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Legion of Christ reports on past abuse cases
Immediate Release: Abuse Case Involving Francisco Cardo[na]

Legionaries of Christ
October 27, 2016
Updated December 21, 2019

Atlanta (October 28 [sic]) – The Legion of Christ puts the highest priority on maintaining a safe environment for young people in all its institutions. As part of that vital commitment, it takes any allegation of abuse seriously and have clear standards and procedures for Child & Youth Protection.

The effort to overcome abuse entails transparency about established allegations. A recent investigation carried out by the safe environment firm, Praesidium, have established allegations stemming from incidents in the 1980s, involving two teenage students at the Immaculate Conception Apostolic School, Center Harbor, New Hampshire. These students were victimized by Francisco Cardona, at the time a member of the Legionaries. Mr. Cardona, now deceased, served on the school staff as rector. He left the Legion in 1987, before ordination to the priesthood.

The Legion’s safe environment’s review board examined Praesidium’s findings and accepted the cases as credible.

“We apologize to the victims and their families for what they have suffered as a result of the abuse,” said Fr. John Connor, LC, North American Territorial Director. “We ask for their forgiveness and pray for their healing.”

Out of respect for the victims’ privacy, their names will not be released. The Legion will work to assist them in whatever way they find helpful and supportive. If any other victims of abuse wish to come forward, they may contact the Legion’s safe environment coordinator, Fr. Steven Reilly, LC, at sreilly@legionaries.org.

Update: December 21, 2019

The Legionaries of Christ have a new Safe Environment Coordinator.

Fr. Frank Formolo, LC, Safe Environments Coordinator
Email: fformolo@legionaries.org
Phone: (770) 407 – 6064
Address: 30 Mansell Court, Suite 103, Roswell, GA, 30076

Visit the Legionaries of Christ Safe Environment Page for More Information





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