iV en, Holy Spirit, Ven!
“Even if it was just one priest who abused a boy or a girl, this is atrocious, because that man was chosen by God. It is most scandalous, because the Church should bring people to God and not destroy them.” – Pope Francis
January 31, 2019
To all in the Archdiocese of San Antonio,
As I write these words I am deeply aware of, piercing my body and to the depth of my soul, the bitter wind that has been sweeping through the Church, causing turmoil, confusion, and anger. Allegations of clerical sexual misconduct and mishandling of some of these cases by bishops are tearing the Church apart, and the challenge for us as Church is to renew our commitment to holiness and justice. We are to bring reconciliation and conversion to our communities of faith as we become instruments of light for the world.
A report such as the one I release to you with this letter brings tension and pain. But as I reflect on this action, I am also filled with serenity and peace. I know the Holy Spirit is leading these efforts at renewal and reflection as we move forward in faith and love as an archdiocese. Hope never dies, it keeps us on the move. We experience darkness at night, but in the morning we enjoy the sumise and a new dawn. Light overcomes the darkness.
Last fall we began the work to research and develop this report, and releasing it does not bring an end to this work; it will continue. We know there is still work to be done. We have made meaningful progress, especially since the establishment of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in the Church, which was promulgated in 2002. I believe that this report is a sign that the commitments made in the 2002 Charter were necessary and continue to make a positive impact on ensuring the faithfulness of the leadership of the Church.
During each Mass, in the Eucharistic prayer before humble gifts of bread and wine are miraculously transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ, the priest says the words, “It is truly right and just.” What we are doing here is also, “truly right and just,” most especially for the survivors of sexual abuse by clergy. I pray that this report will help survivors who have ignored or even rejected by their family or by the Church. I pray that they will find peace.
I would like to thank the members of the independent Lay Commission, led by Judge Catherine Stone, who have spent many hours reviewing our files and our procedures. I am grateful for their time and expertise, and I look forward to reading and implementing the recommendations that they will make in their own report. I also express my profound gratitude to the members of the Archdiocesan Review Board and its predecessor, the Crisis Intervention Committee, for their decades of hard work, and to the laity, who have brought to me their comments and ideas concerning the handling of clerical sexual abuse allegations.
In the spirit of the penitential liturgy which we will celebrate together this weekend, our deacons and priests are owning the sins and failures of the church, and recommitting themselves to serve the people of God in courage and fidelity.
With the transparency and reckoning that comes with this report, I desire that all in church leadership, and in particular my brother priests, will find a renewed call to service, love, and holiness.
I ask our Blessed Mother may she help us — just as she took care of Jesus — that she will help the Church to take care of all our little ones.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us; St. Anthony of Padua, pray for us.
Report on Child Sexual Abuse by Clergy
in the Archdiocese of San Antonio
With this report, the Archdiocese of San Antonio seeks to present a transparent account of clergy sexual abuse of children in our local church from 1940 to the present. The Archdiocese further seeks to express regret and apologize for the failings and sins that have hurt the Church so deeply, especially in our most vulnerable members. The Archdiocese especially asks forgiveness for the failings of those who have held positions of leadership in the Church. Many allegations described below cannot be positively confirmed, and it is difficult to fully understand and accurately judge the history summarized in this report. Nevertheless, we believe that it is critically important for us to acknowledge this history and the pain that it has caused. After much prayerful discernment, and bearing consciously the burden of anger and shame accumulated over the last 79 years, the Archdiocese makes this report praying that those who are suffering will be able to hear this as a sincere apology.
Purpose of the Report
This report is published with three goals in mind. The Archdiocese seeks to offer public support to those who have survived clergy sexual abuse as children. The Archdiocese hopes, through transparency, to more fully address the findings identified in this report. Finally, the Archdiocese strives to share with all of the faithful the painful truths found in this report in order to invite our entire Church to more authentic holiness.
As the Archdiocese presents this report to the parishes and the faithful of the Church in San Antonio, we address especially those who are survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Our shared responsibility and care must be for each survivor who was sexually abused as a child by an adult who violated a sacred religious trust. Those who choose to read this report after being sexually abused by a priest or deacon may find wounds opened and need additional counseling or therapeutic support. The Archdiocese wants to support you through the Office of Victim Assistance and Safe Environment. Even through the pain, the Archdiocese hopes that you will hear our concern for you, that your healing is important to us, and that we are sorry for the pain that you suffer.
As a Church, we have made meaningful progress, especially since 2002, dealing appropriately with clergy sexual abuse of children. This report shows this progress in the Archdiocese, but there is still significant work to be done. With the transparency and reckoning that this report offers, the Archdiocese desires that all church leadership, and in particular the clergy, will find a renewed calling to service, love, and holiness. There is no room in Christ’s Church for unfit leaders who, as the prophet Ezekiel admonished, trample the pastures and muddy the waters for the flock they are called to lead (34:19). May those who lead in the Archdiocese continually commit themselves to follow the Lord who came to serve and not to be served, and may we follow the example of the early leaders of the Church whose only benefit in service was the opportunity to spend their lives and die giving witness to our Savior Jesus Christ.
As Christ’s faithful people read and hear of this report, it will certainly be a source of pain and embarrassment. The Archdiocese apologizes for the lack of faith that we have placed in you, doubting that your own faith was strong enough to withstand the dark truth of clergy sexual abuse of children which has happened in our community. To be authentically Catholic will be to integrate this painful truth into our understanding of faith and community, and will help us all to recognize the needs of survivors of child sexual abuse in our Church. May we all be grateful to God for the graces and sacraments we have received, in spite of the failings we come to know in some of the ministers of God’s grace. Even as we and the gospel demand and support greater personal holiness from those who lead our Church, with open eyes and hearts, may we also recognize and address every injustice that we witness.
Geographic and Chronological Scope of Report
This report identifies all known allegations of clergy sexual abuse of minors in the Archdiocese since 1940, not only credible allegations. In a few cases, where the allegation was found not to be credible, the allegations were identified without naming the clerics who were accused. Between 1940 and 2019, a few more than 3,000 priests have ministered in the Archdiocese. Over this period of time, the geographic area entrusted to the pastoral care of the archbishop of San Antonio has changed as the Catholic population in South-Central Texas has grown. The Dioceses of Victoria and Laredo have been entrusted with the pastoral care of regions that were originally within the Archdiocese.
The Archdiocese currently provides pastoral leadership for parishes in the Texas counties of Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, Medina, McMullen, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, and Wilson.
Prior to the formation of the Diocese of Laredo on July 3, 2000, the Archdiocese additionally provided pastoral leadership for parishes in the following Texas counties: Dimmit, a portion of La Salle, Maverick, and Zavala.
Prior to the formation of the Diocese of Victoria on May 28, 1982, the Archdiocese additionally provided pastoral leadership for parishes in the following Texas counties: Calhoun, Colorado, Dewitt, Fayette, Jackson, Lavaca, a portion of Matagorda, Victoria, and a portion of Wharton.
There are also several overlapping or personal jurisdictions located within the geographic territory of the Archdiocese. St. George in San Antonio is a Maronite Catholic parish for members of the Maronite Catholic Church. It is under the pastoral leadership of the Eparchy (Diocese) of Our Lady of Lebanon which leads Maronite parishes in the western part of the United States. In March 1985, the Archdiocese for the Military Services was established and it took jurisdiction over the chapels on the military installations in the Archdiocese. On March 3, 2017, Our Lady of the Atonement in San Antonio was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, which offers pastoral leadership for former Anglicans in the United States and Canada.
This report will identify assignments of clergy accused of sexual abuse of children and allegations of clergy sexual abuse of children alleged to have taken place within the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of San Antonio at the time the abuse was alleged to have occurred. This may include assignments and parishes that are no longer under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese. Assignments are reported as accurately as possible based on archdiocesan files. Additional assignment information can be found in the annual Official Catholic Directory published by P. J. Kenedy & Sons.
Religious Priests and Diocesan Priests from other Jurisdictions
It is helpful to understand that the archbishop does not have the same authority over all priests assigned within the Archdiocese. Priests can be diocesan priests of the Archdiocese, diocesan priests from another diocese, or priest members of a religious order. This will affect who has jurisdiction over them in church matters. The Archdiocese expresses gratitude for the effective pastoral partnership that San Antonio has enjoyed with many religious communities and many dioceses who have allowed their priests to serve here.
