A Roman Catholic priest in Dominica has been “defrocked” by Rome almost two years after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against him. Msgr Reginald LaFleur, who has been a Catholic priest for over 30 years, was issued the decree by Bishop of Roseau Gabriel Malzaire on November 6, 2014.
The 60-year-old priest was put on administrative leave almost two years after a woman alleged that he touched her inappropriately on her “bottom and breast” and made “sweet eyes” at her 19 years ago when she was a 12-year-old parishioner. The woman made the accusations against Lafleur in a series of letters to Bishop Gabriel Malzaire, the head of Dominica’s diocese.
Malzaire had sent the accuser to Trinidad & Tobago for counseling as a local church panel investigated her allegations.
In a statement, Bishop Malzaire stated, “You are aware of the allegations that were brought against Msgr Reginald LaFleur almost two years ago. After a Diocesan preliminary investigation, the case was forwarded to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith which has exclusive competence in these matters. The Congregation having reviewed the case authorized the Diocesan Bishop to proceed with an Administrative Penal Process.”
He continued, “The accused cleric was duly informed of this process and invited to take part by leading a defense either personally or through his advocate. Two canonists from outside the Diocese were invited as assessors of the evidence gathered. Because the accused cleric had not answered to the invitation to participate in the process, and in an attempt to preserve the right of defense, another canonist from outside the Diocese was invited to lead a defense on behalf of the accused cleric.”
“After forwarding the judgment of the assessors and the canonist who led the defense on behalf of the accused to Rome the Congregation of the Faith authorized that the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state should be imposed on the accused cleric. The accused cleric was informed of the decision and the imposed penalty on November 6, 2014. He was also informed that he had 60 days in which to appeal the decision to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.”
Bishop Malzaire in an interview said the matter was “difficult” for him and has caused him and the church “much pain.”
“I am sure that one will appreciate that this is one of the most difficult things that I have ever had to do in my life as a Bishop and priest. I have always thought that the real key to leadership is decision making and some times and sometimes, decisions are very difficult and very lonely experience especially in such a situation where nobody want to be in such a situation where a brother comes to such space in his life.”
Malzaire stated that, “I would also say that it is one of the most excruciating pains that I have gone through in my life and it still remains so because, it is something that affects individuals, communities also the church locally and regionally. I always refer to the text of St. Paul in 1st Corinthians when he says when one part of the body is hurt, the whole body is hurt. So anything that happens in a negative way in the church it affects everybody. There is no victory in that, there is no joy, and it’s only pain. We know how much universally the church has been hurt in matters of that sort and the reasons why the church is taking the stance in matters of that situation. So any and every time it happens in any quarter it is painful so there is really no joy in the matter.”
Reginald La Fleur holds a Doctorate in Ministry (DMin) from The Catholic University of America, Washington D.C.
Ask him about the annulment of marriages that is compulsory in the Catholic Church, but not for his chosen few…Dominicans speak now. It was done bold and brave too. yet the many annulments that are there pending for years are disregarded…Sin continues and that’s how they take care of their flock.
Heaven will surely have lots of surprises..
He without sin cast the first stone
:twist :twisted
Francisco Telemaque why do you always attack Lizavier4Jesus. You calling the woman of God names. Francisco you should apologise and also you need to get over your high horses. You are always an insensitive human being who is very rude and arrogant.
Francisco Telemacque have his faults just like any other human being but this individual Lizavier4jesus , base on some comments and replies to Francisco was also in poor taste . It takes two to quarrel, it takes two to tango.
People of Dominica Listen… The bible said any church which forbid people to marry is a false church marriage is and should be the peoples choice …….the scripture is taken in first Timothy 4 verse 3 Read it for yourself this is a doctrine of hell,,,,,,,,,,,,,, From a pastor who cares
This is not about whether a pries t should be allowed to marry pastor. If the allegations against Fr. Lefleur are true he would be guilty of peadophelia, something entirely different.
By the way, I do think priests should be allowed to marry
first timothy 4 and verse 3 say those that forbid people to marry are devils …read it your self
As a catholic it hurts to continue seeing this mess in our church. It is not just Catholicism that’s affected. its Christ that’s being attacked from which ever angle it is coming from. I know of the said victim and have heard incredulous stories come from her mouth. Do i know the priest that well no. But listen here Catholics who said that they believe in the Holy Roman Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting be careful what you say on Sundays. For if we believe that the priest during the sacrifice at the alter helps bring forth the change of bread to wine to the body of Christ, then this is one less priest to do so and then the devil would have won. Young lady if you have been hurt, may God pour His peace upon you and make you whole again.
