Former Loyola Academy Priest Admits to Relationship with Student

A former president of Loyola Academy has been removed from active ministry for having an inappropriate relationship with a student.

The Rev. Larry Reuter served as president of the Jesuit school in the Chicago suburb of Wilmette from 1975 until 1990. Reuter reportedly admitted to a relationship with an 18-year-old student of the all-male high school, the period of which was not released.

The Chicago and Detroit Province of the Society of Jesus made the decision to remove the 69-year-old Reuter from active ministry.  The Rev. Timothy Kesicki says the incident became known during a review of personnel files.

In a statement released Monday, current Loyola Academy President the Rev. Patrick McGrath said school officials were "heartbroken" by the alleged violation of trust by Reuter.

Barbara Blaine, with the organization Survivors of Those Abused By Priests, says the Jesuits have not made student safety a priority.

"I think it's not enough for the Jesuits today to say they are heartbroken. That is not a sufficient response. I think that they should be answering many more questions about how many others might have been abused and how long have they known," she said, according to ABC 7 Chicago.

Jesuit officials say a settlement was reached with the student.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us