During an off-campus trip in January 2024, members of the St. John Vianney Theological Seminary (SJV) community were filmed participating in a prank, being asked to take a blood oath and other imprudent behavior. Several months later, the Archdiocese was made aware of the incident and initiated a formal investigation, which included interviews with 22 individuals and a proactive consultation with an exorcist, out of an abundance of caution, due to potential spiritual harm from such oaths.
Fortunately, the investigation uncovered that the event was farce, that no oath had taken place, and at no time was there risk of bodily harm. It was, however, part of a deeply imprudent and inappropriate prank.
Due to the scandal this has caused, the imprudence involved, and the uncharitable nature of the prank, the individual responsible was removed from his position as a formator and house father immediately after the incident was uncovered. Also, he has since been removed from his seminary leadership role and has recommitted to his ongoing personal and spiritual formation.
It should be noted that the previous rector of the seminary, Fr. Daniel Leonard, was granted a scheduled sabbatical earlier this year. His departure was in process prior to the Archdiocese learning of the incident.
This incident does not represent the values or standards of priestly formation at SJV. The current rector has been actively meeting with sending dioceses to listen and address any concerns. We are grateful to those who have brought these matters forward, and the Archdiocese remains fully committed to the faithful, rigorous formation of future priests.
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