Its just a sad mess. Father La Fleur continue praying, the devil has not finished aiming at you, but God has not forgotten you.
God is not a Police,and there is forgiveness in the Lord
Well I must say this topic has come along very well……….It is my hope that with all this being seen and heard by the general public that all other matters especially the “unjust” one of buggery that we will no longer turn a blind eye and speak out about it. The way I see it yes true the matter was investigated from all technical angles but the fact of the matter is the judgement should be “weighed” cause what is gonna happen from this is that a lot more cases will be brought to the table and then more people will leave due to them not getting any back up. Now while we are on the matter of religious people I would like to see and there are many others within that said church also who would like to see “another priest” as soon as possible “refrain” from preaching politics during his sermon. Matterfact I would see it fit that the bishop him self get to this matter and approach as serious as Fr LaFleur s matter cause this as well will cause a bit of “Stir” within the catholic church of which I myself belong. All in all what is good for the goose is good for the gander and until then pli temp pli twist there shall be more to come especially with the “wrong sided ones”.
Father Lafleur God is with you .Please Malzaire please do not shed Crocodile tears
We going all the way with Lafluer
So Bishop, allu dismiss this good priest and allu still don’t know for a fact what happened. Allu still cannot prove it. But just to save face and not seem to the world allu hidding molesters allu dismiss one of the best priests we ever had. Someone who gave his whole life to this Chrurch. Allu made him the sacrificial lamb. And don’t hide behind Rome. You know quite well what you all did. I am disappointed in this decision that my Church took. My heart is heavy. You did not get it right this time. Oh no you did not get it right.
Not only that, the young lady remains annonimous, yet the clergyman is exposed worldwide. The truth lies in the hands of our Abled God and the parties involved. Let’s not condemn anyone, but pray for the victims. However, in my humble opinion this could be resolved differently, Bishop.
Get rid of ALL religion that affiliates with Rome. They are wicked, manipulative, deceitful, unworthy of our money and time. Far too long we’ve been sending our hard earned $$s to a foreign church that detests Black folk and suppressed them for so many centuries.
not only this one all religion
Yes, Producer, I say the same thing. All religions are man-made and have nothing to do with us having eternal lives. We are spirit beings and when we exit this earth we are going back to the cosmos from which we came. We will always exist as spirit beings. Only religions believe in heaven. The only things that will come out of heaven are rain, snow, sleet hail, rockets and bombs. Our ancestors did not have religions. These were forced on them by their enemies, who still have our people bound to their religions. They had spiritual systems which the Europeans destroyed and called them witchcraft. All that we have learned from these people are lies and more lies. They associated Africa with nothing good but all negative and we have believed them to this day.
Can’t we see the wars being fought throughout the world are fought by religious people over land and resources that don’t belong to them? These Jews, who people say are the chosen people of god are nothing but a war-mongering people. The Arabs themselves are not the original people of that land and the so-called middle-east is rightly North-east Africa. The Suez canal was completed in 1869, and that’s what has been used to divide the African land. Every foreigner wants a piece of Africa.
If we take a look at these so-called evangelists, their focus is faith-based, lying to the people, telling them that if they only believe they will receive and all that they are doing is continuing to exploit the masses just as the slave masters did. The more churches there are, the more poverty that exists because those in the pulpit are taking from the masses who are too blind to see. See, the slave masters put their religions in place so that these Uncle Toms would continue their legacy. No longer do they need to be among our people in the churches. They have left that for the clergy to do. They exploit the people by encouraging them to give their money to god and god will bless them and some of them have jets and mansions, while some can’t even make ends meet.
Away with the slave masters’ religions: christianity, Islam and Judaism; they were all involved in the enslavement of our forefathers/foremothers.
Let the truth be told.
One Love.
You seem to detest whatever you think “religion” is but you have in your imagination created a belief system with no God, no heaven, and no hell.
What you have are “spirits” that existed first in the cosmos or spirit world. Then they were born in human bodies. When their bodies die they return to the cosmos or spirit world.
Good grief
You have a religion more complicated than mine. But is leaves me with a few questions. Please help me with this.
Who created these spirits
Who decided that they would be born in human bodies and then return to the cosmos when the bodies die
Who energized these spirit movements or actually moved them through space
Now the most important question of all.
