December 10, 2020
Dear Friends,
The past week has been an incredibly traumatic experience for all of us. As many of you may know, on December 3, 2020 we learned that Fr. William McCandless, OSFS - a member of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province - was charged by a federal grand jury alleging criminal conduct in 2017. Fr. McCandless has categorically denied any wrongdoing. We Oblates are cooperating fully with federal authorities. As is standard practice, Fr. McCandless will not serve in any official capacity throughout the course of this legal process.
This development is incredibly painful for our friends and supporters, as well as for my brother Oblates, fellow Catholics and all people of faith. I realize that this news may open old wounds or impact the trust you have in us, your servants and partners in ministry. We are committed to keeping the trust that you have placed in us over the years.
I express my regrets to anyone who may be a survivor of abuse. If you are an abuse survivor or need assistance because of abuse, please contact Kate McCauley, our Survivor Assistance Coordinator, at 571-766-6840.
Since 2009, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales have been fully accredited by Praesidium, a risk management firm that is recognized nationally for assisting organizations in preventing the abuse of minors and vulnerable adults.
Please contact me by email or phone if you have any questions or concerns. Please realize that I am required to work within the parameters that are always associated with any ongoing judicial process.
Please know that my brother Oblates and I fervently pray for all of you. As we strive to model the virtues associated with our Gentleman Saint, we continue to “Live Jesus” and attempt to heal pain and maintain your trust in a transparent manner.
Yours very sincerely,
Very Reverend Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS
Provincial
Wilmington-Philadelphia Province
lfiorelli@oblates.org
302-656-8529
