. The letter was signed "Sr M. Immaculata Dunn," from Valley Forge PA; although a DMN staffer spoke to a woman claiming to be Sister, it is likely this was an alias.

The story is interesting only because the Dallas chancery launched into full "background check" mode, calling the Philadelphia chancery to get to the bottom of this letter, critical of Bishop Grahmann, written by a Nun.

You see? They CAN be thorough when properly motivated!

An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus:

Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you!

Easter Campaign:
Progress toward our Spring 2013 goal ($34,450 to go):
$80,000.00 $45,549.82
43% 57%
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

There are no comments yet for this item.

Think with the Catholic Leaders: Subscribe to Catholic Culture Insights Newsletter
Donate to Support this Site: Your contribution will be put to good work.
Tour the CatholicCulture.org Site
Shop Amazon to Raise Money for Catholic Culture

Recent Catholic Commentary

Learning from the sick, and from the death of a child May 17
The case for change in Irish abortion law: based on a framework of falsehood May 17
The Smell of the Sheep May 16
Too many missing funds: Catholic institutions need tighter financial controls May 16
What capitalists should learn from the Pope's critique May 16

Top Catholic News

Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Pope strongly supports call for reform in religious life CWN - May 8