How do you know these things
I mean by what authority do you make these statements 
You have a lot to say for somebody who has no terms of reference.
As a Christian what I believe is based on the Bible.
I invite you to visit my website
http://www.livinghopeministries.ca
Go to the EAGLE COURSE. The very first lesson is called “Let’s Make Sure.” In simple language based entirely upon the Bible it will tell you how to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior so you can KNOW – yes KNOW – that your sins are forgiven and you will go to heaven when you physically die and you soul leave this life.
Then go to ARTICLES. Read my article called “Things that Cannot be Shaken.” These are things we know for sure because God has revealed them to us in the Bible . This is not “religion” whatever that is. No, no, no! This is God’s revealed truth.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
that’s just bullsh*t 19 years ago………………………..
and that bishop even have the audacity to send that to rome.
give me a break
For as long as I can remember the Roman Catholic Church has covered up the sins of its priest and shipped them off to other parishes.
When scandal after scandal erupted in the church world wide costing them millions of dollars they were forced to at least make an appearance of doing something to remedy the situation. Pope Francis announced a zero tolerance towards priests who molest children. The church is feeling the pressure of the media and public opinion to clamp down on priests alleged to be involved in sexual child abuse otherwise they would continue to ignore it as they always have.
Some suspect Father Lafleur is being made an example – a sort of scapegoat – at least to the people of the Caribbean – and are afraid there will be others in different parts of the world.
The RCC is in damage control mode. Is it not true that the present pope is a Jesuit? In a religious organization where the end justifies the means this can be a dangerous situation for its workers.
Had this man been tried in a real court of law and acquitted for lack of evidence or found innocent he would be legally innocent. Anybody accusing him could be sued! It is doubtful if even the church would touch him!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
Father Lafleur let not your heart be troubled .I think you should think of building your church ,I will be there with you whole heartedly .The church can be miles away from Portsmouth .( I WILL BE THERE)
In the first place It supposed to be HIS LORDSHIP BISHOP REGINALD LA FLEUR !!!!! Not MALZAIRE….MALFETERE
Let Priests be married. After all these years.. only now… stupes.. Alot more going on in the catholic church that’s what the bishop needs to look at.
Bishop Gabriel Malzaire, the head of Dominica’s diocese should be the one being defrocked! he crucified this man “like when Jesus was crucified on the cross” and destroyed his life!!!!!i It taken Bishop Malzaire 2 years to come to this decision. the VICTIM is in her 30th and still her name is tight lip and “Malzaire had sent the accuser to Trinidad & Tobago for counseling”Dominica dont have a qualified counselor?
Father Reggie dont allowed no one to destroyed your Name and life like that !!!! (Bill COSBY victims names was revealed.)
If Fr Lafleur did do the things alleged by this lady after all this time, then he needs to face the consequences since she seems to be still affected by his alleged actions. However, on the other hand, it can only be hoped that she was not party to any plan to get Fr Lafleur out of the way if he was seen as a threat to someone’s religious career. That would be just as bad if not worse than what he allegedly did. It would be sinister! Time will tell.
We all know who cast the spiritual drones on Fr. Lafleur. It is none other than one of his kind, the Hypocrite. Now, he and the skerrit are known as “false and angry leaders” and have become enemies of Dominica.
May God Bless Lafleur.
May God Bless Monel.
Forgiveness people forgiveness, stop condemning the gentleman. Stripping the priest was very harsh, the lady is an adult now, she should have gone to him and demand an apology. everyone needs a second chance, In DA we are to quick to cast stones. HE had no right too he was totally wrong but it could have been done diffrently.
differently how ? remember you got to pay for your sins on earth not when you we are dead! and what he did was harsh if it was a family member of yours what will say
“Well, satan mama” <<<<<<<
Telemaque the reason I told you not to respond to my comments on DNO is because of your rude insults such as that Satan mama name calling here–I detest this, do you hear me?
"I do not believe the authorities overreacted, but I believe that is a hypocritical action they took"<<<<
I have told you many times before that I do not care for your twilight zone opinion; if you want to call people hypocrite that is your choice–I think that they overreacted, that is what I want to say, leave me alone, if you cannot speak without a stupid and negative contention–have you gotten that?
And one more thing! You have no business judging people to be hypocrite–you are the greatest hypocrite in the world
Mama Satan, I could care less about anything you have to say; you are a young yellow, rude lips sucooyant.