Some priests are diocesan priests who have been incardinated into (been ordained for or joined) the Archdiocese. They promise obedience to the archbishop, and he is their superior in matters of religious life and discipline. Many of these priests also are assigned to minister within the Archdiocese, and the archbishop has authority over their public ministry as well. He is responsible for investigating any allegations of child sexual abuse made against them, for removing their faculties to minister as a priest, and for referring any case against them to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican for possible laicization (removal from the clerical state).
Some priests are diocesan priests on loan from another diocese. Insofar as these priests are assigned by the archbishop to some public ministry within the Archdiocese, the archbishop has authority over their public ministry. Their own bishop continues to be their superior in matters of religious life and discipline. Their promise of obedience remains with their own bishop, not the archbishop of San Antonio. For just cause, the archbishop can withdraw a diocesan assignment or remove authority for a priest from another diocese to exercise public ministry here, but all investigations or disciplinary action within the Church must be taken by his own bishop.
Some priests ministering or living within the Archdiocese are members of religious communities and are often referred to as order priests. These priests have a religious superior within their religious community to whom they have made a promise or vow of obedience. Their superior in the religious community continues to be their superior in matters of religious life and discipline. When a religious priest is assigned to priestly ministry within the Archdiocese, the archbishop has authority over his public ministry. For just cause, the archbishop can withhold or withdraw authority for an order priest to exercise public ministry or withhold or withdraw a diocesan assignment, but this restriction does not apply to ministry exercised within houses of the religious community. For most grave causes, the archbishop can also prohibit an order priest from residing in the Archdiocese, if the religious superior neglects to take appropriate action when informed of the grave cause. Additionally, all investigations or disciplinary action within the church involving an order priest must be taken by his own religious superior.
For the purposes of this report, while other dioceses and religious communities were consulted about the cases involving their members or former members, the decision to include the identity of clerics accused of child sexual abuse in this report was the sole decision of the Archdiocese, in consultation with the Archdiocesan Review Board, and was not the decision of any other diocese or any religious community.
Methodology of the Report and Standard of Proof
Contained in this report is every allegation known to the Archdiocese since 1940 that a clergy member (any Catholic bishop, priest, or deacon) sexually abused a minor within the territory of the Archdiocese. For the purposes of this report, the type of conduct understood to be “sexual abuse of a minor” is defined in the following chapters of the Texas Penal Code:
Chapter 20A: Human trafficking offenses
Chapter 21: Abuse of a Child, Public Lewdness, Indecent Exposure, Bestiality, Indecency with a Child, Improper Relationship between Educator and Child, Invasive Visual Recording, Unlawful Disclosure or Promotion of Intimate Visual Material, and VoyeurismChapter 22: Sexual Assault, Aggravated Sexual Assault
Chapter 43: Obscene Display or Distribution, Obscenity, Sale, Distribution, or Display of Harmful Material to a Minor, Sexual Performance by a Child, Employment Harmful to Children, Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography, Electronic Transmission of Certain Visual Material Depicting Minor, and Possession or Promotion of Lewd Visual Material Depicting Child
In every case that the allegation against the cleric has been found to be credible, the cleric is identified by name in this report. A “credible allegation” is one that, after review of reasonably available, relevant information in consultation with the Archdiocesan Review Board or other professionals, there is reason to believe it is true. In some cases, clerics are identified by name in this report even though the allegation against them has not been determined to be a credible allegation. The names of clerics are included when their identities have already been made public, even when the report states that the allegations have been found not to be credible. In many cases, allegations against deceased priests have been published in this report with the identity of the priest on the strength of the uncorroborated statement of the abuse survivor. At times this report identifies a higher level of certainty that the abuse occurred, such as criminal conviction, admission of guilt, or a determination after an investigation that there is sufficient evidence to refer the allegation to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith seeking the laicization of the cleric (removal from the clerical state). As used in the Archdiocese, this standard of proof used in an ecclesiastical penal process, “sufficient evidence,” meets the same standard as for a “credible allegation” described above.
In addition to allegations of clergy sexual abuse of children, this report seeks to offer some context for the allegations of abuse. It specifically records decisions made by those in positions of leadership within the Archdiocese related to child sexual abuse.
Methodology for Investigations
This report covers many decades, and over these years the methodology for investigating allegations has changed from time to time. Currently, there is a clear process for investigating allegations of child sexual abuse made against clergy.
When an allegation of child sexual abuse is made against a member of the clergy, the chair of the Archdiocesan Review Board is notified without delay. If the person against whom the allegation is made is alive, law enforcement is also promptly notified. In most cases, the law enforcement notified is the appropriate district attorney. If the victim is still a minor, notification is also made to Child Protective Services. If the cleric is a member of the Archdiocese, the review board meets to determine if there is a semblance of truth to the allegation (if it is possible that the alleged abuse occurred). If it is found that there is, the Board advises the archbishop to open a preliminary canonical investigation. The Board also considers whether the cleric is in a ministry setting that may pose any risk to children. If it is determined that he may be, the Board advises the archbishop to remove him from ministry during the preliminary investigation.
Whenever the Archdiocesan Review Board determines that an investigation is appropriate, the Board uses the services of a licensed private investigation firm, led by a retired agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigations. When the investigation is concluded, the Archdiocesan Review Board determines if there is sufficient evidence that the abuse occurred to refer the allegation to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The standard for sufficient evidence that the Archdiocesan Review Board uses is that of a “credible allegation” described above. If this standard is met, the Board advises the archbishop, who then notifies the public of the allegation and removes the cleric from all ministry, prohibiting him from presenting himself as a priest. Finally, the archbishop refers the matter to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for possible laicization (removal from the clerical state).
In cases where the cleric is not under the jurisdiction of the archbishop, the matter is referred to the proper jurisdiction (other diocese or religious community) and the Review Board makes recommendations to the archbishop related to removal from ministry and notifying the affected communities. If the cleric is deceased, the Review Board makes recommendations to the archbishop related to notifying the affected communities.
Since the Archdiocesan Review Board was formed in response to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the archbishops of San Antonio have, in every case, accepted and followed the recommendations of the Archdiocesan Review Board.
Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse by Clergy
The Archdiocese is grateful to each survivor for bringing forward his or her allegation. We are especially grateful for the courage that has made it possible to identify and remove from ministry clerics who have abused children. The Archdiocese is grateful to have assisted many survivors with counseling or therapy and pastoral support.
It is possible that other incidences of clergy sexual abuse of children have occurred and the Archdiocese is not aware of them, either because a report has not yet been made to the Archdiocese, or because a report was made but no record of the report was kept.
If you are aware of anyone who has suffered child sexual abuse, please report it to law enforcement authorities and to the Archdiocesan Office of Victim Assistance and Safe Environment at (210) 734-7786 or (877) 700-1888.
If the Archdiocese can be of assistance to you in your healing process, please contact Steve Martinez, LCSW, LSOTP, director of the Office of Victim Assistance and Safe Environment at (210) 734-7786 or (877) 700-1888.
Allegations of Abuse by Decade When the Abuse was Alleged to have Occurred
2010-2019
No one has alleged that between 2010 and 2019 they were sexually abused by a clergy member in the Archdiocese.
2000-2009
Fiala, John (SOLT) – 1 allegation
John Fiala was a priest of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity seeking to join the Archdiocese. From 2005-2008, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Anthony in Harper and to Sacred Heart of Mary in Rocksprings and its mission churches in Leakey and Camp Wood. Family members of the survivor reported suspicious behavior by Fiala to the Archdiocese in 2008. This led to a criminal investigation involving allegations of interference in the custody of a minor. Child sexual abuse was established against him through a criminal trial, and Fiala died in prison in 2017. The Archdiocese determined that the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity withheld information about a prior allegation of sexual abuse of a minor made against Fiala when recommending him for ministry here, and as a direct consequence, no members of the society are allowed to exercise any priestly ministry within the Archdiocese.
Sieczynski, Jerzy – 1 allegation (possession of child pornography)
Jerzy Sieczynski was ordained a priest in 2000 for the Archdiocese. From 2000-2003, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Matthew in San Antonio. He was removed from this assignment and his faculties for priestly ministry were removed in 2003, after an allegation of indecent exposure (not involving a minor.) In 2004, child pornography was found on his computer. This was established in a criminal trial, and he served three years in prison. Sieczynski is listed in the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry, has been permanently restricted from exercising any ministry, and is not authorized to publicly present himself as a priest.
