Congregation of Holy Cross, U.S. Province of Priests and Brothers, Releases Names of Those Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – June 12, 2019 – In a letter released today, Fr. William Lies, CSC, provincial superior of the United States Province of Priests and Brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross, provided a list naming individuals of the U.S. Province who have credible sexual abuse claims against them, dating back to the 1940s. The most recent incident for which an accusation of sexual abuse of a minor has been made was in 1991.

In his letter, Fr. Lies apologizes to victim-survivors and their families, and acknowledges peoples’ frustration, anger and sadness in the face of the problem of the sexual abuse of children within the Catholic Church, and with its mishandling. “I also share your desire for transparency and healing,” stated Fr. Lies. “It is for this reason I am writing today to release the list.”

Fr. Lies also acknowledges the efforts made by Holy Cross and other religious communities and dioceses for the protection of children and young people. Attached to Fr. Lies’ letter were the measures that the U.S. Province has had in place to ensure a culture of safety in all province ministries, including following the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and certification by Praesidium, Inc. Praesidium is an independent organization that ensures compliance with the highest national standards for protecting children, and certifies mandatory safe environment training for all priests, brothers, and men in formation.

In closing, Fr. Lies encourages anyone who has been sexually abused by a Holy Cross religious to contact law enforcement, as well as the U.S. Province through its victim assistance coordinator, Fr. Peter Jarret, CSC, at or (574) 631-1126.

Read the full letter

Please direct any media inquiries related to this list of those credibly accused to the Province Communications Manager, Mrs. Angela Knight, at . The Province's Policy on Response to Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors is available at SafeEnvironment.HolyCrossUSA.org.