DAYTON — University of Dayton officials Wednesday reacted to the naming by the Marianist Province of the United States of eight Marianist priests and brothers, eight of whom were employed by UD, found to have sexually abused minors in this country since 1950.
“None of eight Marianist brothers who served at the University of Dayton was found to have a confirmed case of sexual abuse of a minor during their tenure at the university, and UD is not aware of any credible allegations from UD students of sexual abuse against the eight,” said UD President Eric Spina and Father James Fitz, S.M., who is vice president for mission and rector.
Spina and Fitz, in a joint statement to the UD community, said the university is sharing the information “because it is important that the university be transparent with the campus community on this issue, which is so deeply painful for survivors of sexual abuse and power-based violence as well as for all who are struggling with the failures of the Catholic Church.”
Since 2002 when the sexual abuse issue surfaced publicly in the Catholic Church, the Marianist Province of the United States has created strong policies and procedures for sexual abuse allegations.
Spina and Fitz said UD works closely with the province, in addition to UD’s own guidelines and procedures. Since that time, neither the province nor UD is aware of credible allegations by UD students of sexual abuse against any Marianist religious working at the university.
UD has long had policies and procedures in place for handling any allegations of sexual abuse or harassment, Spina and Fitz said, and any member of our community who feels they have been violated or made uncomfortable through inappropriate sexual behavior — no matter how long ago — is strongly urged to make a report, either through the University’s Equity Compliance Office or to civil authorities or both.
In the statement today, the Marianist Province said: “To those of you have survived sexual abuse at the hands of a member of the Society of Mary, we profoundly regret and apologize for the serious harm you have suffered. We apologize for the betrayal and pain you and your family have endured. Words will never heal your wounds, but we pray that our actions today will help bring you some solace.”
“The Marianist Province of the United States is ashamed and deeply regretful that some among our members have been guilty of sexual abuse of a minor. Abusive behavior is a betrayal of our religious vocation and has no place in our ministries. All entrusted to our care should be safe.”
The Marianists on the list who served at UD, all prior to 2012, are:
Edward Joseph Dury
John Joseph Finke
Bernard Louis Horst
Francis Paul Meder
Ralph August Mravintz
Mario James Pariante
Joseph Patrick Tedesco
Terrence Dennis Wong
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