1990-1999
Aviles, Jose – 1 allegation
Jose Aviles was ordained a priest in 1990 for the Archdiocese. From 1990-2004, he was assigned in the Archdiocese as chaplain to the Catholic Community on Scouting, as vocation director, to St. Margaret Mary in San Antonio, to St. Mary Magdalen in San Antonio, and to St. Joseph South San. In 2003, it was alleged that Aviles sexually abused a minor teenage boy in 1984 or 1985 (before Aviles was ordained a priest). Aviles was removed from ministry in 2004, and the public was notified of the cause. After he was removed, also in 2004, it was alleged that he sexually abused a minor teenage boy in 1994. The San Antonio Police Department was notified of this allegation. The abuse was well enough established to keep him permanently removed from ministry until his death in 2008.
Clerx, Theo (CICM) – 7 allegations
Theo Clerx was a priest of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. From 1960-1992, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Jude in San Antonio, to Immaculate Heart of Mary in Pearsall, to St. Joseph in Devine, and to St. John Berchmans in San Antonio. He also lived in the Archdiocese in retirement without assignment from 1992-2002. In 2002, it was alleged that he sexually abused a child in the early 1960’s and the San Antonio Police Department was notified of the allegation. Clerx admitted to this abuse. In 2011, after his death, six additional allegations of child sexual abuse were made, dating to the 1990’s. Clerx died in 2003.
Davila, John – 2 allegations
John Davila was ordained a priest in 1984 for the Archdiocese. From 1984-1993, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to Sacred Heart in Uvalde, to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Carrizo Springs, to St. James in San Antonio, to Our Lady of Peace in Kenedy, to St. Cecilia in San Antonio, to Holy Family in San Antonio, and as a rural youth retreat moderator. On December 24, 1993, the Archdiocese was notified by law enforcement of allegations that Davila sexually abused two girls. He was suspended from his assignment as pastor and from priestly ministry and the archbishop informed Sacred Heart Parish in Uvalde of the allegations and suspension the following weekend. Davila pleaded guilty and was given a seven year probated sentence. He was laicized (removed from the clerical state) in 1999.
Lozano, Carlos (OMI) – 7 allegations
Carlos Lozano was ordained a priest in 1993 for the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. From 1993-1994, he was assigned by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate to their high school seminary, St. Anthony, in San Antonio. While there, it was alleged that he sexually abused several students. The abuse was established through a criminal conviction, which ultimately led to a 20-year prison sentence. Lozano was dismissed from the clerical and religious states in 2003. He died in prison.
Orr, James – allegations of abuse that predate his ordination
James Orr was ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese in 1997. From 1997-2016, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to Our Lady of the Atonement in San Antonio. In 1992 or 1993, a child alleged that Orr, then a volunteer in the same parish, had sexually molested him in the neighborhood pool. In 2016, the then pastor of Our Lady of the Atonement, Fr. Christopher Phillips, acknowledged that he had received the complaint and had investigated it, finding it to be without basis. He did not inform the archbishop of the allegation, either at the time it was made or later when recommending Orr for ordination to the permanent diaconate. In 2007, a victim alleged that Orr had attempted to sexually abuse him in approximately 1995, also prior to Orr’s ordination. In December 2015, the Archdiocese was contacted by a psychologist who stated that her client had given her permission to inform the Archdiocese that he and another survivor had been sexually abused as children in the 1990’s by Orr. Shortly after this, Orr requested retirement and resigned from all active ministry. The Archdiocese accepted his resignation and forbade him from functioning or presenting himself as a deacon. In 2017, a civil demand was made by a survivor alleging sexual abuse in approximately 1993. Beginning in 2007, the Archdiocese notified the Bexar County District Attorney’s office of all known allegations of child sexual abuse made against Orr. While the reports refer to child sexual abuse alleged to have occurred before Orr’s ordination, the Archdiocese found the abuse survivors credible and forbade Orr from exercising any future ministry, notifying the community of these allegations so that the Archdiocese can assist any other survivors with counseling or pastoral care. Orr died in 2019.
Ortiz Dietz, Javier – 16 allegations
Javier Ortiz-Dietz was ordained a priest in 1978 for the Archdiocese. From 1979-1992, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Joseph in Yoakum, to St. Gregory in San Antonio, to Sacred Heart of Mary in Rocksprings and its mission churches in Leakey and Camp Wood, to Our Lady Queen of Heaven in Macdona, and to Sacred Heart in Von Ormy. The first allegations were made against Ortiz-Dietz in 1992, and he was removed from ministry and sent for psychiatric treatment. In 1993, he was indicted for abusing three boys over a two year period and in 1994 he was convicted and sentenced to three concurrently running twenty year jail sentences. He was laicized (removed from the clerical state) in 2005, while still in prison. In 2014, he was released from prison and deported to Mexico. In order to better ensure that Ortiz-Dietz not fraudulently present himself as a priest in Mexico, Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS proactively sent notice in 2015 of Ortiz-Dietz’ laicization to the Bishops’ Conference in Mexico and to the archbishop of Puebla, Mexico, where the Archdiocese believes Ortiz-Dietz is living. With this report, the Archdiocese acknowledges that Archbishop Patrick F. Flores had access to a prior seminary report which indicated in relation to Ortiz-Dietz: “The following are among the more serious personality traits that were found: marked sexual conflict, hypocrisy, defense mechanisms, desires of appearing different than he really is, puritanical attitudes, distortion of reality, obsessive manias, pronounced paranoid characteristics, delusions of grandeur, vanity and narcissism.”
Ozzimo, Anthony (SJ) – 1 allegation
Anthony Ozzimo was a priest of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). From 1987-1994, he was assigned within the Archdiocese to Our Lady of Guadalupe in San Antonio. In 1995, a woman alleged that Ozzimo had sexually abused her daughter, a child, during the early 1990’s. She also notified the San Antonio Police Department, but no indictment was brought. In 2016, the survivor, now an adult, brought the same allegation herself. The Archdiocese notified the Bexar County District Attorney’s office of the 2016 allegation when it was made, including with our report the information available from 1995. Ozzimo ceased functioning as a priest in 1995 when he was granted a leave of absence from the Jesuits; Ozzimo left the Jesuits in 1998 for unrelated reasons. The Jesuit USA Central and Southern Province was unable to determine that the allegation was credible, based on available information. The Province finds an allegation credible when an investigation concludes that the alleged offense had probably occurred, even though it could not be proved with absolute certainty. Nevertheless, the Archdiocese includes it here in case there are any other survivors for whom the Archdiocese can offer pastoral support or counseling.
1980-1989
Contreras, Jose Luis (CMF) – 1 allegation
Jose Luis Contreras was ordained a priest in Mexico as a member of the Claretians in 1967. From 1983-1988, he was assigned in the Archdiocese of San Antonio to Sacred Heart in Uvalde, to St. Jude in San Antonio, and to Methodist Hospital as a Chaplain. In 1987, it was alleged that he inappropriately touched a 17-year-old male patient’s genitals. His assignment was terminated and he was sent for psychiatric evaluation and treatment. In 1988, on completion of his treatment, his faculties to exercise priestly ministry in San Antonio were removed and he stated that he was returning to Guadalajara to live with his sister. The Archdiocese has not been in contact with him since 1988 and has not been able to locate him in preparing this report.
Fernandez Baeza, Federico (OFM) – 8 allegations
Federico Fernandez Baeza is a Franciscan priest who at the time of the alleged abuse was a member of the Chicago-St. Louis Province of the Franciscans. From 1981-1987, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Leonard in San Antonio and to St. Clare in San Antonio. In 1983, it was reported that he exposed himself at a public pool to two teenage girls. Beginning in 1987, six allegations were brought forward alleging child sexual abuse between 1984 and 1987. In 1988, Fernandez was indicted on two criminal counts of indecency with a child, with contact, but the charges were later dropped. The Chicago-St. Louis Province of the Franciscans removed him from San Antonio at the request of the archbishop in 1987, but he was later found to be ministering in Bogota, Colombia. Baeza was removed from ministry there in 2015 and his case was referred to the Vatican by the Franciscan leadership in Colombia. Based on records available, the Archdiocese believes these allegations to be credible. From newspaper reports it appears that the Archdiocese took two months to report two 1987 allegations to law enforcement and were not specific in its reporting. In response, the newly formed Crisis Intervention Committee (a precursor to the Archdiocesan Review Board that helped the archbishop with allegations of child sexual abuse) met with Children’s Protective Services to discuss proper procedures for reporting allegations of child sexual abuse. In 1989, Child Protective Services led a workshop for priests working in the Archdiocese in order to assist with proper reporting in subsequent allegations.
