Community of St. John acknowledges lapses by founder
May 20, 2013
The Community of St. John has acknowledged that its founder, Father Marie-Dominique Philippe, had improper relations with women under his spiritual direction.
Established by Father Philippe in 1975, the Community of St. John grew rapidly, particularly among traditional-minded Catholics in France. Father Philippe led the group until he suffered a debilitating stroke in 2001. Upon his death in 2006, he was praised by Pope Benedict XVI for a life “entirely given to the Lord and to his brothers.”
However the new head of the Community, Father Thomas Joachim, has told members of “convergent and credible” reports that the founder violated his commitment to chastity.
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Posted by: Irene826 -
May. 23, 2013 3:10 PM ET USA
Many Brothers and Sisters of this Community as well as lay oblates and members of the late Fr Philippe's relatives are very upset at the vague and unverified accusations leveled at this man after his death, making it impossible for him to defend himself or deny the accusations. I myself met this man many times, and he was always a sign for me of God's love and mercy. Check out this blog made by his family and friends trying to defend his honor and reputation: http://mdphilippe.over-blog.com/
