Archdiocese addresses charges against former Winnipeg priest Ron Lger

On Sunday, Catholics in St. Boniface attended the first mass since charges were laid against former Winnipeg priest Ron Lgerlast week.

• Winnipeg Catholics react to priest's sex assault, interference charges

Lger is facing three counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual interference.

The 76-year-old priest used to head up Holy Family Parish and founded Teen StopJeunesse.

AlbertLeGatt, thehead of the St. Boniface Archdiocese, addressed the charges in front of Lger's former parishSunday.

"The sorrow brought about to so many by this situationhas deeply touched me also," said LeGatt. "Sometimes all we can do is carry that sorrowtogether."

LeGatt told the crowd the news has shocked many people.

"I can only repeat that despite my own thoughts and opinions I do not know," said LeGatt. "Like all of you I must wait for the light of truth to become clearer."

Lgerhas said he plans to plead not guilty to the charges.

Two of the sexual assault charges date back to the1980s, with theremaining twocharges dating back to 2002.

Lger's court date is set for the end for January.