RC priest sent on medical leave

Roman Catholic priest Jimmy Peters has been sent on a medical leave of absence with immediate effect. This was indicated in a statement issued yesterday by the Most Reverend Archbishop Edward J Gilbert. Fr Peters was fined $1,000 for possession of marijuana at the Tunapuna Court last week. His Grace said the leave was agreed upon after professional consultation and personal dialogue with Fr Peters.

The statement also said: “During the period of medical leave, which is indefinite, Fr Peters will not be involved in pastoral ministry. As a priest of the Archdiocese, he will receive the full support of the Archdiocese during his recovery programme.” Up until his court appearance, Fr Peters had been officiating out of the Chapel at the University of the West Indies while being an Accounting student, but officiated at his usual Sunday Mass at his parish, La Brea RC church.

On behalf of the Archdiocese and Fr Peters, Archbishop Gilbert expressed their regret about the scandal caused by the incident. He ended the statement asking for the prayers and support of the Catholic community, especially the priests of the Archdiocese, as well as the prayerful support of the ecumenical and interfaith communities for his full recovery. The statement, however, failed to say what Fr Peters’ illness was or what he was supposed to be recovering from. Efforts to get a personal comment from Archbishop Gilbert yesterday proved futile.