Archdiocese releases list of ‘credibly accused’ priests in Houston region

Exterior view of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Houston. Exterior view of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Houston. Photo: Marie D. De Jesús, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Photo: Marie D. De Jesús, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 45 Caption Close Archdiocese releases list of ‘credibly accused’ priests in Houston region 1 / 45 Back to Gallery

A list of priests "credibly accused" of sex abuse over the last seven decades continues to grow as the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston on Thursday released the names of more than 40 clergy members.

The list disclosed the names of 23 diocesan, 13 religious order and 4 extern priests who have have faced allegations deemed credible by archdiocese officials in the past 70 years.

ACROSS HOUSTON: See the list of ‘credibly accused’ priests in the Houston area

Two priests named are the subject of current investigations. Manuel La Rosa-Lopez is facing a criminal investigation out of Montgomery County, while John Keller, the pastor of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Tomball, is under an internal investigation. Keller was removed from ministry in 2019.

More than two dozen priests whose allegations were never made public until the list were also identified.

A pair of priests removed from duty in 2013 were included on the list: Jack Hanna, a Basilian Fathers priest at St. Thomas High School, and Richard Edelin, who served at various parishes in Houston and the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe.

Twenty of the priests named have since died.

ACROSS TEXAS: See the statewide list of accused priests

The archdioceses tasked unidentified reviewers to examine clergy files to identify "whom we already knew, or whom we suspected, had been credibly accused of child sexual abuse," Cardinal Daniel DiNardo wrote in an opinion piece published Thursday in the Houston Chronicle.

"Additionally, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has worked with law enforcement, psychological and other experts," DiNardo wrote.

About 30 minutes after the release of the names, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston livestreamed a rosary for the healing of the Catholic Church. Led by Director of Vocations Father Richard McNeillie, parishioners across the region were invited to recite the rosary along with Director of Vocations Father Richard McNeillie.

Each decade – a set of prayers reflecting on one biblical event – was offered for the intentions of healing in the church. The first mystery was offered for victims and survivors of sexual abuse: "That God the merciful father will bring comfort and healing to victims and survivors of sexual abuse within the Church. May those who have been abused experience Christ's profound love for them and God's healing grace," McNeillie said.

The other decades were for families affected by acts of abuse; for the faithful who are feeling betrayed and heartbroken; for bishops called to shepherd the church; and for priests who are faithful witnesses to the Gospel.

SPEAKING OUT: Houston-area survivors react as priests named

McNeillie knelt while reciting the rosary in a small chapel in the archdiocese's chancery. At least four people echoed the prayers along with McNeillie.

The livestream garnered more than 500 views on YouTube.

The meditation recited on Thursdays is the "Mysteries of Light." The five decades of prayers are intended to focus on Jesus' public ministry, including on his miracles.

The lists follow a sweeping grand jury report released in Pennsylvania in August that found more than 300 Catholic priests sexually abused at least 1,000 children over seven decades while being protected by church leaders. It is believed to be the largest investigation into priest sexual abuse ever in the United States.

More than 70 dioceses nationwide announced similar plans to compile lists of pedophile priests, including the 15 Catholic dioceses in Texas. And it comes amid a criminal investigation of La Rosa-Lopez, who has been charged with abusing two youths.

RELATED: Authorities search Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston for records relating to accused Conroe priest

The state’s bishops — among them San Antonio, Austin, Amarillo, Beaumont, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Laredo, Lubbock, San Angelo, Tyler and Victoria — agreed to independently release their lists by Thursday.

Dioceses in other states that have done the same have included the assignment history of priests, the number of victims and records detailing their transfers from parish to parish.

In 2005, the Diocese of Fort Worth was first in the state to publish a list of accused clergy members. It contained the names of the priests, when and where they were ordained and which parishes they were assigned to.

ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Third accuser says archdiocese knew about abuse allegations by Houston-area priest as early as 1992

Former Bishop Joseph Fiorenza disclosed in 2004 that 22 priests and four deacons within the Galveston-Houston religious jurisdiction had faced sexual abuse allegations.

The complaints resulted in $3.6 million worth of settlements, counseling and legal fees, according to The Texas Catholic Herald, which published Fiorenza’s tally. The data was collected for a John Jay College of Criminal Justice study, which did not identify the priests.

The Houston Chronicle has identified up to 20 priests accused of sexual misconduct through court records, victim testimony and news reports.

nicole.hensley@chron.com