LETTER TO PAUL SHANLEY

Cardinal Bernard law letter to recently convicted child rapist Paul Shanley:

Dear Father Shanley:

Let me extend my apologies for being a little bit tardy in my response to your letter under date of January 16, 1996 in which you indicate that after consultation with Father Brian Flatley and having reached the age of sixty-five on January 25, 1996 you are requesting Senior Priest / Retirement status.

I write now to advise you formally that in line with you request I am ending your Sick Leave status and am granting you Senior Priest / Retirement Status. The effective date of this action is March 1, 1996.

Please send written notification to Most Reverend William F. Murphy, Vicar for Administration, and Reverend James J. McCarthy, Director of Clergy Personnel, indicating that you have received this communication.

This letter provides me with an opportunity to thank you in my name and in the name of the people of the Archdiocese for the ministry which you offered both in parishes and in a specialized way over the years from your ordination in 1960 until your Sick Leave began in 1990. For thirty years in assigned ministry you brought God's Word and His Love to His people and I know that that continues to be your goal dispite some difficult limitations. That is an impressive record and all of us are truly grateful for your priestly care and ministry to all whom you have served during those years. Without doubt over all of these years of generous and zealous care, the lives and hearts of many people have been touched by your sharing of the Lord's Spirit. You are truly appreciated for all that you have done.

I am aware that there are some specific considerations which call for attention at this time in order to be sure that we have a mutual understanding with regard to this new status. Thus I have asked Father Flatley to follow-up on this communication. I am certain that you will hear from him very shortly.

With Grateful rememberance and with my blessing and promise of prayer, I remain,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Reverend Cardinal Law
Archbishop of Boston