Thursday, February 14, 2008

Alleged pedophile Fort Worth priest is HIV positive

By Pegasus News wire

Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Vicar General Michael F. Olson Wednesday announced diocesan officials have learned that Father Philip Magaldi is HIV positive, and they have alerted persons who have lodged sexual misconduct allegations against Magaldi that Magaldi is HIV positive. In addition, the diocese has notified parishes where Magaldi served of Magaldi’s health status. In recent days, Magaldi confirmed to Father Olson that he is HIV positive.

“Magaldi acknowledged to me that he is HIV positive. We do not know when Magaldi was diagnosed as HIV positive,” Father Olson said. “Because of federal medical privacy laws, the diocese has no access to Magaldi’s medical records nor is there any information in diocesan files indicating that Magaldi was diagnosed as HIV positive. In trying to assess his condition over the last few days, we believe Magaldi has been HIV positive at least since 2003.

"Out of an abundance of caution, I have contacted on Tuesday three individuals who have made allegations of sexual misconduct or expressed concern about Magaldi’s behavior and apprised each that Magaldi is HIV positive. In addition, I have contacted the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, where Magaldi served before coming to the Fort Worth Diocese, informing them of his medical status.”

Father Olson urges any individual who believes they had close personal or questionable contact with Magaldi to contact the diocese at 817 560-3300, Ext. 201.

Magaldi was removed from active priesthood in 1999 by the late Bishop Joseph Delaney after allegations of sexual misconduct arose in Rhode Island and Fort Worth. In August 2006 Bishop Kevin Vann removed Magaldi from all ministries. Bishop Vann also is in the process of seeking “laicization” of Magaldi, which is a request to remove Magaldi from clerical status. The request is pending at the Holy See. Providence Bishop Thomas J. Tobin is joining Bishop Vann in the request for laicization of Magaldi.

Magaldi originally was a parish priest in the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island. He arrived in the Fort Worth Diocese in 1990 and served until 1992 as pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church in Henrietta as well as St. William Catholic Church in Montague, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Nocona and St. Jerome Catholic Church in Bowie.

He left the diocese in 1992 and pleaded guilty to embezzling $123,000 from a Rhode Island parish at which he was pastor and was sentenced to two years in prison that involved a work release program.

When Magaldi returned to the Fort Worth Diocese in late 1993, he was assigned as an assistant pastor to St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in North Richland Hills where he served until his dismissal in 1999.

Magaldi left the diocese in Spring 2001 for Florida and returned in Spring 2003. He has been living in a retirement center since his return.

The diocese’s Safe Environment Program requires a safe environment for children, youth and vulnerable adults. Likewise, Article 12 of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, “The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” requires that dioceses establish “safe environment” programs and gives the necessary elements of such a program.

The Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth invites anyone who wishes to report sexual misconduct by Magaldi or by anyone who serves the church to contact Victim Abuse Coordinator Judy Locke at (817) 560-2452, Ext. 201 or Father Olson at 817 560-2452, Ext. 107.

Source: Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth

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