Un autre fondateur de communauté catholique reconnu coupable de mauvaise conduite....

STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION OF THE
ECCLESIAL FAMILY “MILES JESU”

1. In the spring of 2007 the Founder of
   Miles Jesu, Fr. Alfonso Durán, was removed from the office as Superior
   General, a position which he filled since the founding of the Ecclesial
   Family in 1964. Due to serious mental and physical health problems he
   was judged unable to continue in his position by the ecclesial
   authorities. Almost at the same time, thirteen members of Miles Jesu
   presented a request for an investigation into the Institute, indicating
   in their request alleged irregularities in the practices of Miles Jesu.
   The Cardinal Vicar of Rome, his Emminence Camillo Ruini, in
   conjunction with the Congregation of Religious, initiated an Apostolic
   Visitation under the guidance of Fr. Anthony McSweeney, SSS.
   
   During the Apostolic Visitation a number of irregularities
   and questionable practices came to light in the sworn testimonies of
   many members. Also the behavior of Fr. Durán in regards to certain
   questionable conduct and his exercise of authority came to light. The
   conclusion of the Apostolic Visitation was that an outside person should
   be called in to work with the Ecclesial Family in order to correct
   these situations and to work with the members in the renewal of the
   Institute.
   
2. In a Decree issued on March 25, 2009,
   Cardinal Agostino Vallini, the Pope’s Vicar for the Diocese of Rome,
   named me, Fr. Barry Fischer, C.PP.S., as Commissary for Miles Jesu
   invested with full authority. The mandate is to write a new
   Constitution which defines the charism, spirituality, and apostolic
   nature of the Institute; to develop adequate vocational discernment and
   formation policies (ratio formationis); to review the financial
   policies, and in general to completely revise all its practices and
   customs.
   
   During the past seventeen months, I have worked closely with
   the membership in pursuit of this mandate, as well as with former
   members who have left during or after the Apostolic Visitation. In time
   it has become clear and undeniable, that the Founder, Fr. Alfonso
   Durán, presented erratic behaviors that were totally beyond the scope of
   the powers given to him. Some members have identified wounds caused by
   the inappropriate exercise of authority under his leadership. The
   mistaken sense of allegiance and obedience instilled in the membership
   facilitated his behavior, which was totally unacceptable and not in
   accord with the discipline of the Church nor supportable in any way by a
   healthy sense of consecrated life.
   
   Members who challenged his actions or behavior were often
   ostracized. The internal discipline and customs of the Institute
   provided protection for the Founder. It must be said in justice, that
   most of the members had no idea of the improper conduct of the Founder.
   Some of the allegations against Fr. Duran are hearsay and have not
   been verified. However, many are factual. It is important for all that
   the truth be disclosed, which is the reason for this public statement.
   
3. During this year and a half of my
   ministry with Miles Jesu I have come to know and admire the membership
   and the charitable projects of the Institute. All are filled with love
   of God and a sincere desire to dedicate their lives to God’s service and
   to the Church. Members are actively involved in the drawing up of new
   Constitutions and a complete review of the customs and practices of the
   Institute in the spirit of the Gospel and in fidelity to the teachings
   of the Church. Particular attention will be paid to developing new
   government structures ensuring the proper exercise of authority and
   promoting an active participation and co-responsibility of the members
   in the life of the Institute.
   
4. In my personal contact with Cardinal
   Vallini, I perceive that he wishes to assure the membership and also the
   lay associates (“Vinculum”) of his concern and of his assurance that he
   accompanies them in this process with his prayers and with his
   conviction that the membership today has a right to a future. We are in
   close communication as he follows with interest the process of renewal
   we are undertaking.
   
5. As Commissary and in the name of the
   Church, I wish to express my deep concern for all those members, former
   members and family members who may have been hurt in the past due to the
   manner in which authority was exercised. I also am personally grateful
   for those members who had the courage to solicit the intervention of
   the Congregation of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of
   Apostolic Life, thus bringing to light the situations under question.
   
6. Though this communication may come as a
   surprise and be painful to many members, Vinculum members, and friends
   of Miles Jesu, the truth cannot be hidden. Only in truth can a better
   and healthier future for Miles Jesu be achieved. The work of renewal is
   already in progress and there is enthusiasm for the future that the
   members are building together. United in prayer and in fraternal love,
   and assured of the Church’s motherly care, we will get through this time
   of difficulty and come to the dawning of a new day. We walk towards
   that day in hope and trust in God’s loving care and protection.
   

Fr. Barry Fischer, C.PP.S.
Commissary
Miles Jesu

28 July 2010

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In May, 2007 Miles Jesu's founding General
Director was invalided from office with health problems including
neurological degeneration. After an Apostolic Visitation "ad
inquirendum et referendum" initiated by the Cardinal Vicar of the
Diocese of Rome, Fr. Barry Fischer, C.PP.S., was asked to serve as
Commissary (ecclesial superior) of Miles Jesu in April, 2009.


Currently Fr. Fischer is guiding MIles Jesu
in a general revision of our constitutions, formation and vocational
recruitment programs, as well as other polices and practices of the
Ecclesial Family. He is assisted by a council made up of members from
the men's domus branch and the women's domus branch, and in
collaboration with all the members of Miles Jesu worldwide.

All our members will be very grateful for your prayerful support in this time of renewal.

Almost at the same time, thirteen members of Miles Jesu
presented a request for an investigation into the Institute, indicating
in their request alleged irregularities in the practices of Miles Jesu.