The Diocese of Trenton was notified by the Provincial Superior of the Third Order Regular Franciscans (TOR) on Monday evening, Sept. 9, that a single allegation of sexual abuse of a minor dating back to 1975 has been made to the Franciscans against Father Gabriel Zeis, TOR, currently employed by the Diocese of Trenton as Catholic chaplain at Princeton University and Diocesan Vicar for Catholic Education.
Officials say, although Father Zeis denies the allegation, he has resigned from his positions, effective immediately.
The TOR Franciscan Order is pursuing an investigation into the allegation to determine its credibility.
Anyone with information or questions related to this notification may contact the Franciscans through their website at www.franciscanstor.org.
The Diocese of Trenton has not received any complaint against Father Zeis relating to his ministry and service here.
As always, we encourage anyone who was sexually abused as a minor or vulnerable adult by any representative of the Church to report that abuse to local law enforcement authorities and the Diocese of Trenton by calling our hotline at 1-888-296-2965 or emailing to abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org.
All complaints are reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency immediately.