FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — Children from St. Michael’s School will join their parents and parishioners in a peaceful demonstration at the Fall River Diocese office to demand answers regarding the sudden removal of Father Jay Mello from St. Michael’s and St. Joseph’s Parishes. Parishioners said they’re demanding answers regarding the sudden removal of Mello from St. Michael’s and St. Joseph’s Parishes, and calling for for “clarity from Church leadership surrounding alleged accusations of sexual misconduct.” Just yesterday, Bishop da Cunha issued a letter to members of the St. Joseph and St. Michael Parishes and the St. Michael School community providing an update on the investigation of the case involving Father Jay Mello.  In June, Mello was placed on administrative leave after the diocese received “concerning information alleging sexual misconduct by the priest,” and that an initial inquiry showed “sufficient evidence” for further investigation. Mello is no longer residing at the parish rectory and has been “directed to refrain from exercising public priestly ministry.” The man who is alleging the abuse, says he approached Bishop George Coleman in 2013 about what happened and met with Catholic Church investigators last year. In his letter, da Cunha said he would not usually provide an update on the investigation, but was prompted to do so because “there have been a number of false claims, rumors and confusion based on the belief that Father Mello has been unfairly placed on leave, and now this confusion is disrupting the school environment.” In his letter, da Cunha said Mello had admitted to “serious sexual misconduct” with the adult. Many children at St. Michael’s have been emotionally impacted by Father Jay’s abrupt absence, parents said in a release, adding that Mello is a “a trusted figure in their lives, and the failure of Church leadership to address the situation is causing growing distress.” The investigation surrounding Mello is expected to finish early next year. The protest will begin at 11:45 a.m. Categories: News