FORT KENT, Maine — Attorneys consulting with the Rev. James L. Nadeau issued a statement Friday declaring that the Maine attorney general’s office investigation of unspecified allegations against the priest do not involve sexual impropriety.
“While we are unable to comment on the substance of the investigation at this time, we can state unequivocally what it is not about,” attorneys Scott G. Hunter of Solman & Hunter in Caribou and Richard S. Berne of the Law Offices of Richard S. Berne LLC in Portland said in the joint release. “We have been informed by the attorney general’s office that the investigation has absolutely nothing to do with anything sexual in nature.”
Late Friday afternoon, Hunter said the statement was released on behalf of Nadeau “in response to the speculation surrounding the initiation of an investigation.”
Nadeau, 50, has been on a voluntary leave of absence from his post as pastor of St. John Vianney Parish since Tuesday, when the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland and the attorney general’s office announced the investigation.
“I can confirm the investigation does not involve sexual impropriety,” Brenda Kielty, spokeswoman for the attorney general’s office, said Friday afternoon. “I cannot comment beyond that on an ongoing investigation.”
Parishioners have rallied around Nadeau since word of his leave broke this week and were welcoming the new information.
“I knew that in my heart,” said Doris Daigle of Fort Kent. “I have been telling everyone around me that all the time it could not be, no way.”
Daigle worked for Nadeau when he served in Fort Kent as a vicar in 1987.
Norma Landry, former chairwoman of the parish council, echoed her sentiments.
“In my heart I knew it had nothing to do with [sexual impropriety],” Landry said Friday. “I would also not want to judge [because] we are all forgiven in our due time.”
Bishop Richard Malone addressed more than 200 members of Nadeau’s parish Wednesday night at St. Louis Catholic Church in Fort Kent before conducting the Mass of the Holy Oils, part of the Holy Week services, stressing their pastor had not been removed from his position.
“The diocese is cooperating fully with the attorney general’s office and at their request, I cannot discuss the allegations or anything about the investigation,” Malone said. “I am hopeful that the process will go smoothly in order to lead to an expeditious and just conclusion.”
Because the attorney general’s office is conducting the investigation, Sue Bernard, spokeswoman for the diocese, said it is appropriate for that office to comment on the nature of that investigation.
“I am glad they feel they can give out some information,” Bernard said Friday afternoon.
In the absence of Nadeau, the diocese assigned Father Robert Vaillencourt, 58, as temporary administrator at St. John Vianney Parish while the investigation continues.
St. John Vianney Parish comprises St. Louis Catholic Church in Fort Kent, St. Mary Catholic Church in Eagle Lake, St. Charles Catholic Church in St. Francis and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Soldier Pond.
Parishioners have held special sayings of the rosary on Nadeau’s behalf each afternoon this week since Wednesday and will hold another at 4 p.m. Monday at St. Louis Catholic Church in Fort Kent.
“Father Nadeau and his family are grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support during this difficult time,” Hunter and Berne said in the statement. “He looks forward to returning to his parish and the people he serves as soon as possible.”
Then just tell us why he is being investigated! The easiest way to stop rumors is to issue facts that make rumors unnecessary!
I’m just happy to read he was not molesting children.
Why, is he a fireman??
Did you read the article The attorney said that he is able to put the rumors of allegations of sexual nature to rest, but he cannot comment beyond that.
I’m with K-o-B on this one…..but that only leaves money. Ahhh, greed. The one sin we can all agree on.
I suspected the cookie jar, too. The AG wouldn’t be involved with much else. Too bad.
Or…let this investigation take place and stop assuming or judging others until it is public information.
Rumors are only necessary for busy bodies like you.
Why is it any of your business? He’s not been proven guilty. Be thankful it’s not due to sexual sins and let the law do it’s job.
It seems that priests are getting tired of being “good guys”—-There’s always something going on with them!!
Payback for his support of Chad Marquis?
Good to hear !
Interesting that they had to say it’s nothing sexual. Apparently most would just assume that.
Did you read the comments on the prior articles related to this story?
Sadly it is something a lot of us do assume and sadly a lot of us have a right to make said assumption. At this point in time I could now care less why the AG is investigating him.
