Catholic Priest Resigns from St. Luke’s Institute After Allegation of Inappropriate Adult Relationship

Monsignor Edward Arsenault has resigned as President and CEO of St. Luke’s Institute in Maryland, a national center for the treatment of priests and ministers accused of sexual abuse, alcoholism, and drug addiction.  Arsenault resigned after allegations surfaced that he had engaged in an “inappropriate adult relationship”.  Arsenault served as head of the Institute since 2009.  Prior to accepting the post at St. Luke’s, Monsignor Arsenault had handled the sexual abuse cases against priests for the Diocese of Manchester in New Hampshire.

In addition to the adult relationship, there are allegations that the Monsignor had misappropriated diocesan funds.  A criminal investigation may be soon underway concerning the finances.  In the meantime, the Diocese of Manchester has suspended the priest from public ministry.

These are troubling allegations especially since Arsenault had been in charge of a treatment center whose mission is to care for priests who have been accused of sexual abuse.  His former role as the chief watchdog in the Diocese of Manchester for the protection of children makes the charges even more disconcerting.