I put out me garlic red pepper, and salt to douse you when you fly and arrive here from Canada. De same speed you fly coming to Los Angeles, is de same speed you will fly back to North York; cause red pepper and salt splashed all over me house which keep all succooynt out oui!
I doh responding to you ting, so doh respond to me ting!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Telemaque! Be nice. You appear to be a miserable person who cannot communicate amicably.
DNO should restrict your comments. This is not what DNO is for. Can you not comment without insulting people and calling them derogatory names when especially it is uncalled for? You are no gentleman. You attack everyone. You are really arrogant – haughty and proud.
So what type of man are you? Respond to the issue but do not hurl insults at people. Try commenting amicably to your fellow D/cans. Give your opinions but do not insult. Say something nice for a change.
Common Telemaque! You have been doing this for too long. Time for a change of your heart, mind and words.
Do you want to be a saint someday when you die? Do you want to age gracefully and healthily? Be kind!
St. Vincent de Paul said: “Be kind! Be kind and you will be a saint! This also includes in words. Research – Google St. Vincent de Paul to know more about him.
Bishop Malzaire to whom should I report the priests, and yes I know some of them, who commit acts of buggery on many young men in the country? I want to report this matters because when I am through reporting them the ROMAN Catholic Church in Dominica will not have many priests left to preach Roman Catholicism… At least La Fleur not bulling like the others in your flock Bishop malzaire…All you using La Fleur as a scapegoat…
Now is La Fleur did molest that girl, then he is wrong… and should be reprimanded but we all know the Roman Catholic Church in Dominica full of b** man
Why do you not go ahead? Who and what is preventing you and your vindictiveness?
One thing, no matter what befalls the Catholic Church, it will not fall. God has ensured that.
God knows there are sinners not only in the Catholic Church but in all other churches, in Dominica for that matter. He knows what is occurring behind closed doors. Your sins are hidden from the public domain but not from the eyes of God. Therefore, while you are at it, expose those of the other churches.
The manner you are carrying on, on this Website, it is as if you never sinned and are not sinning. God knows your heart. You will get your fair share of judgment and recompense soon enough when you least expect it.
People as you, when you die, your mouth will remain wide open and your hands and feet will be up in the air. You will get exactly what you deserve.
Yes that’s Right
I am a devoted catholic, When are we getting a new bishop. Send that man back to St. Lucia please.
Is that the way people handle cases. One woman made an allegation against a priest and was sent for counselling on our money. No reports made and next thing we heard the man is defrocked.
One thing is sure Father Reggie’s qualification cannot be compared. Wicked people. I think I will leave that church enough is enough
You dont really think they would defrock him over a simple allegation like this?
2 years administrative leave, the representatives from outside the country were represent.
We have to be careful people, look at Bill Cosby, look at R Kelly, it always starts with one.. then..
Let sleeping dogs lay
You will be turning your back on Our Lord Jesus Christ who founded His Church. By the way, as a member of the laity have you ever prayed for The Catholic Church in general? Have you ever prayed for the Pope, the Bishops and Priests? What have you really done for the Church? Are you aware that you are obligated to do so including praying for Dominica and nationals? God expects it of you. If you fail to do this, God will hold you accountable.
See..thats the problem with you people. WE are all the Church. You seem taken up with the denomination (roman catholic, anglican, pentecostal methodist 7days etc…) or maybe its the building and group of church goers who u believe is the church; but not the message. All are reading the same bible. A lot of us here are lost sheep in a maze of religion. Religion aside, as a man of principle, you know right from wrong.
All people of conscience feel for the victim. We rejoice that she has gotten treatment. Now she has gotten her satisfaction.
Monseignor LaFleur is a highly trained and wise minister of the Gospel. I attended Corpus Christi mass which he celebrated in Grandbay last year. After the homily, he walked down the aisles and took questions from the congregation.
Of course, I asked a question. Did communion wine have to be alcoholic? Fr. LaFleur’s answer was the wisest and most profound that I’ve ever heard from any man of the cloth. To this day, I have never seen any preacher anywhere take questions from the flock after the sermon.
Fr. LaFleur is a friend of mine. He officiated my parents’ 50 anniversary renewal of vows in Maryland some years ago. He is clearly a victim of circumstance as the Catholic church has to atone for many past sins. He just happens to be the sacrificial lamb this time around. I have no doubt that he has much to continue offering humanity.
Reggie, you are greatly loved! May you find great joy in your future endeavours.