We shall find out in due time what is going on.
So happy to hear this..the investigation may be directed at someone else and Fr Jim is just a stepping stone to that person….just a thought
Well I am glad it has nothing to do with something sexual. I dose not mean he is off the hook for something else. Hey people are not perfect even men of god.
If, thankfully, the investigation has nothing to do with sex, surely it has to do with violations of parking regulations in the County. What else could it possibly be? Hope the beloved priest is exonerated soon.
I remember the floods a few years ago when the FK church was out of commision for a while. I believe Governmentl funds were used to put that church back to operational. Oh well, just a thought.
The renovations made to the church was payed through a combination of Church funds, insurance policy’s, and special collections from the diocese. Not one penny was federal aid FEMA money went to the town’s pocketbooks.
Good Friday to you, my friend, and best wishes to all of my friends on the BDN website. No matter your religion, Good Friday to you!
I’m very interested to know who is paying the fee’s of the Portland lawyers that announced this. The Portland Catholic guys? Or Boston? Or Rome?
As long as it’s not you, why would you care?
Tax free church, ya, it’s us.
‘Lest the pan be full?
well atleast he wasnt molesting little kids ……the 12,000 cases of it they found in Ireland was enough…
WOW about time they at least made that statement!! It should have been made VERY clear right from the beginning……..it’s nobodys business right now what the investigation is, but at the very least it could have stated, “not a sexual matter!” After all ………he is a priest.
Anxious to have you home Fr. Jim!! :)
My guess is that it has to do something with money.
Daigle and Landry should replace the jury system we have in the county, would save taxpayers lots of money, they have it right and always will, joke.
Unless you can support your claims and comments and rumours regarding the allegations and who is paying for what and other nonsense, this constant badgering leads to nothing but ill will and resentment. We should reserve those comments for ourselves. I do not even know this priest but I know other priests and they are human just like the rest of us.
Well, many people read the other article and not this one – so they still think he did. Maybe the original article shouldn’t have been printed before knowing the facts. Keep in mind people share and tweet these articles.
If he is innocent I hope he can regain his good reputation.
The BDN should extend an apology to Rev. Nadeau for its previous article implying sexual misbehavior.
When did they imply it was sexual?
I think father JIM hit the money ball….just not the lottery type! Say three Hail Mary`s and ten Òur Father`s and all shall be forgiven. I wonder if the AG`S Office uses the same criteria?
Good thing you have never needed forgiveness Global Justice!!! Wow…….
Maybe he has taken on the “moneychangers”?
When a clergyman is charged with (whatever?)……and an investigation is ongoing, it has always been disturbing (for me) that his parishioners immediately rally around that clergyman and keep at bay anyone who might suggest that it might be wise to wait and see just what the charges are? Evidently, the clergyman’s faithful followers don’t need to know what he is being charged with? I recall the huge number of followers of Rev. Carlson and how they publicly and ferociously circled the wagons, believing him to a victim of unsubstantiated charges and a witch hunt……….as if law enforcement has nothing better to do. Carlson’s faithful followers had a big surprise in store for them, didn’t they?
As far as the Rev. Nadeau, law enforcement doesn’t level charges haphazardly… just because they are bored and have nothing better to do. Something was brought to their attention and they do undertake a serious investigation before even charging an individual. My hope is that Rev. Nadeau is exonerated of “whatever the charges are.” If there is validity to the charge or charges, the Reverend will take his lumps and submit himself to the consequences of the charges if verified in court or out of court.
Parisioners who act like their clergyman is being unjustly accused (without proof) and instantly jump to defending them, along with instant forgiveness before they even know what the charges are, has never made sense to me and is quite baffling for me. If and when the accused is found guilty of the charges, pays the fine or does his time and that clergyman asks forgiveness of his parishioners as well as the townspeople…..wouldn’t that be the time to consider and or grant forgiveness??
Some people put others on pedestals and look at them as their ‘god’. When someone or something threatens that, they’ll defend it to the extreme until such time where the facts cannot be denied anymore. Sometimes the facts don’t stop them, either.
