Fr. Basil Peter Congro

Diocese:  Diocese of Rockville Centre, Diocese of Charleston

Summary of Assignments:

  • 1978:  Ordained
  • 1978-1979:  St. John Cathedral, Fresno, CA
  • 1979-1981:  Christ the King, Commack, NY
  • 1981-1983:  St. Mary’s, East Islip, NY
  • 1984-1994:  Military chaplain
  • 1994-1997:  St. Mary’s, Yonges Island, SC
  • 1997-1999:  St. Anthony’s All Souls’ Memorial Church, Florence, SC
  • 1999-2002:  St. Patrick’s, Charleston, SC
  • 1999-2001:  Our Lady of Mercy, Charleston, SC
  • 2002-?: Jesus Our Risen Savior, Spartanburg, SC
  • Unknown: St. Frederick’s, Edisto Island, SC (listed in media coverage; not in Directory); St. Stephen’s, Edisto Island, SC (listed in media coverage; not in Directory)

Notes:  Accused in 4/14/03 suit of groping and sodomizing a boy 1980-83, starting at age 15, in the Rockville Centre NY diocese. Some abuse in confessional. Excardinated to Fresno CA diocese and was a Navy chaplain 1983-94. Then excardinated to Charleston SC diocese; worked as pastor; also in Navy reserves. Charleston says it learned of allegation in 6/02; deemed it credible; put Congro on administrative leave in Fall 2002. Bishop Robert Baker wrote letter to priests in 4/03 after suit was filed.

Sources:  Post & Courier 12.21.95; Newsday 04.15.03; Associated Press 04.29.03; Post & Courier 04.29.03http://bishop-accountability.org/BA.org Assignment Record and Other Info

Note: Years listed indicate editions of the Official Catholic Directory. Because of the publication schedule of the Directory, a priest listed at a parish in a given year was also likely at that parish for part of the previous year.