With all the stuff going on in catholic church with little boys in the world, they never put priest out, but is father reggie they have force on. What goes around comes around. No wonder why everyone running from catholic church. Father reggie is a very good priest and he will remain that way. I sense a personal thing with that bishop there, and that difficult decision, u claim , it appears so easy. Jesus forgives so all u decide to mess up father reggie. Well jesus is still on his side. I pray to god u all are genuine cause d wrath of god is no joke.
I believe in your innocence Fr. Reggie. I will continue to pray for you.
My heart goes out to the victim.The Bishop talks about the pain he and the church feel. He should be more concerned about the pain the victim has endured and continues to endure.As a victim of clergy abuse I know how much courage it takes to come forward. I hope her courage inspires other possible victims of LaFleur to come forward so that can begin to heal. suffering in silence and feeling alone is a horrible thing.
bIanni
[email protected]
There are no other victims!
It makes it very hard for victims to come forward when they see negative comments. We should be encouraging victims of abuse to come forward instead of indicating that they are not telling the truth.
Statistics have shown us over and over that false allegations are rare. We need to speak out so that children will be safe.
i rises up in salisbury as a boy of 12 i wanted to become an acolight but the priest his name was father thise dont have the correct spelling anyway that priest was having an affair with one woman that woman was like a secretary. her father was the caretaker, the year 1973, i lost all intrest in the church from then on till today.he was a white priest from belgium or Holland,my point is that them man should be married but because all man should maintain his wife, the church cannot have that, the church think of its money intrest first and only money.
You do not know what you have stated. I could explain this bit about marriage but it will take too long. My views are that of a faithful and learned Catholic. I will not expend any time replying to your comments. If you want an answer to that, write Pope Francis in Rome.
However, the advice I have for you, you are obligated to practice the faith. Keep in mind you will die one day. God will not ask you about any priest and their lifestyle or anyone else for that matter. He will ask you about you, how you lived and what have you done with the allotted time He gave you. You will do well to consider this and change your lifestyle for your mortal and spiritual benefit, the latter, an everlasting one.
“O common now, authorities of the Roman Catholic Church, you have overacted here–it is just too bad that this priest will pay for it.”(Elizabeth Xavier).
Well, satan mama, I know you ordered me not to respond to anything you submit on DNO: I complied for a while, but with this one I cannot resist. I do not believe the authorities overreacted, but I believe that is a hypocritical action they took.
If in fact he fondled a twelve year old, in America, if his behavior was reported to the police he would have to prison for a very long time, and when he is released from jail, he would have to register with the state as a sex offender.
The problem I have with the hypocrites in the so called Roman Catholic Church is that more than 90% of those parading as priest are homosexuals, now how can they tolerate homosexuality, and went as far as condoning it, and fired someone for having feelings for women, perversion in any language means the same thing!
Let me tell you this, there are homosexual priest in Rome who have homosexual parties, and they does not hide what the are doing: they damage each other rectum, all night and then go next morning talking about God to people! Sin is sin, I agree, there is no such thing as a small sin and a large sin, but when you call yourself holey, at least you should try to live by the word of God.
Homosexuality, murder, thievery, adultery, Idolater, and the lying tongue of some many people. Nevertheless, according to the Bible the sin of Homosexuality seems to be the one God hates the most, and because of hate for homosexuality, and lesbianism, he destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.
We have here a man who all Roman Catholic refer to as ” the holey father” if he is that means he is god! Let us not forget that the Bible teaches that only God is holy, and this father thing, I refuse to comment on. But what is happening here is expected from false worship, and false religion.
If one assaults a little boy, or in this case a girl, it is one of the same thing. Sex should be in every case consensual, between adults, I doubt a twelve year old knows what is consensual sex. So this guy if indeed he touched her the penalty is fair, and we know there is one less homosexual posing as priest in our county; however, the homosexuals in Rome and elsewhere should also be fired too, but I suppose that little god pope cannot fire all of them because he is the king of the homosexual oui!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
I suggest that you take care of your soul and become holy that you might obtain eternal life. How well are you doing in this respect?
dapwey you sacway mal twavay…lazy unproductive full just sittling on dno morning noon and night. get a life.
Well said 100% well. Brags like a fool
but he never made a statement on thr burning of Emmanuel and his wife’s home though . It”s almost four yrs now.
“Malzaire had sent the accuser to Trinidad & Tobago for counseling as a local church panel investigated her allegations.”
Someone has accused your priest of sexual asault. You, as a leader, embraced the accuser to such an extent that you are sending her to another country for counseling…………………..preposterous!