So if it was your father or mother or son or daughter in a similar situation, you wouldn’t defend them?? Fr. Jim is our spiritual father and a good man.
If any of my family members had done something wrong, I couldn’t defend them for their actions but I would be there for them and love them and be by their side. Regarding what I wrote in response to KiKiEm: I wasn’t condemning or judging people for doing what they do. We’re all human and we do look up to others.
I understand the flock’s attachment to Fr. Jim……but do you see the “logic” in reserving your defense of Fr. Jim until you know what the allegations are…..and if there is some substance to the accusations?
I see alot of slander of Fr. Jim’s name and alot of Catholic bashing. His flock is defending his name and character as a pillar in our community.
I don’t think you mean me……but just in case, I have not slandered Fr. Jim and I haven’t engaged in Catholic bashing.
Family is never above the rule of law.
Would you find it disturbing if your family rallied around you in an investigation??
No, I wouldn’t find it disturbing if my family rallied around me during an investigation.
However, I know my family well enough to be curious enough to at least want to know what I’m being investigated for before they begin their rally. (Blood is thicker than water) On the other hand….I’m not a spiritual leader and neither do I wear a clerical collar. I know of no one, saint or sinner, who doesn’t hold clergy people in the highest regard and just assume they are abiding by the laws of the church and as well as the state. And yes, I have no problem understanding that priests are mortal beings and can , at times, make “unwise” decisions.
As far as my family members, I know one thing for certain…..not one of them would declare, “I have been telling everyone around me that all the time it could not be, no way” before even knowing what the allegations are.
If my family members had to accept the fact that I had performed the allegations I was being charged with and depending on the severity of those allegations, I believe they would not disown me and in due time, being repentant and asking them to forgive me, they would forgive me …but I know for a certainty, they would have to know what they are forgiving me of. But I am not in the position of being the head of an entire flock and a spiritual guide and leader. It truly is a calling and an awesome responsibility.
I don’t see anything in the article stating that charges have been leveled; only that there is an investigation. Perhaps you have some inside information you’d care to share?
You missed this statement in my comment:
” Something was brought to their attention and they do undertake a serious investigation BEFORE EVEN CHARGING an individual.”
Oh, yes, sorry, I did miss that.
surprised that there have been no recent posts from Bill Randell calling all people who go to any church for whatever reason DUMB !!!! thanks for the wknd. off from vile posts.
If somebody is running a pool on this I want the “moonlighting as a hit man” square.
Very good, I laughed out loud!
Of course it’s not child abuse. The church went public and took immediate action. Only one thing will illicit such a response – money. The one thing you don’t do is muck with the Pope’s money – everything else is secondary.
Sidney,your comments to the church and this priest- you are jumping to conclusions and issuing negative thoughts which may be far from the issue. Let’s wait and see…
I just LOVE how the very top of the front page news is
“Investigation of Priest, not pedophilia-related”
THAT is news!
It’s not one thing, but it definitely is another. Just tell the public what Father Nadeau is being investigated for so our imaginations don’t fill in the blanks.
This just one of the reason’s the founding fathers wanted to keep religion and government separate.
The leaders of churches already have tremendous power over their flocks. If they were given political power over all society as well then tyranny would soon follow.
The founding fathers gave no mention of keeping religion and government separate. President Thomas Jefferson used the term in a letter to a question by a Baptist Association in Connecticut. There is zero reference in the U.S. Constitution that Religious factors must be forever banned from Government. Thomas Jefferson wasn’t even one of the drafters of the Constitution. He was prancing around in France when the Constitution was being formed. The U.S. Government CANNOT establish a “single” religion where all Americans would be expected to worship. Also in the 1st Amendment, theGovernment CANNOT PROHIBIT our “free” exercise of religion. This religious right is trampled on and violated daily by our secular society.
If one was to completely separate church and state, why should any clergy be investigated by the Attorney General.? Doesn’t the AG work for the State? Government, that is. The only secular court Fr. Nedeau will be judged by is the court of public opinion. Otherwise he might receive due process. The BDN didn’t allow for that, nor have many posters to this forum.
