b'A Messagefrom the ProvincialDear Friends, for those with whom we minister. Our policies andprocedures are designed to provide the necessaryAs I write this letter during Labor Day weekend,safeguards for those entrusted to our care and preventI am aware that our schools have just begun or are future abuse.beginning a new school year during the worldwide We encourage any survivors of sexual abuse by acoronavirus pandemic. The stress on our university, Marianist to report it to civil authorities and/or ourschool, parish and retreat center adminis- Pastoral Assistance Coordinator at: pastoralassistancetrators has been beyond understanding. They [email protected] or 314.285.2322.have made plansin most cases, at least We recognize that strong policies, and even publish-three different plans. These plans provide ing this list, cannot undo the anguish inflicted on victims,for the health and safety of our staff, students, survivors and their families. We believe that this is anparents and families. This has been a labor important step on a long journey toward healing.of love for the administrators because they Because Christ admonished his followers to doare committed to continuing the vision of penance (Mt. 11; Lk. 13) for our sins and the sins ofBlessed Father Chaminade. Please join me others, the priests and brothers of the Marianistin praying for the safety of all!Province of the United States have undertaken specialIn mid-June, the Marianist Provincepenances this past year in accordance with the tradi-released the names of those Marianists who tions of our faith. We also are praying fervently andwere found to have abused minors in the invite you to join us as we invoke our patron, thepast. The list went back to 1950. The process Blessed Virgin Mary, under her titles of Queen ofwas long and detailed. We wanted to gather Peace and Mother of Mercy.the most accurate information possible to I offer my most heartfelt apology for the transgres-present to you. sions committed by Marianist priests and brothers.The Marianist Province of the United We pray that those in need of healing will find peaceFather Oscar Vasquez, SM States is ashamed and deeply regretful that some and that this evil will never again darken the light ofamong its members have been guilty of sexual abuse Gods Church.of a minor. Abusive behavior is a betrayal of ourIn writing this letter, I want to share with you whatreligious vocation and has no place in our ministries. we have done and, most importantly, that we continueAll entrusted to our care should be safe. to work to provide a safe environment for all thoseThe list can be found at marianist.com/healing. In entrusted to our care.publishing this list, we hope and pray that survivors We know that as Marianists (and as a Church andwill be validated in their experiences and that our a society) we need to continue to work to providecommitment to transparency will help rebuild trust. appropriate measures to protect all!We regret the suffering we may have caused, both inpreviously not releasing these names and in doing so Sincerely Yours in Christ,now. We also realize that some will be deeply troubledto find the name of a Marianist they knew personallyand for whom they may have fond memories anddeep respect. Rev. Oscar Vasquez, SMIn the past two decades, the province has taken Provincial significant measures to ensure a safe environment2 Call 1.800.348.4732'