Archdiocese of Baltimore removes priest from ministry pending investigation

The Archdiocese of Baltimore issued the following news release concerning the ministry of Father Samuel Lupico:

The Archdiocese of Baltimore is investigating an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor involving Reverend Samuel Lupico. Father Lupico is retired but had been assisting at St. Mary of the Assumption in Govans (Baltimore) and St. Pius X (Rodgers Forge).

Pursuant to Archdiocesan policy, the Archdiocese has removed Father Lupico’s faculties to function as a priest and suspended him from ministry, pending the results of a full investigation. Father Lupico denies the allegation.

Upon receiving the allegation, the Archdiocese immediately reported it to law enforcement. Archdiocesan policy requires the Archdiocese to cooperate with any investigation by law enforcement and also to conduct its own investigation.

After receiving permission to proceed from law enforcement authorities, the Archdiocese has now commenced its own investigation. In accordance with Archdiocesan policy, counseling assistance is available to those affected by child sexual abuse.

The abuse allegedly occurred in the mid-1970s, while Father Lupico was serving at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Baltimore. This matter is in an early stage of investigation, and thus no determination of credibility has been made by the Archdiocese at this time. However, the Archdiocese is making this communication in order to solicit any relevant information as part of its investigation and in order to fulfill its commitment to open communication with affected communities.

Father Lupico served in the following locations in the Archdiocese of Baltimore: St. Mary’s Seminary (1972-1974); St. Ann Catholic Church, Baltimore (1974-82); St. Frances Academy, Baltimore (1974-78); Holy Family Catholic Church, Davidsonville (1982-86); Stella Maris, Timonium (1986-89); Loyola University Maryland (taught courses 1984-1993); Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and St. Ann Catholic Church, Baltimore (1989-94); St. Joseph Medical Center, Towson (1996-99); St. Edward Catholic Church, Baltimore (1999-2005); St. Pius X (Rodgers Forge) and St. Mary of the Assumption in Govans, Baltimore (2005 to present).

The Archdiocese of Baltimore is committed to protecting children and helping to heal victims of abuse. We urge anyone who has any knowledge of any child sexual abuse to come forward, and to report it immediately to law enforcement. If clergy or other church personnel is suspected of committing the abuse, we ask that you also call the Archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection Victims’ Assistance Hotline at 1-866-417-7469. If you have any other information relevant to this matter, please contact the Archdiocese Office of Child and Youth Protection at 410-547-5348.

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