March 27, 2023 / By mobanmarket
EVERGREEN PARK, IL — An associate pastor from an Evergreen Park parish accused of molesting a child 40 years ago before he became a priest has been cleared of the allegation. Fr. Paul Guzman is being restored to his ministry at Most Holy Redeemer Church.
Fr. Guzman was asked to live away from the parish earlier this month as the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Independent Review Board, assisted by the Office of Child Abuse Investigation and Review, and outside investigator, conducted a thorough review of the 40-allegation.
“The Review Board has concluded that there is insufficient reason to suspect Father Guzman is guilty of this allegation,” Cardinal Blase Cupich said in a letter to Most Holy Redeemer parishioners. “Having given careful consideration to their recommendation, which I accept, I now inform you that I am reinstating Father Guzman’s faculties and his position of Associate Pastor at Most Holy Redeemer Parish, effective immediately.”
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A source told Patch that the person accusing Fr. Guzman has made similar claims against other Catholic clergy, which were subsequently determined to be unfounded.
“I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the great patience you and Fr. Guzman have
shown in this moment of trial,” the cardinal continued. “Yet, Fr. Guzman is convinced of the need for us as a Church to keep our word that the safety of children remains our priority. At the same time, we must keep our commitment to do everything possible to restore Fr. Guzman’s good name.”
MHR pastor, Fr. James Hyland, also shared the cardinal’s letter with his parishioners.
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