It’s an investigation at this point. If some law of man has been violated and has substance, then Fr. Nadeau will receive due process.” The 95% of Catholic priests who never harmed a hair on the head of a child and never would are already judged unjustly and unfairly by public opinion.
Thomas Jefferson wrote, “I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should ‘make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,’ thus building a wall of separation between Church & State.”
Your Jefferson quote is an excerpt from a letter that President Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptist Association. The Secular world pounces on this single statement “thus building a wall of separation between Church & State.” as if it was part of the original writing of our Constitution.
This was President Jefferson’s “interpretation” of the 1st amendment concerning religious freedoms. This was NOT an add-on to the U.S. Constitution. It would be like an entire nation taking a one-liner from a letter President Obama would write to an association and then the rest of America concludes that one-liner is in the Constitution. The nation didn’t adopt this remark in that single letter to a Connecticut association as a rider to the 1st amendment….to be ratified by all the States.
And just to reiterate…..Thomas Jefferson was not one of the drafters of our Constitution. He was in France when the constituion was being written.
I think I’ll trust Thomas Jefferson’s interpretation of the original meaning of the Constitution, thank you.
So you rest your “Separation of Church and State” to the view of one man and one man only…on the basis of a letter he wrote to a Baptist Association.
We now find ourselves at a Constitutional Crossroads Crisis where one man (Justice Kennedy) will decide the fate of the entire nation concerning freedom of choice and liberty. Thomas Jefferson and the Founding Fathers would pick up their muskets and fight to the bitter end if they knew how careless and reckless we became with a Constitution that is now being routinely breached and violated by this present Administration and a spineless Congress who will not stand up to him. One man…again….decides the fate of the rest of the country…..instead of “we the people.”
BTW…Thomas Jefferson put great emphasis on state rights. Jefferson felt that the counrty was too big to have all of its affairs directed by one govenment. He also felt that the common people should have the power and so the state governments should have more power because they know their people better.
What do you think of that Jeffersonian opinion?
Since that “one man” was Thomas Jefferson and he is the spiritual and philosophical founder of our nation I think his opinion on the original meaning of the US Constitution should and is accepted by most American citizens.
If you want to know more about what the framers of our Constitution where think at the time you might want to read the works of the enlightenment thinkers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Enlightenment
Seems like that has happened before. I do not think most the churches opposed the holocaust . not saying they condoned it. But most sure did not do enough to stop it. Seeing that Germany Was one or the most christian countries In the world. I guess it would be unchristian to be unpatriotic . Did church leaders at that time tell who knew what was going on tell people it is your duty to god to stop this. I think not. It was more about thier self interest . Afraid they would be shut down or harmed. Some did in fact help. Just most did way to little. I bet most every Chaplin in the German Amy reassured anyone with issue that god would forgive them.
The Catholic Church was the most vocal against the concentration camps. There were many nuns and priests who were in those camps.(Very few other religious leaders were letting the people know what was going on. Today, most liberal news channels do not do critical thinking nor question the liberal agenda-such as all that the present administration at federal level is really doing. The BS on the war on women is more talking about themselves than the GOP side. This is racism, that is racism, is drummed up by OhOH bama and his ilk than any other administration in recent history. ) To say otherwise is not looking at what really is happening. Again, the church looked at reality better than any other religious or political leader with the exception of a few…
I agree Catholics were much more vocal against than most other Christian churches. I Still do not think enough was done . Yes they did save 100,000s of thousands. How about If pope pious Had said god has spoken and you will burn in hell forever it you are involved in this. Might be the end of the Catholic church in that region at the time . But not the end of the church as a whole. Now In the last 30 years or so the jewish people are highly respected by most christian religions we have come a long ways. I guess we can second guess the past all we want . I will say you are right.
People naturally assume it is related to sexual abuse given the history of the Catholic church. It sounds like this is not the case, fortunately. I grew up in a Catholic (French/Irish) home where priests were worshiped … but now I cannot step into a church without becoming physically ill. There is absolutely no excuse for the abuse and cover-ups. If women had been allowed in the Church as priests or spouses of priests, this would not have happened! Why are popes automatically ‘nominated’ for sainthood when they were likely aware of what was going on?
Former Catholic (I’m thinking I’m going to be struck by lightening soon).
