Patton Priest Removed from Ministry Following Allegation of Child Abuse

A Catholic priest from a Pennsylvania diocese has been placed on leave following an allegation of “recent inappropriate conduct involving minors.” We hope this news encourages others who may have been hurt to come forward and make a report to law enforcement.

According to the Altoona Mirror, the Rev. Ananias Buccicone, OSB, has been working as the pastor at Queen of Peace Parish in Patton, PA. Now we call on Catholic officials to use every resource at their disposal to inform parents and parishioners of the allegations and encourage other victims and witnesses to come forward and make a report to law enforcement.

Now we call on church officials to use every resource at their disposal to inform parents and parishioners of the allegations and encourage other victims and witnesses to come forward and make a report to law enforcement.

Bishop Mark Bartchak should personally visit Queen of Peace and any other location where Rev. Buccicone worked. He should use parish bulletins and pulpit announcements to ensure that everyone is aware of the allegations and is empowered to come forward. We know that informed communities are safer communities and we hope Bishop Bartchak takes these steps immediately.

CONTACT: Zach Hiner, Executive Director ([email protected], 517-974-9009)

(SNAP, the Survivors Network, has been providing support for victims of sexual abuse in institutional settings for 30 years. We have more than 25,000 survivors and supporters in our network. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)


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