SCRANTON, Pa. — A former priest accused of sexually abusing children Diocese of Scranton has been permanently defrocked, diocesan officials said Tuesday.
The process authorized by Catholic Church's disciplinary arm concluded against Martin M. Boylan, more than eight years after the church first removed him from priestly ministry.
Boylan, 76, was found guilty under canon law of sexually assaulting two children, but he was credibly accused by five. The diocese referred the allegations to law enforcement, as well. Boylan has not been criminally charged, records show.
Once convicted under canon law, the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the arm of the Roman Curia that oversees discipline, reviewed the case and authorized Boylan's removal from the clerical state, which the diocese said is the most severe penalty the church can impose on a cleric.
That means that Boylan's official relationship with the Diocese of Scranton is permanently ended. He may not celebrate Mass, hear confession or administer the Church's sacraments, the diocese said.
Boylan appealed the decision twice. Each time, the Vatican upheld the diocese's decision. Boylan may not appeal again.
"Let me be clear: there is no place in our Church for such heinous acts," said the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, the bishop of Scranton, in a statement. "We must ensure that our Church is a safe haven for all, and it is our collective duty to protect, to listen and to stand against any form of abuse."
Bambera asked that churchgoers pray for the victims and their families.
Boylan was ordained in 1980. Over more than 30 years, he worked in churches in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Wayne and Monroe Counties, according to the diocese.
He last worked at Saint Patrick Parish in West Scranton before he was placed on sabbatical in 2013.