Bishop Douglas J. Lucia of the Diocese of Syracuse will be celebrating Mass and reciting the Rosary with parishioners of St. John the Baptist Church in Rome tonight.

Knowing the impact of the Rev. Paul Angelicchio's voluntary leave of absence from St. John the Baptist Church and Transfiguration Church, Bishop Lucia believes it is important to be present to the people in the celebration of the Eucharist and prayer, said the Diocese.

Mass and the Rosary are scheduled from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Rev. Angelicchio has voluntarily taken an administrative leave while a canonical investigation is conducted regarding lawsuit allegations against him. He recently was named in a civil lawsuit seeking monetary damages for alleged sexual abuse during a time between 1980-81, and the Diocese of Syracuse also is named in the suit. He announced the leave at all masses during the weekend of Nov. 16-17, stating he is not guilty of what has been alleged while also acknowledging the Diocese's responsibility to investigate such accusations.

The Rev. Abraham Esper will be providing sacremental ministry during the leave, according to the Diocese.