Garcia, Richard – 1 allegation
Richard Garcia was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese in 1974. From 1974-1985, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to Sacred Heart in San Antonio, to St. Cornelius in Karnes City, to St. Timothy in San Antonio, to St. Patrick in Bloomington, and to St. Jude in San Antonio. He died in 1985. After his death, a civil demand was made related to an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. The Archdiocese found the survivor to be credible.
Gomez, Ramon – 3 allegations
Ramon Gomez was a priest of the Diocese of Tapachula, Mexico. From 1984-1987, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Matthew in Jourdanton and to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Carrizo Springs. In 1987, he was asked to leave the Archdiocese after law enforcement from California informed the pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe of allegations of child sexual abuse against Gomez in California. He moved to Jalisco, Mexico, but continued to visit Carrizo Springs without faculties to exercise priestly ministry, in spite of the protests of the pastor and a letter from Archbishop Flores to the bishop of Tapachula. In 1991, a teenager reported during a retreat that he and two other minor teenagers had been abused by Gomez during one of his visits to Carrizo Springs. Law enforcement was informed, and the Archdiocese found the survivor to be credible. The Archdiocese has not been able to locate Gomez in preparing this report.
Gonzalez Zumaya, Benigno David – 9 allegations
David Gonzalez-Zumaya was ordained a priest in 1977 for the Archdiocese. From 1977-1998, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to Our Lady of Grace in San Antonio, to Our Lady of Sorrows in San Antonio, to Sacred Heart in Uvalde, to St. Patrick in Batesville, to Sacred Heart in Crystal City, to St. Gregory the Great in San Antonio, to San Fernando Cathedral, to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Carrizo Springs, to St. Mary Magdalene in Brackettville, to St Joseph in Nixon, and to St. Philip in Smiley. In 1997, a survivor alleged that he had been sexually abused as a minor teenager by Gonzalez-Zumaya in 1982. The Archdiocese found the allegation to be credible and Gonzalez-Zumaya was removed from ministry in 1997. In 1998, he was retired without faculties to exercise priestly ministry in the Archdiocese, and he left the country to return to his native home of Guadalajara, Mexico. Since then, eight additional allegations of abuse by Gonzalez-Zumaya have been made, all dating to the 1970’s and 1980’s. He was allowed by the archbishop of Guadalajara to exercise priestly ministry without an assignment from 1999-2000. In 2008, the Archdiocese notified the public of an allegation made against Gonzalez-Zumaya, and stated that he was no longer in ministry. While the last record we have of Gonzalez-Zumaya having authorization to exercise ministry was 2000, we cannot be certain that he was not exercising any ministry in 2008. Gonzalez-Zumaya died in 2013.
Khoury, James – 1 allegation
James Khoury was ordained a priest in 1975 for the Eparchy (similar to a diocese) of St. Maron in the Maronite Catholic Church. From 1977-1985, he was assigned by the Maronite Eparch to St. George Maronite Church in San Antonio. From 1981-1983, he held the position of president of Antonian High School without compensation. In the mid 1980’s, a survivor made an allegation to the Eparchy of St. Maron that Khoury had sexually abused him as a student at Antonian High School. The survivor entered into a settlement with Khoury in 1985, and the Eparchy removed him from the San Antonio area. The survivor brought the allegation to the Archdiocese in 2004, and subsequently brought a lawsuit against the Archdiocese that was dismissed in 2006. Nevertheless, the Archdiocese found the survivor to be credible. Khoury died in 2016.
Martinez, Mario – 3 allegations
Mario Martinez was ordained a priest in 1977 in Mexico for the Archdiocese. In 1977, he was assigned to minister in the Archdiocese to Immaculate Conception in San Antonio and to Sacred Heart in Floresville. From there he left in 1977, without permission, saying that he was going to take care of his sick mother in Mexico. He returned in 1984 and was assigned to a convent of religious sisters. In 1985, he was sent for treatment for alcoholism. He left the treatment center without authorization and returned to San Antonio. While the Archdiocese was making arrangements for him to return to treatment, it was alleged that he sexually abused a child. A warrant was issued for his arrest, but he returned to Mexico without authorization. The archbishop removed all his faculties for priestly ministry and he died in Mexico in 1994. Beginning in 2008, two additional allegations of child sexual abuse were made against Martinez, and while Martinez was deceased at the time of these allegations, the Archdiocese found the survivors to be credible.
Miller, Charles, SM – 1 allegation
Charles Miller was ordained a priest for the Marianist community in 1964. From 1980-1999, and from 2003-2007, Miller was assigned by his community to a teaching position at St. Mary’s University. In 2007, a woman alleged that Miller had sexually abused her in 1980 when she was a minor teenager. In 2007, the Marianist provincial copied the archbishop on a letter identifying that the allegation had been deemed credible by the Marianist provincial administration. In the same letter, the provincial notified Miller that he was suspending him from all ministry as a priest.
Pavlicek, Edward – 1 allegation
Edward Pavlicek was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese in 1983. From 1983-2018, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Ann in San Antonio, to St. Leo in San Antonio, to St. Benedict in San Antonio, to Sacred Heart in Floresville, to St. Mary in Somerset, to Good Shepherd in Schertz with its mission church in Marion, and to St. Thomas the Apostle in Canyon Lake. In 2018, the Archdiocese was informed of an allegation of child sexual abuse against Pavlicek, made by the abuse survivor. The abuse was alleged to have occurred between 1986 and 1988. The Archdiocese notified the Bexar County District Attorney’s office of the allegation. The Archdiocesan Review Board found that the allegation had an appearance of truth and recommended that the Archdiocese conduct a canonical investigation into the abuse. At the conclusion of this investigation, it was determined that there was sufficient evidence that the abuse occurred for the Archdiocese to refer the case to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for possible laicization (removal from the clerical state). Archbishop Gustavo made this referral and additionally prohibited Pavlicek from exercising any priestly ministry or presenting himself as a priest.
Prado, Alfredo (OMI) – 5 allegations
Alfredo Prado was a priest of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. From 1959-1983, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to Our Lady of Good Council in San Antonio, to Sacred Heart in Del Rio, to St. Timothy in San Antonio, and to the Oblate high school seminary, St. Anthony, in San Antonio. He also lived in the Archdiocese without assignment from 1990-1999. Beginning in 2002, five survivors alleged that they had been abused by Prado between 1965 and 1980. There was sufficient evidence that he sexually abused minors that he was dismissed from the Oblates in 2004 and dismissed from the clerical state in 2006.
White, Louis – 10 allegations
Louis White was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese in 1975. From 1975-1980, from 1981-1986, and from 1987-1988, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Ann in San Antonio, to Sacred Heart in Floresville, to St. Joseph in Yoakum, to Notre Dame in Kerrville, to San Fernando Cathedral, to St. Luke in Loire, and to St. Vincent de Paul in San Antonio. In 1980, White was reported to the Archdiocese for sexually abusing a child and he was sent for psychiatric evaluation and treatment. Upon completing the program of treatment, he was reassigned to ministry in 1981 and thereafter was again found to have sexually abused a child. He was then sent a second time for psychiatric evaluation and treatment in 1986. He completed this treatment in 1987 and from 1987-1988, he was again assigned to ministry with restrictions that he not be involved in activities with youth or young adults. The Archdiocese found the allegations against White to be credible, and in 1989 White was laicized (removed from the clerical state) by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
Wilwerding, Albert – 1 allegation
Albert Wilwerding was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Des Moines, Iowa in 1956. From 1982-1984, he resided in the Archdiocese without formal assignment. He was engaged in studies during some of this time. He also assisted with Masses and for some of the time lived at St. Alphonsus in San Antonio. In 1984, he was investigated by the San Antonio Police Department for sexually assaulting an adult male. At that time he was sent for psychiatric treatment by his bishop to New Mexico. Wilwerding died in 2004. In 2018, a concerned woman alleged that her deceased husband had witnessed Wilwerding sexually abusing a minor teenage boy in 1983 or 1984 when the husband went to do work at Wilwerding’s house. She further alleged that she had notified Archbishop Flores of this at the time and that she notified the police. While the Archdiocese does not have a record of her making a report in 1983 or 1984, in light of prior child sexual abuse allegations that the Archdiocese has since become aware of in Des Moines, the Archdiocese found the woman to be credible.