The Bishop needs to be investigated.
Fr. La Fleur did not get sufficient support from his local superior, The Bishop. Nothing more needs to be said.
An unfortunate situation. We pray for both Fr. LaFleur and the girl. May they find peace in the truth.
Now you can get a woman and her married.you’ll see what you’ve missed
You are not aware of that. Learn something. One of the messages of the Mother of God to a visionary which is always a message for everyone in the world, as God created all and all must face him for their judgment is, “Many souls go to Hell for sins of the flesh.”
As the late US Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen said on one of his programs which are re-broadcasted on Eternal Word Television Network – EWTN, TV and Radio, when you stand before God He will say to you, “I will give you what you loved best on earth.” Obviously, if it is not God, Hell will be your lot. This is mortal and spiritual food for thought.
Lol.I don’t understand one thing you say……..and I’m not saying he did or did not.I’m saying now he’s free to have a wife.the men has feelings to
Please everyone, lets put this in its proper context. This is about a VICTIM who was only a 12 YEAR OLD CHILD, and the perpetrator who was an ADULT PRIEST. A 12 year old CHILD for God’s sake. What was he thinking! This behavior should neber be condoned any any circumstances.
Let us all ponder this question for a minute. Women, how would you feel if at the tender age of 12 you, your daughter, or your sister was subjected to that behavior from any man, let alone a priest whom we are taught to respect and hold in high esteem? Gentlemen, I pose the same question to you.
In Dominica, we are much too tolerant of the behavior that sexual predators and perverts perpetrate on our young girls and boys. Most of us have heard or read about the alarming statistics released by our Welfare Division, regarding sexual abuse of children in Dominica This type of behavior has got to stop! The public must stop minimizing the damage, both the mental and physical that sexual abuse has on our children. We are damaging the psyche of the future generation.
Remember, we do not have all the facts. The evidence was reviewed by an impartial committee, and at this stage, we should all accept the results and pray that the VICTIM can now experience closure to this unfortunate situation.
If that was indeed the type of person he is there would have been far more people coming forward and he wouldn’t have stopped at a tap on the bottom and a sweet eyes. That was 19 years ago and there are no more allegations. Stop, think and analyze the situation before you speak.
The time frame and behaviour pattern does match.
In that time frame if that was truly the person he was then there would be other victims of severe abuse.
Would you consider that it may have been just one moment of madness? In which case it doesn’t mean that the charge is untrue.
How do you know that there are no other victims of this priest.? And as we are seeing by most of these comments.. it is no wonder that victims would not want to come forward and speak up.
This is the huge problem .. The victims feel they will not believed.. Also, you will notice in the Bishop’s remarks that there is no mention about the pain of the victim, and there is not mention of him reaching out to others who may still be suffering in silence and shame.
To anyone who may have been harm by LaFleur, or anyone… please know that it was NOT your fault, please know that there are thousands of victims of clergy sex abuse understand and support you.
tks, Judy Jones
OH Boy you speak of what you do not know and have no way of proving what you have written is factual. What you have read from the media is a fabrication of the truth and I challenge the Bishop to refute that. The evidence was co-corroborated for it would have be extremely difficult to convict the accused with the complaint of only one victim.
Denrecnoc: You admit we do not have the facts but the contents of your comments have condemned Fr Lafleur. You have implied he is guilty. Did he admit to anything? Did he? smh.
It is extremely rare that a child predator is going to admit to sexually abusing a child. Then he would lose his privileges and he just might land in jail.
Child predator’s goals are to find their next prey… so they can abuse again.
DENRECNOC
So you mean you were there 20 years ago when that happened and you did not advise or help the 12 year old child to report this! Actually the only reason you post as you have posted, suggest you were there and can verify and clarify everything.
I am a victim of sexual abuse, and it takes a lot out of a child to report an abuse. I could not speak about my situation becaus I was so ashamed. She developed the courage to speak out now. If he did it, there are more victims who do not want to say anything. Most likely because of how the community would look at them. Pedophiles come in many faces, and ranks. Those who are doing this injustice to children I hope they’re reading this, because they will one day be exposed.
You have just classified Fr. Lafleur as a sexual predator. REALLY?
Come on people, for God’s sake! He was found guilty of the alleged misconduct by his own church and did not enter a defence. What more do you want? I f you like, or even love the man that is fine but don’t let that cloud your judgement.
