The Diocese of St. Cloud was among defendants named in a civil lawsuit March 16 alleging that Father Antonio Marfori sexually abused a minor in the late 1970s while the priest was an instructor at Cathedral High School.
The suit, which identifies the plaintiff as Doe 96, also names Cathedral High School, Father Marfori and St. Mary of the Presentation Church in Breckenridge as defendants. The diocese is reviewing this complaint, according to a March 16 statement from the diocese.
A prior lawsuit was filed against Father Marfori last October also alleging sexual abuse in the late 1970s of a minor who attended Cathedral High School.
After learning of the first allegation, Bishop Donald Kettler removed Father Marfori’s priestly faculties, meaning he could no longer function or present himself as a priest, while the allegation is investigated. There was no report of sexual misconduct prior to receiving the October complaint, the statement said.
A hearing also was held in Stearns County District Court March 16 where attorneys for the diocese asked Judge John Scherer to dismiss a public nuisance claim that was included in the first suit. Scherer will consider the request and make a decision within 90 days.
Last month, Bishop Kettler held a series of listening sessions in areas where Father Marfori served. The sessions had three main goals: to assure parishioners of Bishop Kettler’s support and assistance, to offer a process whereby sexual misconduct issues and concerns could be voiced and discussed, and to allow other potential victims the opportunity to come forward and receive assistance and healing. Members of the Diocesan Response Team were present to offer such assistance.
Father Marfori was ordained Oct. 7, 1978 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud. He has served the following assignments: part-time associate, St. Francis Xavier, Sartell, and part-time instructor (later instructor and assistant chaplain), Cathedral High School, St. Cloud, 1978-1980; associate pastor, St. Paul, Sauk Centre, 1980-1984; post-graduate studies, 1984-1985; pastor, St. Agnes, Roscoe, 1985-1993; pastor, St. Margaret, Lake Henry (while continuing at St. Agnes), 1987-1993; pastor, St. Pius X, Zimmerman, 1993-2007; pastor, St. Anne, Kimball, 2007-2008; canonical administrator, St. Elizabeth, Brennyville, Sts. Peter and Paul, Gilman, and St. Joseph, Morrill, 2008-2010; Leave of absence (medical), 2010.