Once a Catholic, always a Catholic. You can deny the Catholic faith, but it will never deny you. Baptism leaves an indelible mark on your soul. Perhaps when you die you will be happy to have that mark. Yes…..the church has made mistakes. It is run by man and men are imperfect. Take a look at history and read up on the early church fathers. I find it sad that you turned your back on the eucharist. Perhaps someday you will find your way back. Christianity has the Catholic chruch to thank for the bible as it was Catholic bishops who approved the books of the bible about year 400. 400 years BEFORE the bible, people had the Catholic church established by Christ. Catholic bashing is so prevelant in the world today and it is sad
You say that priests are worshiped. Well they are not worshiped. They are here to serve us and yes, they are held in high regard. The reason they are held in high regard is because there is one thing a Catholic priest can give us that NO ONE ELSE in the world can. He can give us the gift Christ gave us at the last supper. A priest can consecrate bread and give us the Eucharist, the soul and summit of Catholic life. :)
fille-francais, you are so wrong, “once a catholic, always a catholic” (not me) Baptism by the catholic religion is done when you are a few months old, why???? Please educate yourself on your forefathers, read the Spanish Inquisition. that is all I have to say..very enlightening…and this is what you are proud of? I was Catholic and proud to say I am NOT Catholic any longer and will never be again. I believe in the word of God found in the bible, not what the pope dictates in Rome. and your last paragraph, is clear to me how brainwashed you are….”NO ONE ELSE in the world? Try praying to Jesus and to God, and leave the priests out of your idol worshipping (I was you once upon a time)….no longer, I believe you need prayers to open your eyes to the truth….start by reading the Bible and go to your local libraray and read The Spanish Inquisition, and then when you are done this, I truly believe you will NOT be feeling like you are feeling/thinking right now.
Read the writings of those who walked with the apostles my friend. :) The Early Church Fathers like Ignatius, Polycarp, and Clement will bring you to truth. The truth of the Eucharist you are so sadly missing out on. Yes…only a Catholic priest can give us the gift of the body and blood of Christ. Now I have to ask you…..who founded your church?? http://www.tldm.org/news5/how_old.ht Oh…and whenever you quote scripture you are submitting to the authority of the Catholic Chruch for it is the Catholic Church who apporved the books of the bible.
You can’t erase that mark on your soul no matter how much you deny your baptism my friend.
I invite you to go to http://www.catholicanswersforums.com :)
Also…no one can have truth with books of the bible missing. Did you know that a protestant bible has several books that were removed by a man named Martin Luther?
boy I really riled you up, I have not denied my baptism, look who is assuming and judging
Worship, or not, as you wish.
You left the Church and point to the Spanish Inquisition as justification, events from 500 years ago. However, if you are to remain true to your logic, you must also renounce your American citizenship.
Please educate yourself on the way your forefather’s treated the Native Americans and about slavery. This is what you are proud of? Clearly you have been brainwashed to ignore these more recent transgressions.
You didn’t even choose to be American, you were born that way, why??
I believe you need prayers to open your eyes to the truth.
You are judging fille-francais much too harshly. You actually aren’t qualified to judge her. And if you don’t believe me….take your own advice and go to “your Bible” and read Matthew 7:1
There are 1.1 billion Catholics in the world. The American Catholic church might just be the institution that preserves yours and our Religious Freedom, according to the 1st Amendment. The Church has filed lawsuits in defense of maintaining the religious freedom to not pay for contraceptives, abortifacients and God forbid….the killing of the unborn. The Obama administration fully intends to force the Catholic Church to violate its faith tenets and consciences to pay for in utero abortions. Fight and fight they will.
The obama Administration, via Obamacare, has no regard for human life in the womb and you will see the same sentence handed down to the elderly, if Obamacare passes muster with the SCOTUS. The only power that stands between this carnage and freedom of religion to not have to pay for it is the Catholic church.
