Church officials in Ft. Worth TX have recently revealed that accused sexual abuser Fr. Philip Magaldi is HIV positive. Fr. Magaldi has served in the dioceses of Ft. Worth and Providence RI. He was removed from ministry in 1999 and his case for laicization is pending at the Vatican.

Experience has shown that victims of abuse often come forward when they are gently, repeatedly prodded to do so by those in authority. We believe that empathetic appeals, in person, by Bishops Kevin Vann of Ft. Worth and Thomas Tobin of Providence to parishioners could be very helpful in bringing survivors forward. We urge them to personally speak at all the Masses in parishes where Fr. Magaldi has served, warn the parishioners of the danger posed by Fr. Magaldi, and urge them to report any abuse to legal authorities and to seek medical testing.

“For decades the bishops have put the interests of the hierarchy before the health and well being of its faithful,” said Mary Pat Fox, President of Voice of the Faithful. “This is an opportunity for Bishops Vann and Tobin to demonstrate that they are true and caring spiritual shepherds,” said Fox.