A priest who presided over an inaugural Mass for President Joe Biden is under investigation, according to a statement from Santa Clara University this week.
The university confirmed that the school’s president, Father Kevin O’Brien, is being investigated for “behaviors exhibited in adult settings, consisting mainly of conversations, which may be inconsistent with the protocols and limits set by the Jesuits.”
School officials did not elaborate on the nature of the investigation and provided few details about O’Brien’s “exhibited behaviors.”
“I am writing to you with an important update. The Provincial of the Western Province of the United States informed me that the Provincial Office of the Jesuits recently received reports that Father O’Brien exhibited behaviors in adult settings, consisting mainly of conversations, that may be inconsistent with established protocols and limits. by the Jesuits, ”said the additional school. “An independent investigation into these accounts is being conducted on behalf of the Western US Province, and the findings of the Province’s process will be shared with the Santa Clara University Board of Trustees.”
As a result, O’Brien “was released from his position as president of the University for the duration of the investigation by the Western US Province in accordance with its protocols” and “has agreed to cooperate fully with the research and respect the process that he affirms annually as part of his continuing Jesuit formation ”.
O’Brien presided over a mass for Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, their families, and Congressional leaders during the president’s January 20 inauguration. It was held at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC.
O’Brien, described as an old friend of the Biden family, reportedly presided over services for Biden’s inaugurations when he was vice president. He previously served at Georgetown University, another Jesuit college.
Tracey Primrose, spokesperson for the West Jesuit Province, told the San Jose Mercury News: “Jesuits are bound by a code of professional conduct, and the Province investigates allegations that may violate or compromise established boundaries… As with any organization, Jesuits Westerners The province has confidentiality practices, so I cannot provide additional information on this matter ”.
The university says O’Brien joined the Society of Jesus, whose members are known as Jesuits, in 1996. He was ordained a priest in 2006. He has been president of Santa Clara University since 2019.
The University of Santa Clara has an annual undergraduate enrollment of approximately 5,500 students. Democratic governors of California. Gavin Newsom and Jerry Brown are among his students.
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