A priest, now deceased, who served in several Upper Peninsula parishes and missions in the 1950s, has been named in validated allegations of sexual misconduct with minors, announced the Catholic Diocese of Marquette. Two female abuse survivors lodged complaints against Father Clement LePine earlier this year, saying they were abused as young children during the 1960s and 1970s.

“I am extremely sorry for the harm done to the victims and their families,” said Bishop James Garland of the Diocese of Marquette. ”We are publicizing this misconduct now to encourage any other victims or survivors to come forward, so we can offer healing and pastoral care to them as well.”

Father LePine was ordained a priest in 1946. He served in several Upper Peninsula parishes and missions including Holy Name of Mary, Sault Ste. Marie in 1951, and St. Stephen of Naubinway, St. Timothy of Curtis, and St. Joseph of Gould City in 1957.

Bishop Garland said anyone can bring a complaint of sexual misconduct by a church leader, worker, or volunteer to the attention of the Diocese of Marquette by contacting one of the following people: Diocesan Victim Advocate Coordinator Rosalyn Groves at (866) 857-6459 or e-mail regroves@chartermi.net; Diocesan Director of Ministry Personnel Father Alex K. Sample at (800) 52-9745, ext. 111 or (906) 227-9111; Bishop James Garland at (906) 227-9115. People may also write to Father Alex K. Sample at Director of Ministry Personnel, Diocese of Marquette, P.O. Box 1000, Marquette, MI 49855; mark the letter “personal and confidential” and indicate the means of response desired (by phone, letter, or in person). Sexual misconduct that happened outside the Diocese of Marquette may be reported by contacting Rosalyn Groves.