Tread carefully when you judge fille-francais and any other practicing Catholic (or Protestant who knows that the killing of the unborn is the most heinous evil to beset America) You might do a little praying to Jesus and God yourself. If your such a wizard with the Bible, you might do well to remember the arrogant Pharisee who stood praying publicly, reminding God that he was glad he was NOT like “other people” while a hated tax-collector stood some distance away, even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
Have a little Easter love in your heart, toofarnorth and STOP JUDGING!
look who is calling the kettle black…
look who is calling the kettle black…
************************************
This comment is not relevent to the discussion. I haven’t “lectured” anyone on their choice of religions……I haven’t belittled the Pope or Priests…I haven’t told anyone if they would just pray to Jesus and God, run around to libraries and read a certain book that “you recommend”….. that they’ll finally change their way of feeling and thinking and see the light.
I’m not surprised you didn’t see yourself in my previous comment to you, but I thought I’d give it a try. It is next to impossible for arrogant self-righteous people to have any shaft of light pierce through their sanctimonious way of thinking.
Your declaration of women being allowed to be priestesses or wives of priests would have no bearing on priests who have been outed and found guilty of molestation. Celibacy has nothing to do with priests molesting young boys or adolescents.
Priests were not molesting young boys and adolescents because they are Catholics. These sexual abusers were pedophiles before they entered the priesthood. How easy can it be to have your young victims come to you, with the consent of trusting parents, believing in the sanctity and holiness of the priest’s vows to church and God.
The percentage of pedophiles in the clergy of the Catholic Church is actually less than that of society in general.
I am not, in any way, minimizing the brutal harm done to their victims. According to Jesus…..it will not go well for them at the last judgment. He said those who do lasting harm to a child would be ”BETTER OFF” with a millstone around their necks and thrown into the deepest part of the sea. Note: they would be “better off” having their carcass at the bottom of the sea than what really awaits them.
How about the catholic hierarchy covering up their crimes, using their political influence to get police to suppress evidence, relocating and hiding accused priests. Can we associate these things directly with the church?
Those in the hierarchy who protected them and tranferred them from church to church are just as guilty as the molesters…maybe more so. This is the first time I’ve heard that they were able to get police to suppress “the evidence.”
No, I’m not comfortable with associating these deplorable crimes of Priests and the Bishops who protected them with the entire church. I only hold the actual perpetrators responsible for their crimes.
In Ireland they were able get the authorities to suppress evidence. And I’m sure that is not the only place.
Well, that leaves money laundering, helping war criminals escape and ect…LOL!
I believe the investigation centers around confessional privilege.
Time will tell.
You think? The good Reverend will never budge on that one!
But if it turns out that he is cleared, I sure hope the media does as good a job publicizing that as it did besmirching him. It doesn’t matter if he’s a priest or not– as a citizen, he has a right to have his name publicly cleared if he didn’t do anything!
Pedophilia is pandemic in the Church…Billions of $$ spent worldwide on legal defense, many sent to jail for horrible crimes. Major coverups by reassigning known pedophiles to avoid prosecution. One defrocked priest was murdered in jail.
WWJD? The poor humble Carpenter who owned nothing is represented by lavish riches, pomp and ceremony? Is it an extension of the old Roman Empire–as why else would the old Mass be in Latin? Jesus spoke Aramaic.
Speaking as a victim of Catholic clergy abuse for many years (physical & psychological/emotional), the vow of celibacy is not normal. The New Testament says that a priest MUST be married. Read it for yourself: 1Timothy 3:2.
Looking back now, there were clear signs of chronic sexual frustration in most of my teachers from K through grade 12 (Nuns & Irish Christian Brothers), which manifested as beatings and humiliation to students (among other things) on a grand scale.
It was drilled into us that things like missing Mass or eating meat on Friday were Mortal Sins and if unconfessed/unforgiven, would result in you burning forever in unspeakable torment. Forever. Unless, of course, you were wearing a certain Scapular, whereby you’d get a Plenary Indulgence (Free Pass) and go right to Heaven. Wow.
Hasn’t there been ignorance, abuse and anguish for thousands of years? Inquisitions, Crusades, Confession (started as a tool to spy on one’s enemies), imprisoning Galileo for daring to say the Earth is not the center of the Universe, warrior & poisoner popes, birth control is a sin, etc. etc. Does it really matter that some of these events took place a long time ago?