1970-1979
Behnke, Thomas (OCD) – 1 allegation
Thomas Behnke was a priest of the Order of Discalced Carmelites. He lived in the Archdiocese from 1950-1978 and from 1989-1992. He was assigned to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Térèse in San Antonio and to Immaculate Heart of Mary in Pearsall. In 2017, a survivor alleged that he had been sexually abused as a child by Behnke in the 1970’s. Behnke died in 2008. While the allegation of abuse in San Antonio was made after his death, the Archdiocese has been aware, since 2009, of allegations made against Behnke in Dallas. The Archdiocese found the survivor to be credible.
Connell, David – 2 allegations
David Connell was a priest who incardinated into (joined) the Archdiocese from the New York Province of the Carmelite Fathers in 1980. From 1976-1995, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to Antonian High School as instructor, vice-principal, and principal and to St. Thomas More in San Antonio. In 1976, a student from Nativity High School in Pottsville, Pennsylvania alleged that Connell made a sexual advance toward him, which the victim rejected. The same year the Diocese of Allenstown terminated their contract with the Carmelite Fathers and Connell sought an assignment in San Antonio. Aware of the allegation and Connell’s denial of the allegation, Archbishop Francis Furey assigned Connell in San Antonio. Current archdiocesan administrators became aware of this allegation when the 2018 Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report identified different allegations of child sexual abuse against Connell made in 2002. After the affected communities in San Antonio (including the alumni of Antonian College Preparatory High School) were notified in 2018, two San Antonio survivors came forward to inform the Archdiocese of additional incidences of child sexual abuse perpetrated by Connell. The Archdiocese found these survivors to be credible. Connell died in 1995.
Gomez, Francisco (OFM Conv) – 1 allegation
Francisco Gomez was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese in 1976. From 1976-1980 and from 1988-1991, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to San Juan de los Lagos in San Antonio, to Immaculate Conception in San Antonio, and to Holy Family in San Antonio. He joined the Conventual Franciscan Order in 1980 and died in 1998. In 2004, a survivor alleged that in the late 1970’s, Gomez, while still a priest of the Archdiocese, sexually abused him when he was a minor teenager. While the allegation was made after Gomez’ death, the Archdiocese found the survivor to be credible.
Harrold, Michael – 1 allegation
Michael Harrold was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese in 1950. From 1950-1982, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Mary’s in Victoria, to Our Lady of Grace in La Coste, to St. Anthony in Palacios, to St. Cecilia in San Antonio, to St. Patrick in Bloomington, to St. Joseph High School in Victoria, to Our Lady of Victory in Victoria, and as a campus minister for Victoria Junior College and for the University of Houston Victoria Campus. In 1982, the Diocese of Victoria was established and he became a priest of that diocese. Harrold died in 2015. In 2018, it was alleged that he sexually abused a minor teenage girl in the 1970’s. While the allegation was made after Harrold’s death, the Archdiocese found the survivor to be credible.
Hernandez Gonzalez, Antonio (OMI) – 1 allegation
Antonio Hernandez Gonzalez was a priest of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. From 1974-1980, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Patrick in Sabinal, to St. Joseph in Knippa, to Our Lady of Refuge in Eagle Pass, to St. Joseph in Eagle Pass, and as a chaplain to Baptist Memorial Hospital in San Antonio. In 2003, a survivor alleged that Hernandez sexually abused her when she was a minor teenage girl in the 1970’s. Hernandez admitted to this abuse. He had been laicized (removed from the clerical state) in 1987 and died on December 2, 2016.
Hernandez, Lawrence (OSST) – 2 allegations
Lawrence Hernandez was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese in 1978. From 1978-1984, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. James in Gonzalez and its mission churches in Gonzalez and Waelder, to San Fernando Cathedral, and to St. Paul in San Antonio. In 1985, he left the Archdiocese and joined the Order of the Most Holy Trinity. In 2008, a survivor alleged that Hernandez had sexually abused him as a child in 1978. A second allegation was made following the Archdiocese notifying the community and inviting other survivors to come forward. The Archdiocese informed the Bexar County District Attorney’s office of the allegations. The Trinitarians removed him from ministry in 2008 and after a preliminary investigation found sufficient evidence that the abuse occurred to refer the case to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. As a result of this process, the Trinitarians permanently reaffirmed that Hernandez was prohibited from exercising any public ministry and from presenting himself as a priest. They also placed him under supervision. He has since left the Trinitarian community and has no faculties to exercise priestly ministry and no authorization to present himself as a priest or as a Trinitarian.
Kenny, Michael – 1 allegation
Michael Kenny was ordained a priest in Ireland for the Archdiocese in 1973. From 1973-1997, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Vincent de Paul in San Antonio, to St. Luke in San Antonio, to Resurrection of the Lord in San Antonio, and to St. Margaret Mary in San Antonio. In 2000, a survivor alleged that he had sexually abused her when she was a minor teenager in the 1970’s. The Archdiocese found the survivor’s allegation to be credible. Kenny was removed from priestly ministry in 2000. He has no faculties to exercise any priestly ministry and has been prohibited from presenting himself as a priest. As a result of the recent review conducted in preparing this report, the Archdiocesan Review Board determined that there was sufficient evidence that the abuse occurred to recommend that the Archdiocese refer the case to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for possible laicization (removal from the clerical state). Archbishop Gustavo has since made this referral.
MacArthur, Bruce – 1 allegation
Bruce MacArthur was ordained a priest in 1953 for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. From 1979-1984, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. James in San Antonio and to St. Dominic in San Antonio. In 2004, a survivor reported that she had been abused as a child at St. James Parish in the late 1970’s. The Archdiocese found her to be credible in her allegation that she was sexually abused, and in the investigation identified that MacArthur was at St. James during the reported timeframe, and that he had been convicted of attempted rape of a vulnerable adult prior to 1979, and of sexual intercourse with a child and indecent behavior with a child in Wisconsin in 2008. The latter conviction referred to abuse that occurred in the late 1960’s. MacArthur died in 2012. It is clear that Archbishop Flores knew of the attempted rape of the vulnerable adult when assigning MacArthur to minister in San Antonio. It is unclear if he was aware that MacArthur had abused children, and our records do not indicate that he had any communication with the Sioux Falls Diocese about MacArthur.
Martin, Alfred Harry – 1 allegation
Alfred Harry Martin was ordained a priest in 1966 for the Diocese of Belize in Belize. He was incardinated into (joined) the Archdiocese in 1977. From 1972-2002, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Agnes in Edna, to the Bexar County Jail as a chaplain, to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Selma, to Christ the King in San Antonio, to St. Vincent de Paul in San Antonio, and to Audie Murphy Veteran’s Administration Hospital as a chaplain. In 2002, a survivor alleged that Martin had abused him as a minor teenager between 1975 and 1977. Martin voluntarily left priestly ministry when the allegation was made, and since 2002 has not had faculties to exercise any priestly ministry and has been prohibited from presenting himself as a priest. As a result of the recent review conducted in preparing this report, the Archdiocesan Review Board determined that there was sufficient evidence that the abuse occurred to recommend that the Archdiocese refer the case to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for possible laicization (removal from the clerical state). Archbishop Gustavo has since made this referral.
McMahon, Jon (OMI) – 2 allegations
Jon McMahon was a priest of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He was assigned by the Oblates to their high school seminary, St. Anthony, in San Antonio, during the 1970’s. The Oblates have identified that two credible allegations were made against McMahon. He was laicized (removed from the clerical state) in 2002.
McNulty, Patrick (SM) – 1 allegation
Patrick McNulty was ordained a priest in 1966 for the Society of Mary (the Marianists). From 1966-1982, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Joseph High School in Victoria, to Holy Rosary in San Antonio, and to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Helotes. In 2002, a survivor alleged that McNulty sexually abused her in the 1970’s when she was a child. While McNulty died in 1984, prior to the allegation, the Archdiocese found the survivor to be credible.
