By Bob Bong
Father Paul Guzman was reinstated last month as associate pastor at Evergreen Park’s Most Holy Redeemer Church after an investigation of child sexual abuse charges found insufficient reason to believe him guilty of the charges.
Cardinal Blasé Cupich announced Guzman’s return to the church in a letter to parishioners March 21: “Thank you for your patience and prayers during the absence of your Associate Pastor, Father Paul Guzman. As I recently informed you, the Archdiocese received an allegation of child sexual abuse against Father Guzman dating back to a time long before he was ordained a priest. In accordance with our policies for the protection of children and youth, the Archdiocese Independent Review Board, assisted by our Office of Child Abuse Investigation and Review and outside investigators, conducted a thorough review of the allegation.
“The Review Board has concluded that there is insufficient reason to suspect Father Guzman is guilty of this allegation. Having given careful consideration to their recommendation, which I accept, I now inform you that I am reinstating Father Guzman’s faculties and his position of Associate Pastor at Most Holy Redeemer Parish, effective immediately.
“I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the great patience you and Fr. Guzman have shown in this moment of trial. Yet, Fr. Guzman is convinced of the need for us as a Church to keep our word that the safety of children remains our priority. At the same time, we must keep our commitment to do everything possible to restore Fr. Guzman’s good name.”
Guzman had been asked by Cupich to step away from the parish while it investigated the charges that dated back 40 years when Guzman was a layman in the military and serving overseas, and 25 years before Guzman entered Mundelein Seminary to prepare for the priesthood.
The person making the accusation had made similar claims against other clergy, none of which turned out to be credible.