Removed from ministry in July

In a declaration released on Nov. 22, the archdiocese informed OSV News, “Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi revealed in July that he had suspended Alex Crow and barred him from functioning, dressing, or appearing as a priest. Moreover, Archbishop Rodi conveyed in August that he perceived no path back to the priesthood for Alex Crow.”

The archdiocese further stated that “the latest information regarding Crow’s civil marriage only supports the Archbishop’s decision. Archbishop Rodi expects that the Vatican will ultimately laicize Alex Crow.”

From the time they left until at least September, Father Crow and Harrison resided in a minimum of four Airbnb accommodations in San Gimignano, a charming medieval town close to Florence, Italy, that attracts many visitors.

Serious worries from relatives

Though Harrison was thought to be 18 during the travel, her family has consistently voiced serious worries that their daughter had been groomed by the 30-year-old Father Crow, who was part of the school from 2007-2011 and subsequently offered pastoral support to students — despite school authorities asserting that he was never officially hired or had chaperoned school excursions or retreats.

Four inquiries were initiated regarding the exit of Father Crow and Harrison, involving the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, the Mobile County District Attorney, the archdiocese, and Hernandez, all aiming to ascertain if Father Crow had manipulated Harrison. Both the sheriff’s office and the district attorney concluded the investigations without any charges, pointing to an absence of admissible evidence despite thorough interviews with potential witnesses.

Inquiry persists

Hernandez informed OSV News that she intends to persist with her inquiry, noting that the marriage raises additional doubts about the initial claims that Father Crow’s connection with Harrison was purely platonic.

“Who ties the knot 10 days after coming back to the country if they haven’t been involved in some sort of relationship that started at McGill-Toolen?” remarked Hernandez.

Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood expressed in a statement at that moment that Harrison — who “looked to be in apparently good health and indicated that she is secure” — had arrived with a lawyer for her appointment with his office, and that collectively they had “chosen not to respond to any inquiries regarding the events of her July disappearance, or for that matter, any other questions.”

Professions of love

In a Valentine’s Day letter composed before his departure, Father Crow referred to himself to Harrison as “married” to her.

“I cherish you, and I express my gratitude to Jesus for you each day. You have made my existence both tremendously more intricate and remarkably improved simultaneously. You are his blessing to me,” Father Alex Crow stated in the letter, which was made public by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. “Now, we are in love and we are wedded! I’ve never been in love prior to this (and I’ve never been married, clearly!), and I’ve never experienced any of the emotions I have for you with anyone else throughout my entire life. I vow that I will love you to the very best of my ability, every single day.”

The written correspondence suggested that the priest intended for him and Harrison to be in Italy together “with our family” and enjoy “numerous delightful and typical Valentine’s Days.”

OSV News is currently awaiting a reply from Father Crow regarding a request for his comments.