EAST FLATBUSH — The Diocese of Brooklyn has removed from priestly ministry Father Bony Monastere, the parochial vicar for St. Therese of Lisieux Church in East Flatbush, after a sexual abuse allegation involving an adult was substantiated, according to the diocese.

Bishop Robert Brennan announced the decision via a letter that was read aloud to parishioners by Auxiliary Bishop Neil Tiedemann on Sunday, March 19. 

Bishop Brennan wrote that the diocese was made aware of the allegation in September 2022 and that Father Monastere had denied it. The matter was then referred to the Diocesan Review Board — an independent panel tasked with investigating abuse allegations.

Following an investigation, the review board determined the allegation was substantiated and recommended that Father Monastere be removed. 

Bishop Brennan wrote in the letter, “I have accepted the recommendation of the Diocesan Review Board, and Father Monastere has been removed from priestly ministry.” 

Father Monastere had served as parochial vicar for St. Therese of Lisieux since June 30, 2020. 

He was ordained on June 2, 2007, and named parochial vicar for Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Jamaica. He also served as parochial vicar for Sacred Heart Church in Cambria Heights (2008-2010), Holy Innocents Church in Flatbush (2010-2013), and Holy Cross Church in Flatbush (2016-2020).

In addition, he was the administrator and then pastor of St. Laurence Church in East New York (2013-2016) and coordinator of the Youth Ministry for the Haitian National Apostolate. He served as associate pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Corona in 2016, prior to his assignment at Holy Cross.

The Diocese of Brooklyn, which has a zero-tolerance policy on abuse, has protocols in place to combat it. Victims are encouraged to report allegations by calling a confidential reporting line (888-634-4499) that connects to law enforcement.