There’s been a second allegation of abuse of a minor against a priest who, years ago, served the area that’s now covered by the Diocese of Springfield Cape Girardeau.
According to a news release from the diocese, the person alleges they were a victim of abuse by Father William E. Donovan. Donovan served in several towns, including as pastor of a church in Mountain View in 1962 and as area director of Catholic Scouting in West Plains in 1963. Donovan died in 1975.
According to the diocese, if you suspect a minor is in imminent danger of abuse, you should call 911. Any suspected or known abuse of a minor must be reported to the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-3738.
The news release states that the diocese will reach out to anyone who claims they were a victim of abuse as a minor to offer them counseling, spiritual assistance, support services and other social services.
