TRR photo by David Hulse The head of the college that was to have associated with the Society of St. John in Pike County has made serious charges about immoral and illegal activities that have allegedly taken place within these gates at the society’s wooded enclave in Shohola Township. (Click for larger image)

Scandal rocks society of priests

Sexual abuse charges made

By TOM KANE

SHOHOLA — Two priests of the Society of St. John, a religious community dedicated to the traditional Catholic Latin liturgy, have been temporarily removed from active priestly duties by the Bishop of Scranton.

Allegations have been made that the priestly pair sexually molested one youth, and perhaps others. The two priests, Father Carlos Urrutigoity, Superior General of the Society of St. John, and Father Eric Ensey, one of his advisors, were ordered to leave St. John’s but to remain in the Scranton Diocese while an investigation is conducted. The two priests were unavailable for comment.

Action came after the diocese was contacted by the Apostolic Nuncio in Washington, D.C., who had the name of the victim who made allegations of sexual misconduct against the two priests. The call to the nuncio was placed by the father of the youth.