McSwiggan, Thomas Aquinas – 1 allegation
Thomas McSwiggan was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese in 1967. From 1967-2005, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Cecilia in San Antonio, to Our Lady of Grace in San Antonio, to Our Lady of Victory in Victoria, to Sts. Peter and Paul in New Braunfels, to St. Mary Magdalene in Brackettville, and to St. Patrick in San Antonio. In 2000, a survivor alleged that McSwiggan had sexually abused him when he was a minor teenager in the 1970’s. While the archdiocesan file does not have records to show that the allegation was resolved with clarity, the Archdiocese has no reason to doubt the survivor who brought forward this allegation. McSwiggan died in 2014.
Pantoja Segura, Eusebio (CMF) – 2 allegations
Eusebio Pantoja-Segura was ordained a priest in Mexico as a member of the Claretians in 1969. He lived in the Archdiocese in the early 1970’s and assisted with the Spanish Cursillo. In 2002, two survivors alleged that Pantoja-Segura had abused them as children in the early 1970’s. Pantoja-Segura is known to have abused children in other places. According to a recent report from Chicago, he was separated from the Claretians in 1973 and was removed from public ministry by the Diocese of Celaya, Mexico, in 2004. The Archdiocese found the survivors to be credible.
Sandoval, Jose Luis – 6 allegations
Jose Luis Sandoval was ordained a priest in Mexico in 1974 for the Archdiocese. From 1974-1998, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to Our Lady of Grace in San Antonio (for Our Lady of Sorrows), to St. James in San Antonio, to Sacred Heart in Uvalde (for St. Patrick in Sabinal and St. Joseph in Knippa), to St. Patrick in Sabinal (when it became a parish separate from Sacred Heart), to St. Lawrence in San Antonio, and to St. Alphonsus in San Antonio. According to a 1985 letter written by a concerned parishioner, this parishioner had met in 1983 with Archbishop Flores, together with a minor teenage survivor of attempted sexual abuse by Sandoval, and the survivor’s father. In a 1993 review of files, this letter was discovered and the Crisis Intervention Committee (a precursor to the Archdiocesan Review Board that helped the archbishop with allegations of child sexual abuse) investigated the matter, as it was not clear that an investigation had been conducted in 1983 or 1985. This investigation resulted in Sandoval being sent for psychiatric evaluation and treatment from 1993-1994. Based on this evaluation and treatment, he was assigned to ministry again in 1994. In 1998, a survivor reported that he was sexually abused by Sandoval as a child between 1975 and 1977. He identified two additional survivors from the same timeframe. Rather than keep his appointment to meet with the archbishop following the allegation, Sandoval left the country without authorization and went to Guadalajara, Mexico. Archbishop Flores removed him from his assignment and prohibited him from exercising any priestly ministry in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. In spite of this, Archbishop Flores wrote a general letter of support for him in 2000, not indicating the cause of his absence from San Antonio. He was granted faculties to exercise priestly ministry in the Archdiocese of Guadalajara until 2004, when the archbishop of Guadalajara also removed his faculties and prohibited him from exercising priestly ministry. In 2016, a survivor who had originally come forward in 2003 approached the Archdiocese to discuss his allegation that Sandoval had abused him as a minor teenager in 1976. In response to this allegation, the Archdiocese informed the appropriate law enforcement jurisdictions based on where the incidences of abuse were alleged to have occurred. On the recommendation of the Archdiocesan Review Board, an investigation was opened that determined that Sandoval is retired in Guadalajara, not exercising any priestly ministry. Because the investigation provided sufficient evidence that the abuse occurred, his case has been referred to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for possible laicization (removal from the clerical state).
Sprigler, William – 2 allegations
William Sprigler was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese in 1975. From 1975-1976, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Mary in Fredericksburg and to St. Luke in San Antonio. In 1976, it was alleged that he abused two boys and was sent for psychiatric care to Via Coeli in New Mexico. The Archdiocese found this to be a credible allegation. After the attending psychiatrist determined that Sprigler was ready to return to ministry in 1978, he was granted an indefinite leave of absence to join the Servants of the Paraclete, the religious community which operated Via Coeli. In 2002, the Archdiocese became aware that Sprigler had not finished the process of joining the Servants of the Paraclete, but rather had been incardinated into (joined) the Diocese of New Ulm in Minnesota. In response to a 2002 inquiry from the Diocese of New Ulm, Msgr. Lawrence Stuebben, then-Vicar General of the Archdiocese, was unaware of the reason for Sprigler’s time at Via Coeli. In preparing for this report, the Archdiocese discovered the 1976 allegation of child sexual abuse and has reported it to the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. The archdiocese has also communicated it to the Diocese of New Ulm, where Sprigler was retired. The Diocese of New Ulm has reviewed the allegations, and has permanently removed Sprigler from public ministry.
1960-1969
Angeli, Joseph – 2 allegations
Joseph Angeli was a priest of the Diocese of Tacna, Peru. From 1960-1962, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. John the Evangelist in San Antonio, to Sacred Heart in San Antonio, and to St. John the Evangelist in Hondo. He died in 1993. While the allegations of abuse were made after his death, the Archdiocese found the survivors to be credible.
Flynn, John – 1 allegation
John Flynn was ordained a priest in Ireland for the Archdiocese in 1952. From 1952-1997, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Ann in San Antonio, to St. Henry in San Antonio, to Sacred Heart in Hallettsville, to St. Mary Magdalen in San Antonio, to St. Michael in Cuero, to Saints Peter and Paul in Meyersville, to St. John the Evangelist in San Antonio, to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Selma, to St. Helena in San Antonio, and to St. Matthew in San Antonio. In 1997, a survivor brought forward an allegation that Flynn had sexually abused her as a minor teenager in the 1960’s and sexually assaulted her as a young adult in the 1970’s. The Archdiocese found this to be a credible allegation. In his initial statement to the parish, Archbishop Flores did not identify that the survivor was a minor at the time of the abuse and appears to have made statements that left many people thinking that the victim had a lawyer and was contemplating a lawsuit, which was not the case. While Archbishop Flores later clarified that the abuse was child sexual abuse and apologized to the survivor for his words, this report expresses the sorrow of the Archdiocese for the unnecessary additional pain caused by his communication, as well as for any resistance or resentment that it fostered or allowed in the community. Our shared responsibility and care must be for the survivor who was sexually abused as a child by an adult who violated a sacred religious trust. In 1997, Flynn resigned from his position as pastor of St. Matthew and retired from all ministry. Archbishop Flores removed
his faculties and forbade him from exercising any priestly ministry. Nevertheless, Bishop Edmond Carmody, former auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese and then bishop of the Diocese of Tyler, soon thereafter assigned Flynn to ministry in the Diocese of Tyler. In 1999, Archbishop Flores reaffirmed his order that Flynn not exercise any priestly ministry, and Flynn formally left the Archdiocese and incardinated into (joined) the Diocese of Tyler. In the process, Bishop Carmody was reminded of this allegation. In 2005, Archbishop José Gomez, becoming aware of the matter, brought it to the attention of the new bishop of Tyler, Bishop Alvaro Corrada, SJ Bishop Corrada removed all priestly faculties from Flynn (who was retired but still ministering) and after conducting a preliminary investigation, he referred the matter to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In this case, the Congregation did not dispense from prescription (a canonical term barring the case from prosecution because of the passage of time) and returned the case to Bishop Corrada, instructing him to take the precautions he thought were appropriate. With some restrictions, Bishop Corrada restored priestly faculties to Flynn in 2008. Since that time, the current bishop of Tyler, Bishop Joseph Strickland, has removed all faculties from Flynn and forbidden him from exercising any priestly ministry. Since 1997, the archbishops of San Antonio have consistently forbidden Flynn from exercising any ministry in the Archdiocese.
Jansky, Edward John – 3 allegations
Edward Jansky was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese in 1930. From 1930-1974, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to Saints Cyril and Methodius in Cistern, to St. Andrew in Hillje, to Saints Peter and Paul in Plum, to Holy Rosary in Hostyn, to St. Joseph in Yoakum, and to St. Joseph in Inez. He retired in 1974 and died in 1979. In 2002, a survivor alleged that in 1957 Jansky sexually abused her and another child. In 2013, the Archdiocese found an allegation on file of child sexual abuse against Jansky from 1962. While the file does not indicate that a determination was made in the case in 1962, based on the information available, the Archdiocese found the person making this allegation to be credible. The Archdiocese also found that the survivor who alleged abuse in 2002 was credible.
