Bishop Pfeifer Statement

Bishop Michael Pfeifer released a statement Saturday after a district judge ruled in favor of the San Angelo Catholic Diocese in a civil suit filed by an Eldorado Woman. Sandra Espinosa filed the suit for damages from the Catholic Diocese. She said she was sexually abused by a parish priest at her mission church in Rankin, she first reported the abuse four years ago, but said she was abused starting when she was 13-years-old. Espinosa said she was "very disappointed" about the decision. In a statement, Bishop Pfefier said ' This has been a painful experience for many, and I am grateful to God. The case has come to a conclusion. I pray for all involved asking God to grant peace and healing for all. The bishop also added..., "The positive results of the recent National Safe Environment Audit, conducted in every Catholic Diocese of the U.S.A., once again strongly affirms, as in past years, the many diligent efforts the diocese of San Angelo makes to provide a safe, secure and sacred environment for the all people, especially children.''