Abp. Aymond: 'Anger, betrayal, disappointment'

Archbishop Gregory Aymond today issued the follow statement and video on his decision to remove from priestly ministry Patrick Wattigny and Travis Clark.

Archbishop Aymond's video statement is available here

Wattigny, the former pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Slidell, admitted Oct. 1 that he had abused a minor in December 2013.

Clark, the former pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Pearl River, was arrested on Sept. 30 on charges of obscenity with women. He was removed from ministry on Oct. 1.

Here is the full text of Archbishop Aymond's statement:

It is a very tough time right now to be a Catholic in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, to say the least. Many people feel anger, betrayal and disappointment. I feel the same way, as do my brother priests. 

What has happened concerning Pat Wattigny and Travis Clark is unacceptable, sinful, and cannot be tolerated.

Let me be clear: Both were removed from ministry immediately and will NEVER serve again in Catholic ministry.

Regarding Travis:
His obscene behavior was deplorable. His desecration of the altar in church was demonic. I am infuriated by his actions. When the details became clear, we had the altar removed and burned. I will consecrate a new altar tomorrow.

Regarding Pat:

When he informed us of the sexual abuse of a minor which occurred in December 2013, I immediately removed him from ministry, reported it to civil authorities and made a public announcement.  There was no prior accusation, and we knew nothing about the abuse before Oct. 1.

There are questions about the texts.

In February 2020, we received copies of text messages between Wattigny and a teenager. Though not sexual in nature, our technology policy forbids this type of communication. This was addressed and the text messages stopped. A few months later, we received a report that he resumed texting. We asked him to resign as chaplain for violating the technology policy.

Why was this not reported?

The texts did not indicate abuse, and there was no allegation of sexual abuse. I am sorry for the pain that this has caused.

Wattingny was ordered to undergo a series of psychological exams and  make a 30-day retreat. At the conclusion of the psychological assessment, he admitted the sexual abuse of a minor which took place in December 2013.

We must always pray for this victim and all victims of sexual abuse.

We have a strong fraternity of priests in the Archdiocese. I will meet with the priests next week. We have many good priests, and I regret that they are embarrassed by the actions of a few.

Our focus as we move forward is to continue to the ministry of Jesus Christ, including a strong focus on the protection of children.

Once again, I share your anger and feeling of betrayal.  

God is faithful. May he continue to strengthen and renew our Church in this challenging time.