Where was he found guilty? Show me. smh
The problem at this point in time in Dominica, lies not with Fr Lafleur nor the Government. The problem lies within every single one of us and our tendency to be too damn presumptuous. From the moment this situation was broadcasted, this was handled incorrectly. Fr Lafleur was tried and found guilty before all the facts of the case was presented. Was he ever treated fairly, with dignity, and respect? The Catholic church should for once in its life, practice what it preaches. Do not condemn before all the facts are presented. What were the contents presented to him? Is it that he felt perhaps – what was the point of responding if the bishop had already condemned him publicly? Look at our society – so small, so petty, so small minded. Our society loves to bring a man down – this is the Dominican legacy – their birthright – always a slave. Mentally locked. Perpetually anguished. Faces distorted as they condemn – yet still just attend a day of worship to be seen – just to dress up. But the souls remain empty shallow shells. Wallowing in condemnation but no one – absolutely no one wants to take a good hard look at their selves. A few quick prayers may not be enough – not if our hearts insist on remaining so shallow.
People. People. People. Let Fr Lafleur be. Do you hear? There is an excellence reason when silence speaks. It chants. It strides. Silence will reach its destination. Let Fr Lafleur be.
criminals, before “arrested and charged.”
I honestly feel the Bishop did not handle that case properly,when the woman came out with that accusation the Bishop came to the media before even talking to Father Lafleur about it, I agree with him that he did not went to defend himself because he the Bishop was judge and jury. I am not a Catholic but i feel for the priest. And I cannot understand why is now she came forward after all these years i have a problem with that. the same thing that happen with Bill Crosby. Father just stay focus and serve your God,
it eats you inside. sometimes that’s the only way to get closure.
psychological damage.
Ok brother now u can get real sex…forget about them get married now … Sex nice. So now is the time for you to enjoy it .. You now free from that nasty church mess
Father look at this an opportunity to go and form your own church.
The Catholics who left need some where to praise their maker.
Cant wAIT. Catholic church going downnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
You are not aware that Catholics who left this Church to join other churches have sinned against Our Lord Jesus Christ who established His Church. One day they will see their error. As always, much more could be stated about that.
I only hope it will not be too late for them to repent. Otherwise, woe to them for all eternity.
Those who preach against the Catholic Church and influenced them will meet the same eternal fate. Some have predeceased us and no doubt have met their eternal fate.
Keep in mind, Our Lord said, “Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” There is more in the Holy Bible of the New Testament.
Even if the church did not support Fr. Reggie, he is a true Catholic and will not change his belief because administrators of the church did not have the guts to do the right thing, because they were so afraid of their own shadow. No, Fr. Reggie will not form any church. He is a true Catholic who believes in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
19 yrs ago the man was still young in the faith come on
I have a problem with women who come forward with allegations decades after an incident occurred. Were these allegations substantiated? What is the woman doing now? Is her identity concealed? Father LaFleur can ask God for forgiveness and move on with his
life. This too shall pass!
You are OK with your 12 year old daughter getting sexually abused? Despicable….
Shirley Jarvis: What is Fr Lafleur supposed to ask forgiveness of? Has any article stated that he admitted to anything?
I think the Catholic Church has done a mis-justice in this case. They did not take everything into consideration her. This bigger than Father LeFleur and We should all really around him in this time of sadness.
You will always be my Priest.
“rally”
Skerritt was handed the Cross of “Prince Charles”. A cardinal of the Right Grand Cross of Merit of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George (of the Catholic Church?) and other members of the Freemason, Lodge, illuminati did the dishonours at a ceremony on the same Wednesday Skerritt disclosed the Election date.
Did the Bishop ever inform the Lodge Order about the factual corrupt practices taking place on island? Mano and his wife are Christians who were firebombed. an attempted murder of fellow innocent Christians. We patriotic Dominicans know why.
The secret sale of passports, diplomatic and otherwise. Quick enrichment not compatible with salaries, Bobols, take over/heavy influence of institutions, e.g., blocking electoral reforms that would ensure FREE and FAIR elections, and so on, and so on.
Who invited that Order of Saint George? The Catholic Church or Gov’t?
