Fall River Diocese places priest on administrative leave during investigation over possible violations of the Code of Conduct for Priests

A priest in the Fall River Diocese has been placed on leave amid an investigation.

According to a statement from the Fall River Diocese, at November 30/December 1 weekend Masses, parishioners of the parishes that comprise the Our Lady of Fall River Catholic Community (St. Mary’s Cathedral, Good Shepherd and St. Stanislaus) received information from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., regarding Father Thiago Menezes Santos. Father Thiago was assigned as a parochial vicar there, primarily serving the Brazilian Catholic community in Fall River. The information was also provided to Brazilian Catholics who worship at the Our Lady of Holy Rosary Chapel in Taunton, where Father Thiago also ministered.

Bishop da Cunha shared the difficult news that the Diocese of Fall River had received information concerning misconduct by Father Thiago. The Diocese stated that it is important to note that there are no allegations of inappropriate conduct with minors.

The statement revealed that after reviewing information gathered in the preliminary stages of an investigation, it has been determined that there is sufficient evidence to warrant further investigation into violations of the Code of Conduct for Priests by Father Thiago.  Based on these allegations and the initial findings, Father Thiago has been placed on administrative leave as this investigation continues.

Consistent with Diocesan standards, he is no longer residing at the parish rectory and has been directed to refrain from exercising public priestly ministry, and is undergoing physical, psychological and spiritual care.  

In both his letter on the matter and in the Masses he celebrated for those communities on that weekend, Bishop da Cunha expressed his sadness about this turn of events:

“Father Thiago has made a strong impact on the community in a short time, and I know this announcement is upsetting for all of us. Please know that my prayers are with all the faithful people of the Our Lady of Fall River Catholic Community [and of the Holy Rosary Chapel] during this challenging time. I ask for your prayers for our diocese and all those affected by this situation.”

The 28-year-old Father Thiago celebrated his first mass on Sunday, June 18, 2023, in St. Anthony Church in Taunton.

Born and raised in Aracaju, Brazil, he was involved in catechetical and evangelization programs in his home parish there. He began his preparation for the priesthood at the Our Lady of Conception Major Seminary in Aracaju.

The Diocese of Fall River encourages anyone with concerns regarding the conduct of any priest, staff, or volunteer affiliated with the Diocese to contact law enforcement and/or Carolyn Shipp, the Diocesan Director of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance at 508-985-6508, by email at cshipp@dioc-fr.org or on our website at www.fallriverdiocese.org/safe-environment/report-an-incident-of-abuse/