Madrid, Jose Alfonso (SJ) – 6 allegations
Jose Alfonso Madrid was ordained as a member of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in 1950. From 1966-1970, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to Our Lady of Guadalupe in San Antonio. In 1968, it was reported that he had inappropriate contact with an unnamed 9-year-old boy. Since 2014, five additional survivors have alleged that they were abused by Madrid in the late 1960’s. While Madrid died in 1982, prior to these allegations, the Archdiocese found these survivors to be credible.
Mokarzel, Galeb (OMI) -1 allegation
Galeb Mokarzel was ordained a priest for the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1959. From 1959-1965, from 1971-1972, from 1977-1982, and from 1992-1997, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to the Oblate high school seminary, St. Anthony, in San Antonio, to St. Joseph Retreat Center (now Oblate Renewal Center) in San Antonio, to St. Joseph in Del Rio, and to San Juan de los Lagos in San Antonio. He retired without ministry in 1997. In 2019, a survivor alleged that as a minor teenager he was sexually abused by Mokarzel in the 1960’s. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate consider this to be a credible allegation. Mokarzel is living under supervision with a safety plan at an Oblate retirement facility in San Antonio.
O’Sullivan, Michael J. – 10 allegations
Michael J. O’Sullivan was ordained a priest in Ireland in 1955 for the Archdiocese. From 1955-1965, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Mary in Fredericksburg, to St. Peter in San Antonio, to St. Mary in Victoria, to Blessed Sacrament in San Antonio, and to St. Vincent de Paul in San Antonio. The first known allegation of child sexual abuse against O’Sullivan was made in 1962, while he was assigned at Blessed Sacrament. O’Sullivan was placed under the care of a local psychiatrist, and on his recommendation was assigned to minister at St. Vincent de Paul while his treatment continued. Because it was alleged that he re-offended at St. Vincent de Paul, he was sent for residential treatment to Conyers, Georgia, under the care of a medical doctor. After about a year of this treatment, the doctor proposed that O’Sullivan’s return to ministry would be of service to the community and profitable to his psychotherapeutic progress. In a letter responding to the doctor’s proposal, the Archdiocese refused to accept O’Sullivan in San Antonio, but allowed that another diocese, “with full knowledge of Father’s problem,” might assign him. The Diocese of Savannah, Georgia assigned him to parish work in 1965, and when they learned in 1971 that he had again sexually abused children, the Diocese of Savannah removed his authorization for priestly ministry and asked him to leave their diocese. O’Sullivan returned to his hometown in Ireland. He lived in his parent’s house, but also exercised some priestly ministry over the years and received some assignments from the Diocese of Kerry. The Archdiocese became aware that he was no longer in Savannah in 1973, when the bishop of Savannah copied the Archdiocese on a letter warning the bishop of Kerry about O’Sullivan’s history. A visitor from Savannah had encountered O’Sullivan presenting himself as a priest in Ireland, and the letter was intended to ensure that action would be taken to keep him out of ministry. While the Archdiocese removed O’Sullivan from his assignment in San Antonio in 1964 and sent him for psychiatric treatment, the Archdiocese did not formally remove his faculties to minister or forbid him to present himself as a priest until 1994. While no allegations had yet been made against O’Sullivan in Ireland in 1994, since then four allegations have come forward, alleging child sexual abuse in Ireland in the 1970’s. Because the Archdiocese recognized that there was sufficient evidence of abuse to do so, in 2006 Archbishop Gomez referred this case to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, seeking O’Sullivan’s laicization (removal from the clerical state). O’Sullivan died in 2013, prior to the resolution of his case.
Park, Austin N. (SJ) – 2 allegations
Austin N. Park was a priest of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) who was assigned in the Archdiocese to Our Lady of Guadalupe in San Antonio from 1957-1958 and from 1961-1963. He died in 2013. In 2013, a family member informed the Archdiocese that Park had sexually abused two children while he was here in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. While the allegations were made after his death, the Archdiocese found the family member to be credible.
Rojas, Jesus Jeremias – 1 allegation
Jesus Jeremias Rojas was a priest of the Archdiocese of Huancayo, Peru. With permission from his bishop and on the recommendation of the apostolic nuncio to Peru, he intended to spend eight months working and learning in a diocese of the United States. For less than a month in late 1962, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in San Antonio. According to the record, a young girl accused him of sexually abusing her. Rojas admitted to the abuse, and was asked to leave the archdiocese immediately. The apostolic nuncio to Peru was informed of the admission of child sexual abuse by Rojas in 1962. The Archdiocese was unable to locate Rojas in preparing this report.
Swize, Marion T. – 1 allegation
Marion Swize was ordained a priest in 1959 for the Archdiocese. From 1959-1969, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Benedict in San Antonio, to St. Michael in San Antonio, to St. John the Evangelist in San Antonio, to St. Margaret Mary in San Antonio, to St. Rose of Lima in Schulenburg, and to St. Agnes in San Antonio. In 1969, Swize left the priesthood and subsequently married. In 2005, the Archdiocese was sued by a woman who alleged that she was sexually abused as a minor teenager by Swize in the 1960’s. Swize denied the allegation, and the person bringing the lawsuit did not substantiate her claims. Nevertheless, the Archdiocese finds the survivor to be credible.
1950-1959
Gherman, Marshall (CSsR) – 5 allegations
Marshall Gherman, a Redemptorist priest, was a member of the New Orleans Vice-Province of the Redemptorists. From 1940-1946, in 1952, and from 1954-1957, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in San Antonio. He died in 1959. In 2004, two survivors came forward with allegations of child sexual abuse dating to the 1950’s. One of the survivors identified three other victims in her allegation. While the allegations of abuse were made after his death, the Archdiocese found the survivors to be credible.
Hentrich, Gabriel (OCD) – 1 allegation
Gabriel Hentrich was ordained a priest for the Order of Discalced Carmelites in 1940. From 1942-1946, in 1952, from 1954-1958, from 1976-1980, and in 1987, Hentrich was assigned in the Archdiocese to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Térèse in San Antonio and to Immaculate Heart of Mary in Pearsall. He died in 1992. 1n 2018, a survivor alleged that he had been sexually abused as a child by Hentrich in the 1950’s. While the allegations were made after his death, the Archdiocese found the survivor to be credible.
Janak, Hubert Joseph – 1 allegation
Hubert Janak was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese in 1941. From 1941-1985, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to Sacred Heart in Hallettsville, to St. Joseph in Yoakum, to St. Mary in Fredericksburg, to St. Joseph in Moulton, to St. John the Evangelist in Hondo, to St. Joseph in Inez, to St. Cornelius in Karnes City, to St. Patrick in San Antonio, to St. Rose of Lima in Schulenburg, and to Blessed Sacrament in Poth. He retired in 1985 and died in 1994. In 2010, a survivor alleged that Janak had sexually abused her as a minor in the 1950’s. While the allegation was made after Janak’s death, the Archdiocese found the survivor to be credible and was able to find corroborating evidence of her allegation.
Keane, John Francis – 1 allegation
John Keane was ordained a priest in Ireland for the Archdiocese in 1957. From 1957-1961, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Margaret Mary in San Antonio, to St. Mary in Victoria, to Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ganado, to St. Rose of Lima in Schulenburg, to Sacred Heart in Hallettsville, and to St. Ann in San Antonio. The Archdiocese has a police report from 1957 identifying that Keane was detained by the San Antonio Police Department after being accused of sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl. While no charges appear to have been brought, the police report includes testimony contemporary to the alleged abuse. The Archdiocese has found the testimony of the survivor to be credible. Keane was dismissed from the Archdiocese in 1961 after being found in the parish school’s women’s restroom wearing a dress. He was sent to Ireland without assignment for psychiatric treatment. Records show that he later continued to function as a priest in Ireland and Great Britain. The last correspondence between Keane and the Archdiocese was in 1968, and in it Archbishop Robert Lucy refused to recommend him for ministry in Wheeling, West Virginia. Keane died in 2001.