In light of all the evil ways, bad governance, corruption, quick amassing of wealth by dubious means, in public Office by authorities, election in 2014 without Voter ID Cards and a complete cleaning of the Voters’ list, and many , many more illegal practices,, the illuminati, in our face, sashing, applauding the infallible christian. Skerritt
Place Fr. Lafleur and Skerritt side by side, research, seek the truth, nothing but the truth and objectively evaluate each one’s behaviour in all aspect of their lives. You would get goose bumps to know the real truth. But one is punished, demonized ,defrocked, condemned, the other is hailed as a disciple of the Order (Freemason?), an illuminatus, the christian to emulate according to illuminati teachings.
Time will tell. The Dominican people are not asleep. Let justice rein for all.
Bishop, for your execuriating pain not to worsen, you most followup reports you have received about other priests before more go down the drain. They are men and have homones. They may not always reveal the truth to you.
How stupid and unwise! why should father reggie be prosecuted for something that happened 19 years ago im sure that he repented and God has forgiven him, how unjust can some of us be…. Go in peace father reggie and may God be with you.
At least he is a straight priest.
Quote from Pope Francis, ” for the worldto believe that Jesus is Lord, it needs to see communion ( unity) among christians. Unity always prevails over conflicts because our brothers and sisters are always of greater value than our personal attitudes. On the other hand if the world sees divisions, rivalries and backbiting, regardless of the cause, how can we Evangelize?” Let us think this over personally.
The truth will reveal
clearly these men are humans and their sexuality are active , this situation only cause one to examine the catholic church from a more objective position it must be noted that the catholic church started some 400 years A C.
The church have so much hidden about it should a simple case such as imposed on father Reggie be degrading, be worse that all the hidden agenda.
Maybe if he was having homosexual acts with little boys, he would be luckier; he would still be practicing as a priest.
I guess Msgr Reginald LaFleur will be replaced by the most holy and reverend pastor Roosvelt Skerrit, since the DCC and DAEC have found no fault in him.
That’s why I say you guys are jealous of Skerrit. This post has nothing to do with skerrit, nowhere in this news article his name is mentioned. You guys just can’t go a day without calling his name. Wow! Says a lot!
agree ignorance is like deodorant those who need it most use it less what ingod’s name has skerrit got to do with that
God is a good and forgiving God we should not say too much because we don’t know the truth. she say he say. We take the Lord for granting but remember he is in control. Father thy will be done, do your will in this matter.
if it was a little boy he had play up with everything would have been all good but bcuz is a woman…..
“Almost two years after a woman alleged that he touched her inappropriately on her “bottom and breast” and made “sweet eyes” at her 19 years ago when she was a 12-year-old parishioner–News Article
I struggle with that silly complaint above as a reason to defrock a priest; this sounds more like the decision of small children as far as I am concerned.
In the first place that lady was 12 years old at the time, she should have been under the supervision of some adult–especially her parents, so why did she not complain to them at the time of that so called assault; why wait till she is 19 years to do so.? Sweet eyes! O common now, authorities of the Roman Catholic Church, you have overacted here–it is just too bad that this priest will pay for it.
I know a priest at home–I will not mention his name–there was a time he kissed me on the lips in front of fellow congregation; he said to them that he had given me a holy kiss–I know that neither the others and most of all not me, believed what he said–I would have been my late teens at that time, but this behavior had no effect on me. And even if it did, I would not wait for 7 years to complain about it; I would have gotten over by then –that priest would have to know his place right away! One way or the other.
“I always refer to the text of St. Paul in 1st Corinthians when he says when one part of the body is hurt, the whole body is hurt” news Article
Mr Bishop you need to be careful in speaking the Bible, for your spiritual strength comes from its message–if at all you have any of that strength. 1st Corinthians is the whole Book, it speaks by its chapters, which are 1 to 16. I believe that you are speaking about 1st. Corinthians 1: 12–that is where Paul refers to the body as He teaches the gifts of Holy Spirit in us, the Church, When it comes to the Bible it is imperative that your congregation know the “Truth” Jesus has cautioned us saying–It is the Spirit who gives Life; the flesh profits nothing! The words which I speak are Spirit and they are Life. John 6:63
The words of Jesus Christ are written in the Bible; as the Shepherd, we need to be careful in presenting that Word (message) to the people–if at all we, ourselves, know it. Perhaps if the Roman Catholic Church was grounded in the Word of Life–the message of Life through Jesus Christ, there would be a lot less of the fleshly mentality and sinful chaos among the people–both the leaders and the congregation.
The apostle Paul also teachers: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is Life and peace” Romans 8: 5-6
Actually , lizavier4jesus, she did not wait till she was 19. She waited 19 years later.
Amazing. Even if proven this does not warrant defrocking a priest.