The Archdiocese of Baltimore has made the decision to close one of the city’s Catholic churches following the suspension of its longtime pastor, Father Paschal Morlino. The suspension came after Morlino admitted to making a payment several years ago to settle a sexual harassment allegation. Father Morlino had served at St. Benedict Church in southwest Baltimore for almost four decades and had gained recognition for his efforts to assist residents in the surrounding impoverished neighborhoods.
Details regarding the 2018 complaint against Morlino remain scarce, with church officials only referring to it as an “alleged sexual harassment of an adult man.” Unfortunately, the complainant passed away in 2020, and his lawyer, bound by a non-disclosure agreement, declined to comment. The incident prompted an internal investigation by the archdiocese after it was brought to their attention by reporters from The Baltimore Banner.
St. Benedict Church, owned and operated by Saint Vincent Archabbey in Pennsylvania, the oldest Benedictine monastery in the United States, will not be assigning a new pastor to replace Morlino. This decision was made due to the limited number of available clergy. Father Morlino, 85, has returned to the monastery in Pennsylvania following his suspension.
Despite the closure of the church, community events and outreach programs will continue to be hosted at the location. The archdiocese has expressed its understanding of the difficult situation for the parishioners and has assured them of the availability of an outreach team to provide assistance. Additionally, parishioners can seek Catholic pastoral services at nearby parishes if they wish.
This development comes as a blow to the Catholic community in Baltimore, highlighting the ongoing need for accountability within religious institutions. The closure of a long-standing church raises questions about the impact on the local community and the future of Catholicism in the area. The Archdiocese of Baltimore’s prompt response to the settlement, including the internal investigation and dismissal of Father Morlino, demonstrates a commitment to addressing such issues and ensuring the safety and well-being of its parishioners.
This article serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability within religious organizations, as well as the need to support and assist those affected by alleged misconduct. The closure of St. Benedict Church serves as a turning point for the community, as they navigate the aftermath of this unfortunate incident and work towards healing and rebuilding trust.
