BISHOP BROWN PERMANENTLY REMOVES PRIEST
FR. GERARDO TANILONG PLEADED GUILTY TO THE SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR

Fr. Gerardo Tanilong, 72, pleaded guilty to a charge of the sexual abuse of a minor in Santa Ana Criminal Court today. The court will sentence him on April 2, 2004 after he undergoes psychological and probationary evaluations.

“I deeply regret the abuse of a minor and pray for the recovery of the victim and family,” said Bishop Brown. “The abuse of a child is particularly heinous, and I am fully enforcing our policies.”

THE NATIONAL CHARTER FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE and the policies of the Diocese of Orange require the immediate and permanent removal from ministry of any priest admitting to or convicted of the crime of the sexual abuse of a minor.

Bishop Tod Brown immediately made permanent Fr. Tanilong’s removal from ministry that began when he was placed on administrative leave in July 2003 once the allegation was made. He is not permitted to function publicly as a priest nor to wear the clerical collar.

Fr. Tanilong came from the Philippines in 1986, and was incardinated into the Diocese in of Orange in l990. He served as a parochial vicar at St. Boniface Church in Anaheim, St. Joachim parish in Costa Mesa, St. Callistus Church in Garden Grove and also at Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Guadalupe Delhi parishes in Santa Ana.

This was the only allegation ever brought against Fr. Tanilong to the Diocese of Orange.

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