Archdiocese apologizes after former priest pleads guilty to sex assault

The Archdiocese of St.Boniface issued an apology Tuesday after a former priest that served at theHoly Family Parish on Winnipeg'sArchibald Street pleaded guilty to sexual assault in court Monday.

Rev. Ronald Lger, 77,pleadedguilty to threesexassault charges and one charge of sexual interference when he appeared in court. The offencesoccurred between 1984 and2004.

The sexual interference charge is because one of the victims wasunder 16 years of age.

• Ronald Lger, former priest, pleads guilty to sex assault

"The Archdiocese of St.Boniface continues to express itsdeep sorrow to the victims who have come forward, as well as to their families and the entire parishcommunity of Holy Family who have been affected by the acts of their former pastor," the organization's statement read.

The statement also praised the courage of thevictims whohad come forward, as well as those you had yet to reveal their experiences.

The archdiocese said the organization has been working closely with police since February 2014.

• Winnipeg Catholics react to priest's sex assault, interference charges
• Archdiocese addresses charges against former Winnipeg priest Ron Lger

"Each time the heinous crime of sex abuse is reported, victims and their families are wounded again; thevast majority of faithful priests bow their heads in shame, and sincere Catholics, Christians and peopleof good will, experience shock, sorrow, anger and righteous indignation," the statement said.