Statement on Transparency and the Protection of Minors
Dear Friends in Christ,
The Oblates of the Virgin Mary is a religious congregation of priests and brothers founded in northwestern Italy in 1826. Since 1978, the Oblates have been present in the United States, and there are currently about 50 Oblates working and ministering both in the United States and the Philippines, which regions make up the St. Ignatius Province of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary.
The Oblates of the St. Ignatius Province dedicate ourselves to generous lives of service to God and neighbor, desiring that charity be one of our principal characteristics. In keeping with these values, the St. Ignatius Province does not tolerate the sexual abuse of minors by any of its members, taking to heart the words of Jesus: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10)
In this regard, we are committed to prevention, accountability, healing, and reconciliation. Consistent with the recommendations of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, the Oblates of the St. Ignatius Province participate in an ongoing program of education and accountability which is modeled on the standards set forth by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for the protection of minors in the Catholic Church. The Oblates are regularly audited and evaluated by Praesidium, an independent entity that provides accreditation for religious orders and other organizations whose work or ministry may involve minors.
With an eye toward transparency and healing in the Church, we are making public any credible allegations of abuse of a minor made against members of the St. Ignatius Province of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary. In doing so, we recommit ourselves to remaining ever vigilant in the protection of children and in the pastoral support of survivors of clergy sexual abuse.
Our founder, Venerable Bruno Lanteri once wrote, “We can never hope too much. The one who hopes for everything, obtains everything.” Let us dare to hope together that the mistreatment of children in all its forms will one day be eradicated from the world.
Please join us in praying for all victims of sexual abuse and for continued healing for all survivors.
To reach out to our victim assistance coordinator please contact
617-536-4141
| St. Ignatius Province of the Virgin MaryList of Priests with Credible Allegations of Sexual Abuse of a Minor | |||
| Name | Ordination Date | Nature of Allegations | Status |
| John S Rabideau | 1990 | 1991: Alleged to have engaged in misconduct with a minor in Illinois. 2006: Convicted of three counts of child sexual assault in the 1980s unrelated to any Oblate ministry. | 1991: Removed from ministry. 2014: Deceased. |
1. An allegation is deemed to be credible if, after an investigation by the St. Ignatius Province, there is a preponderance of evidence that the allegation is more likely true than not. A criminal conviction or admission from the accused may also establish credibility.
