Investigation targets Antigonish priest Fr. Paul Abbass
February 22, 2012
ANTIGONISH, N.S. - An Antigonish, N.S., priest who served as spokesman for the diocese in the wake of child pornography charges against then Bishop Raymond Lahey is under investigation by the addictions treatment centre where he has been executive director for the last 17 years.
Fr. Paul Abbass has stepped down from his duties at Talbot House just outside Sydney, N.S., and suspended his work as a parish priest and as episcopal vicar and director of pastoral services for the diocese of Antigonish.
The complaint was made to the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services and concerns his role at Talbot House. The complaint involves sexual behaviour and access to medications at the treatment facility, according to a report from the Halifax Chronicle-Herald.
“We will fully co-operate with Talbot House and the Department of Community Services in their review of the complaint,” said a press release from Antigonish Bishop Brian Dunn.
Dunn said he hoped for a “fair, timely and thorough investigation to find the truth.”
The diocese has 115 parishes and 100 active priests. While Abbass is under investigation Fr. Angus MacDougall will act as vicar general and Fr. Agit Kerketta will cover Frenchvale, Christmas Island, Iona, Boisdale and Baddeck parishes.