WABASHA, Minn. – A Wabasha priest being investigated for extorting parishioners for cash, apparently as much as $72,000, has left town – and the country. The Winona-Rochester Diocese confirmed that Father Prince Raja returned to his native India on July 30. This was while investigators were building a case for fraud against Father Raja. A Diocese spokesperson, William Thompson, listed these points in a public statement:
> The Diocese learned on May 1 that Father Raja had solicited gifts and loans from parishioners.
> The Diocese ordered Father Raja to stop or be removed from duties in the combined St. Felix and St. Agnes parish.
> Subsequently, on a date unspecified in the public statement, the Diocese learned that Father Raja again had sought money from yet another parishioner.
> The Diocese asked Father Rama to resign, which he did in writing effective September 1. He had departed the country the day before.
> The Diocese of Winona-Rochester has informed Father Raja’s diocese in India about the extortions and is working with Wabasha County authorities regarding the matter.
> No parish funds were affected by Father Raja’s actions.
There remained key questions in the public statement: A spreadsheet of Father Raja’s BMO bank account shows a check from the Diocese. Was it to repay what he had accepted from at least some parishiners? Was the Diocese aware of the criminality? Is this evidence of an early Diocesan cover-up? At what point was Bishop Robert Barron involved? Had the Diocese helped facilitate =d Father Raja’s timely departure from the country?
Earlier: Extortion case: Priests’s bank data opened
Earlier: Police probe priest’s alleged Wabasha solicitations
Father Prince Raja. Pastor at St. Felix Catholic church in Wabasha and at St. Agnes chrch 5-1/2 miles away in Kellogg. Both are in the Winona-Rochester Diocese.
St. Felix. In Wabasha at 117 Third Street.
St. Agnes. In Kellogg at 125 West Glasgow Avenue.