Police Chief Richard Braga and his wife, Zelia, considered several choices for first grade before deciding two years ago to send their daughter to St. Michael Elementary School, which was known for its strong curriculum and teaching staff.
It made no difference to the Bragas that the Rev. Thomas Curran, the priest in charge of the school and the parish associated with it, had been among those accused in the Catholic church’s sexual abuse scandal — charges that Curran has denied.
“I had a comfort level with the parish and the school,” Braga said.
When the church put Curran on administrative leave in August 2002, the Rev. Walter Carreiro was appointed as administrator. This month the Boston Archdiocese tapped him to take the helm.
Braga was one of many parishioners who spoke highly of Carreiro last Sunday, as he celebrated his first Masses after being officially named pastor.
“I think he’s a good guy,” said Braga, as he left the 10:30 a.m. Portuguese Mass with his 7-year-old daughter. “He’s come in here and kept the church going when times were tough, and he seems to be well-received by the people of the parish.”
