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Officials at a primary school in a rural Kansas town were stunned Friday to learn that a former Catholic cardinal – who had resigned in July as a result of allegations that he would have sexually assaulted seminarians and minors – was now living next door.
Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, of Washington, resides at St. Fidelis Friary, Victoria, in the block of Victoria Elementary School.
"I was never made aware until I discovered social media today," said Kent Michel, superintendent of 432 USD and also principal of Victoria Elementary School.
When asked if the school had warned parents, Michel said, "I'm going to go with my painting. I really do not have any comment on it yet. "
Michel said that the primary school is on the north side of St. Fidelis basilica and that the convent is on the south side of the church. High school, he said, is about five blocks east of elementary school.
Bishop Gerald L. Vincke of the Diocese of Salina, who accepted McCarrick's new way of life, responded by email to The Star on Friday afternoon: "With regard to the school, Archbishop McCarrick did not not to do a ministry. He is confined to the convent to do penance and prayer. The convent is in the small town of Victoria. The convent is closed.
Vincke added, "I'm not aware that the school has been notified, but I have to check with the brother."
The news provoked outrage from a group of survivors.
"It's an irresponsible move," said David Clohessy, former director of the Priest Survivors Network, based in St. Louis. "It is staggering that church leaders are so reckless. No clergy who have been accused of abuse, certainly not a person with multiple allegations, should be around children, especially not in elementary school. "
Clohessy stated that the convent staff members were not trained to deal with alleged perpetrators of sexual violence.
"For the safety of children, he should be in a secure and autonomous treatment center," he said. "Catholic leaders have a mediocre experience trying to supervise proven, admitted and credible abusive colleagues."
The Archdiocese of Washington confirmed McCarrick's new residence in a statement released on Friday.
"At the end of July 2018, our Holy Father Pope Francis asked Bishop Theodore McCarrick to withdraw from any ministry and public event," the statement said. "To this end, Archbishop McCarrick now resides at St. Fidelis Friary in Victoria, Kansas, in the Diocese of Salina, with the permission of the Provincial Superior of the Franciscan Capuchin Community responsible for the Friary. Christopher Popravak, O.F.M. Cape Town, and the bishop of Salina, Bishop Gerald Vincke. "
The declaration adds that "out of respect for the peace of the community in St. Fidelis Friary, the respect of the privacy of this arrangement is required".
The site is home to five priests and a religious brother. It is located next to the Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria, more commonly known as the "Cathedral of the Plains".
The church, which attracts thousands of visitors each year, features in the National Register of Historic Places and was named in 2008 one of the "8 Wonders of Kansas."
McCarrick, 88, a former archbishop of Washington, resigned from the College of Cardinals in July, making him the first American cardinal to resign because of allegations of sexual abuse. At that time, the Vatican ordered him to lead a "life of prayer and penance".
Vincke of the diocese of Salina said in a statement that he was in agreement with the understanding "with the understanding that Archbishop McCarrick is excluded from any public appearance and from any ministry".
"Our diocese does not entail any cost in this arrangement," Vincke said.
Vincke said he understood that "this decision will be offensive and hurtful for many people".
"Archbishop McCarrick is, in many ways, at the forefront of the recent fire storm in the Church," Vincke said. "Many of us are confused and angry at what Archbishop McCarrick would have done decades ago. The Holy See declared on July 28 that Pope Francis had accepted his resignation from the cardinal and had ordered his suspension from the exercise of any public ministry, with the obligation to remain in a house to indicate to him, for a life of prayer and penance until the charges against him are examined in a regular canon trial. "
Vincke apologized to victims of sexual abuse of priest.
"My heart is painful for you and your families," he said. "I am unable to understand the extent of your suffering. Unfortunately, on many occasions, the victims have not received an adequate response from the Church regarding the abuse they have suffered and the suffering and suffering they have suffered throughout their lives. As a church, we are extremely sorry and ask for forgiveness.
"Thanks to the courage and perseverance of the victims who have manifested themselves, they have become the source of indispensable changes in our Church and our culture. I pray that it will bring more purification and healing for our world. "
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