A Massachusetts priest has been placed on leave effective immediately, according to Fall River’s Catholic diocese.
Father Mark R. Hession was put on leave from active priestly ministry because of “conduct inconsistent with standards of ministerial behavior.”
In a statement, the diocese says parishioners at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk, and priests of the Fall River Diocese, were informed of the decision.
The diocese says Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha made the decision to place Father Hession on leave based on complaints he received about inappropriate communications that Father Hession allegedly sent to several adult parishioners.
This is a direct violation of the code of conduct for priests, according to the diocese.
Father Hession was formerly assigned to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church until August 2018 when he was reassigned to duties in the Diocesan Tribunal.
While on leave, Father Hession is not permitted to exercise publicly ministry or present himself as a priest in public settings.
