Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) Bishop Michael Fisher of the Buffalo Diocese discussed the $150 million dollar settlement reached this week with survivors of clergy abuse on WBEN Thursday.
We also brought up the concerns of whistleblower Siobhan O'Connor. The former assistant to then-Bishop Richard Malone told us on Wednesday that she attended Holy Thursday mass last week and was disturbed to see Malone as a celebrant. It was under his leadership that the clergy abuse scandal came to light.
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"He's a Bishop in good standing," said Fisher, referring to Malone.
"Being in good standing, I have no, really, control of his ability to celebrate as a priest."
Who, then, has control over Malone's status?
Fisher continues. "I make that decision for any clerics; for priests and deacons who have faculties. I offer them faculties (permission). But a Bishop's faculties are obviously appointed by The Holy Father" (in Rome).
Malone resigned as Bishop in 2019 after the Vatican investigated his handling of abuse cases.