DEAR EDITOR:

In a previous letter to the editor, I questioned the recent handling by the Youngstown Diocese of an incident that involved a young priest, the Rev. Michael Swierz that occurred in the late 1980s while he served at St. Rose Parish in Girard. This past June 23-24, a letter from Bishop David Bonnar was read at all Masses explaining that Swierz was placed on administrative leave and had been removed as the pastor of St. Patrick Church in Hubbard.

There was no further explanation, so parishioners and the public have been left to wonder what infractions were committed. Rumors have abounded, since there was no clear reason provided by the diocese.

I have since learned from a knowledgeable source that Swierz did nothing illegal or immoral. I also learned his “admitted actions” violated diocesan policies that were not in effect until the early 2000s, not in the late 1980s when they occurred.

While nothing short of having Swierz reinstated as pastor at St. Pat’s will satisfy its parishioners, I know I was greatly relieved to hear these words expressing nothing illegal and nothing immoral. So this letter will hopefully dispel the rumors and provide some comfort to others who know and love Fr. Mike and who are hopeful that this nightmarish scenario will end soon.

While the diocese may have overreacted on the side of caution in its handling of this event, to protect its own interests, it has at least temporarily damaged the stellar reputation of one of its finest and most highly principled priests. It is not too late for the diocese and its canon lawyers to re-evaluate and to correct this unfortunate development and to restore Father Mike’s status in the diocese and at St. Pat’s.

TOM BEASLEY

Hubbard