.jpg)
"The death of Father Benjamin Sellier greatly moved the parishioners in Avesnes-sur-Helpe (Nord). According to the first investigation, the priest committed suicide on the night of Monday to Tuesday. He was hit by a freight train. The 47-year-old priest had just learned that he was being prosecuted for acts of sexual assault. "Next to the body of Father Sellier, the gendarmes discovered a letter. In it he acknowledged the sexual assault of a young woman while minimizing the facts. The diocese of Cambrai confirms to France Bleu Nord that legal proceedings have been underway against Benjamin Sellier for several months." Source France Bleu
The Archbishop of Cambrai Monsignor Dollmann says he is upset and asks to respect the time of mourning before adding "then will come the time for the necessary clarifications". Father Benjamin Sellier was very popular in the Avesnois, admired for an unusual career.
Father Sellier is from Landrecies. He came from a Catholic family, and had become director general of the services of the town hall of Landrecies after his studies. He then turned to the church. He had been ordained a priest in 2015 and had arrived in Avesnes-sur-Helpe in 2020. Among other things, he had to manage the fire of the Saint-Nicolas church in 2021. (Source France Blue)
Please pray for his soul, the victim and families.
Message from Bishop Dollmann to the inhabitants of the diocese
following the death of Father Benjamin Sellier
FULL TEXT Release of the Diocese of Cambrai, July 13, 2023
Dear inhabitants of the diocese,
Our diocese is going through a tragic ordeal with the death of Father Benjamin Sellier. His death upsets us and plunges us into sorrow.
The investigation into the circumstances of the death confirms that he ended his life.
In addition, he was the subject of legal proceedings following a complaint of sexual assault filed by a young girl and her family. This procedure was covered by the secrecy of the investigation and by the presumption of innocence to which Father Benjamin Sellier was entitled like any other person.
Prudential measures had been taken in collaboration with the judicial authorities, following this complaint, limiting his ministry with young people.
As bishop, I am thinking of this young person, the plaintiff, and her family, of the parishioners and priests of the diocese, and of the bereaved family of Father Benjamin. I receive the incomprehension and disarray that can and will cross us.
To each, I express my compassion and my availability, as well as those of my vicars general.
Let us respect this time of mourning. In this ordeal that we are going through together, let us remain united in prayer.
Let's take care of each other. May God help us!
Comments