Molesting NH priest defrocked by Pope

Manchester, New Hampshire —

Roman Catholic priest Paul L. Aube, who gave special crucifixes to boys he sexually assaulted, has been defrocked by Pope Benedict XVI, church officials announced yesterday.

Aube is the second diocesan priest to lose his collar in light of the priest sex-abuse scandal in New Hampshire. The decision means Aube is no longer bound to the obligations of the priesthood, cannot act as a priest and has been returned to the lay state, the diocese said in a press release.

In 1994, Bishop Leo E. O'Neil permanently removed Aube from ministry, but Aube still kept his status as priest until the Vatican's action, which took place on May 20.

'He was one of the bad ones. He was one of the targets of the Attorney General's investigation,' said Peter Hutchins, a Manchester lawyer who sucessfully sued the Manchester diocese on behalf of dozens of clients.

Four of his clients — three males and one female — were abused by Aube, Hutchins said.

'He was more of a groomer — get to know the kid — vs. someone who would just grab them,' Hutchins said.

Aube had assignments in St. Mary in Claremont, Guardian Angels in Berlin, Holy Rosary in Rochester, Elliot Hospital and Concord Hospital.

Aube admitted to abusing 15 children or young adults while serving in parishes between 1970 to 1981.

Read the article at The Union Leader and New Hampshire Sunday News dated 08/13/05

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