Lievens, William (CICM) – 1 allegation
William Lievens was a priest of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary ordained in 1954. From 1957-1972, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to Immaculate Concepcion in San Antonio, to San Juan Capistrano in San Antonio, to St. Joseph in Devine (for Saint Andrew in Lytle and St John Bosco in Natalia), and to St. John Berchmans in San Antonio. In 2018, an allegation was made that Lievens had sexually abused a child in the 1950’s. Lievens died in 1972. Although the allegation was made after both Lievens and the victim had died, the Archdiocese found the victim’s daughter credible.
Malone, Emmet (OFM) – 2 allegations
Emmet Malone was ordained as a priest for the Franciscans in 1947. From 1950-1952, and in 1957, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Joseph South San. From 1990-1991, he lived in residence at the same parish. In 2001, a survivor alleged that he and his brother had been sexually abused as children by Malone in the 1950’s. While Malone died in 1994, before the allegation was made, the Archdiocese found the survivor to be credible.
Romero, Jose Leoca dio Cayetan de los Dolores (Cayetano) – 1 allegation
Cayetano Romero was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese in 1926. From 1926-1978, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Phillip in El Campo, to St. Helena in Pierce, to St. John Seminary in San Antonio, to St. John the Evangelist in Hondo, to St. Peter Prince of the Apostles in San Antonio (for St. Anthony de Padua), to Notre Dame in Kerrville, to St. Andrew in Pleasanton, and to the Teresian Novitiate. In 2015, a survivor alleged that he had been sexually abused as a child by Romero in 1952 or 1953. While Romero died in 1978, before the allegation was made, the Archdiocese found the survivor to be credible.
Storme, Albert (CICM) – 2 allegations
Albert Storme was ordained a priest in 1940 for the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. From 1955-1964, and from 1976-1985, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St John the Evangelist in San Antonio, to San Juan Capistrano in San Antonio, to Immaculate Conception in San Antonio, to St. Jude in San Antonio, to St. Martin de Porres in San Antonio, to St. Gabriel in San Antonio, to St. Joseph in Devine with its mission church in Bigfoot, to St. Joseph in Dilley, and to Immaculate Heart of Mary in Pearsall. In 2004, two survivors reported that Storme had sexually abused them as children, one in 1949 and the other in the 1950’s. While Storme died in 1990, before the allegations were made, the Archdiocese found the survivors to be credible.
Van Houtteghem, Paul (CICM) – 1 allegation
Paul Van Houtteghem was ordained a priest in 1948 for the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. From 1949-1988, he was assigned in the Archdiocese of San Antonio to St. John the Evangelist in San Antonio, to St. Agnes in San Antonio, to St. Philip Benizi in Poteet, to St. Joseph in Devine for St. Andrew in Lytle and St. John Bosco in Natalia, to St. Andrew in Lytle (when it became a parish separate from St. Joseph in Devine), to Our Lady of Sorrows, to Baptist Hospital as a chaplain, to Santa Rosa Hospital as a chaplain, and to St. Joseph in Nixon. In 1988 a survivor reported that Van Houtteghem had sexually abused her as a child in the 1950’s. Her allegation was found to be credible and Van Houtteghem was sent for treatment and removed from the Archdiocese. Van Houtteghem died in 2001 in Belgium.
1940-1949
Strobel, Francis Sales – 1 allegation
Francis Sales Strobel was ordained a priest in 1905 for the Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas. He was incardinated into (joined) the Archdiocese in 1918. From 1914-1957, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Mathias in Columbus, to Sacred Heart in Red Rock, to St. Stanislaus in Bandera, to Blessed Sacrament in Poth, and to St. Joseph in Honey Creek (Spring Branch). He retired to Germany in 1958 and died in 1969. In 2003, a survivor reported that she had been sexually abused as a child by Strobel in 1941. The Archdiocese found her to be credible.
Priests Named in this Report because the Allegation is a Matter of Public Record
Elizondo, Virgilio – 1 allegation
Virgilio Elizondo was ordained a priest in 1963 for the Archdiocese. From 1963-2015, he was assigned to various parishes and ministries in the Archdiocese. He died in 2016. In 2015, a man filed a lawsuit in Bexar County District Court against the Archdiocese, alleging that he was sexually abused as a minor teenage boy in the early 1980’s by Jesus Dominguez, a former priest of the Diocese of San Bernardino, California. In 1982, Dominguez was a student at Assumption Seminary in San Antonio. In his legal filing the man bringing the lawsuit also alleged that he reported the abuse in 1983; that Archbishop Flores failed to address his fears and concerns; and that Elizondo kissed him and fondled him in response to his reporting. When served with the lawsuit, the Archdiocese informed the Bexar County District Attorney’s office of the allegation. While this allegation is a matter of public record and is included in this report, the Archdiocese has been unable to substantiate the allegation made against Elizondo. Because this matter involves pending litigation, the Archdiocese will not make additional comments about this allegation at this time.
Ruppert, Donald – 1 allegation
Donald Ruppert was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese in 1978. From 1978-1982, he was assigned in the Archdiocese to St. Ann in San Antonio, St. Luke in San Antonio, Our Lady of Victory in Victoria, and to the Catholic Committee on Scouting as associate chaplain. In 1982, the Diocese of Victoria was established and he became a priest of that diocese. In 2003, the Archdiocese was named in a lawsuit in which the plaintiff alleged that Ruppert sexually abused him in 1978. The plaintiff did not actively pursue the lawsuit and it was dismissed by the court for want of prosecution. Ruppert denied all allegations of abuse. In 2003, Archbishop Flores informed Bishop Fellhauer, then-bishop of the Diocese of Victoria, of the allegation. While this allegation is a matter of public record and is included in this report, the Diocese of Victoria has thoroughly investigated the allegation and determined that the allegation cannot be substantiated and, thus, is deemed not credible. Fr. Ruppert is currently assigned to priestly ministry in the Diocese of Victoria.
Priests Not Named in this Report
Ongoing investigations into living priests
The Archdiocese is actively investigating one allegation made against a living priest. Appropriate law enforcement authorities have been notified of this allegation. The allegation has been referred to the Archdiocesan Review Board. The Board has sought the assistance of a licensed private investigator to gather additional information related to the allegation and any available corroborating evidence. With the information provided by the private investigator, the Board will make a recommendation to the archbishop related to whether or not there is sufficient evidence to forward the allegation to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for possible
laicization (removal from the clerical state). The priest is retired and the information currently available indicates that he does not pose a current danger to children. The Archdiocese offers free counseling or therapy as needed, and any pastoral support requested, to survivors without considering whether or not their allegations are substantiated. This report will be updated upon the completion of this investigation.
Ongoing investigations into deceased priests
The Archdiocese is actively looking into one allegation made recently against a deceased priest. The allegation has been referred to the Archdiocesan Review Board. When the Board has reviewed the report, they will make a recommendation to the archbishop related to notifying the affected communities of this allegation. The Archdiocese offers free counseling or therapy as needed, and any pastoral support requested, to survivors without considering whether or not their allegations are substantiated. This report will be updated when a determination is made.
Living priests with allegations found not to be credible
The Archdiocese has received allegations against five additional living priests which, after investigation, were determined not to be credible. Appropriate law enforcement authorities have been notified of each allegation. In each case this determination was made on the recommendation of the Archdiocesan Review Board, after involving a licensed private investigator. The Archdiocese offers free counseling or therapy as needed, and any pastoral support requested, to survivors without considering whether or not their allegations are substantiated.
Deceased priests with allegations found not to be credible
Since 1940, the Archdiocese has received allegations against seven deceased priests that were determined not to be credible. In each case this determination was made on the recommendation of the Archdiocesan Review Board, and was motivated by factors such as the survivor withdrawing the claim, inconsistencies in the survivor’s narrative, or inconsistencies between the survivor’s narrative and established facts. The Archdiocese offers free counseling or therapy as needed, and any pastoral support requested, to survivors without considering whether or not their allegations are found to be credible.
Allegations against unnamed priests
The Archdiocese has received three allegations against priests whom the survivor either chose not to identify or was unable to identify. In each case, the Archdiocesan Review Board was notified and an effort was made to assist the survivor in identifying the priest who allegedly abused him or her. The Archdiocese offers free counseling or therapy as needed, and any pastoral support requested, to survivors without considering whether or not their allegations are substantiated.
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